A patient diagnosed with sensorineural deafness is likely to be treated with which type of implant?

A cochlear implant is specifically designed to aid individuals with sensorineural hearing loss, as it directly stimulates the auditory nerve. This type of hearing impairment typically occurs due to damage to the hair cells in the inner ear or the auditory nerve pathways, rendering traditional hearing aids less effective. The cochlear implant bypasses the damaged parts of the ear and sends electrical signals directly to the auditory nerve, allowing for improved sound perception.

In contrast, bone-anchored hearing aids are more suitable for patients with conductive hearing loss or mixed hearing loss, while middle ear implants are typically used for conductive hearing loss as well. An auditory brainstem implant is generally reserved for patients with certain types of profound deafness who may not benefit from cochlear implants, often due to more complex neuroanatomical challenges. These alternatives do not provide the same level of hearing restoration that cochlear implants offer to those with sensorineural deafness.