Assistive Classroom Devices

Auditory Pathway Comparison

Hearing Aid Pathway (Acoustic)

Acoustic Amplifier

Hearing aids amplify incoming sound waves mechanically. Hover/tap each phase to see the acoustic transfer process.

1
Microphone Captures Acoustic Waves

Tiny external microphones convert atmospheric sound waves into electrical analogs.

2
Digital Amplifier Processing

Selectively boosts specific frequencies (usually highs) based on the audiogram profile.

3
Speaker (Receiver) Output

Converts amplified electrical signals back into a high-intensity physical sound wave in the ear canal.

4
Mechanical Eardrum / Cochlea Pathway

The sound wave physically vibrates the eardrum, middle ear bones, and fluid inside the cochlea, bending inner ear hair cells.

Cochlear Implant Pathway (Electrical)

Neural Prosthesis

Cochlear Implants bypass damaged inner ear hair cells, stimulating the auditory nerve electrically.

1
Sound Processor Captures Speech

An external behind-the-ear processor filters sound waves and converts them into digital radio signals.

2
Transmitter Headpiece Link

A magnetic headpiece coil transmits digital radio waves through intact skin to the internal receiver.

3
Internal Stimulator Discharge

An implanted receiver-stimulator translates radio waves into precise electrical micro-current pulses.

4
Electrode Array Nerve Stimulation

A tiny multi-electrode wire placed inside the cochlea directly fires auditory nerve fibers, sending a sound signal to the brain.