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BIOLOGY, M8 2025 HSC 15 MC

Cochlear implants assist with hearing. The following are five steps involved in the process.

  1. The sound signal is turned into electrical impulses.
  2. The implant sends electrical impulses to the electrodes in the cochlea.
  3. Sounds are picked up by the microphone.
  4. The auditory nerve picks up and sends electrical impulses to the brain.
  5. The electrical impulses are transmitted across the skin to the implant.

Which is the correct order for this process?

  1. 1, 4, 3, 2, 5
  2. 1, 3, 2, 4, 5
  3. 3, 1, 5, 2, 4
  4. 3, 1, 2, 5, 4
Show Answers Only

\(C\)

Show Worked Solution
  • C is correct: Sound → converted to electrical → transmitted to implant → sent to cochlea → auditory nerve.

Other Options:

  • A is incorrect: Sound must be picked up first, not converted first.
  • B is incorrect: Signal must be transmitted across skin before reaching cochlea.
  • D is incorrect: Impulses transmitted to implant before being sent to electrodes.

BIOLOGY, M8 2024 HSC 35

The graph shows the results of a survey conducted to determine if children changed their method of communication after cochlear implantation.
 

With reference to the data, describe how cochlear implants work, and how they affect communication in children.   (5 marks)

Show Answers Only
  • Cochlear implants are surgical electronic devices that help restore hearing in patients with cochlear damage.
  • The implants are inserted directly into the cochlea and stimulate the auditory nerve by sending sound signals straight to the brain.
  • The graph demonstrates that the age of implantation significantly affects communication outcomes.
  • Early implantation (under 3 years): Dramatic decrease in sign language use, with only 10% (approximately) still signing after 5 years.
  • Middle age implantation (3-5 years): Moderate decrease in sign language use.
  • Late implantation (over 5 years): Little to no change in sign language use
  • The data clearly shows that earlier cochlear implantation leads to greater shifts away from sign language as the primary mode of communication.
Show Worked Solution
  • Cochlear implants are surgical electronic devices that help restore hearing in patients with cochlear damage.
  • The implants are inserted directly into the cochlea and stimulate the auditory nerve by sending sound signals straight to the brain.
  • The graph demonstrates that the age of implantation significantly affects communication outcomes.
  • Early implantation (under 3 years): Dramatic decrease in sign language use, with only 10% (approximately) still signing after 5 years.
  • Middle age implantation (3-5 years): Moderate decrease in sign language use.
  • Late implantation (over 5 years): Little to no change in sign language use
  • The data clearly shows that earlier cochlear implantation leads to greater shifts away from sign language as the primary mode of communication.
♦♦ Mean mark 52%.

BIOLOGY, M8 2023 HSC 1 MC

A cochlear implant is a device that is used to assist with hearing loss.

What does the cochlear implant electrode array stimulate?

  1. Hairs
  2. Ossicles
  3. Oval window
  4. Auditory nerve
Show Answers Only

\(D\)

Show Worked Solution
  • The cochlear implant is able to bypass a dysfunctional cochlear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve.

\(\Rightarrow D\)

BIOLOGY, M8 EQ-Bank 6 MC

A patient has been diagnosed with severe hearing loss in the inner ear.

Which type of hearing technology can be used to help restore the patient's hearing?

  1. Hearing aid
  2. Cochlear implant
  3. Artificial ear drum
  4. Bone conduction implant
Show Answers Only

`B`

Show Worked Solution
  • The cochlear implant can bypass the cochlear and send electric impulses directly to the auditory nerve.

`=>B`

BIOLOGY, M8 2019 HSC 6 MC

How does the cochlear implant assist people with severe hearing loss?

  1. It amplifies sound.
  2. It stimulates the ear drum.
  3. It stimulates the auditory nerve.
  4. It amplifies vibrations in the cochlea.
Show Answers Only

`C`

Show Worked Solution
  • The cochlear implant can bypass the cochlear and send electrical impulses directly to the auditory nerve.

`=>C`


♦♦ Mean mark 42%.

BIOLOGY, M8 2021 HSC 25

A patient visited an audiologist for a hearing test. The audiologist tested both ears at specific frequencies. The volumes at which each frequency could be heard are shown.
 

  1. Plot the data on the grid provided and include a key.   (3 marks)
     

  1. What conclusions can be drawn about the patient's hearing?   (2 marks)

  2. It is discovered that there is a complete and permanent blockage of the outer ear, but the cochlea is still fully functional.
  3. Justify the use of a suitable technology to assist the patient's hearing.   (3 marks)

Show Answers Only

a.  

b.   Right ear is within normal hearing range.

Left ear has a deficit and cannot hear at a normal level.
 

c.    Effective technology: Bone Conduction Implants

Bone conduction implants would prove to be the most effective technology to restore hearing to this patient. 

Bone conduction implants detect sound waves via a microphone, relaying them to a sound processor that converts the waves into vibrations which are then directly transferred to the cochlea. This process bypasses the ear blockage, therefore restoring hearing to the patient.

Show Worked Solution

a.   


 

b.   Right ear is within normal hearing range.

  • Left ear has a deficit and cannot hear at a normal level.

c.    Effective technology: Bone Conduction Implants

  • Bone conduction implants would prove to be the most effective technology to restore hearing to this patient. 
  • Bone conduction implants detect sound waves via a microphone, relaying them to a sound processor that converts the waves into vibrations which are then directly transferred to the cochlea.
  • This process bypasses the ear blockage, therefore restoring hearing to the patient.

♦ Mean mark (c) 43%.