'Electrode' (Prints 2014)

A lot of deafness is caused due to damage to hairs within the cochlear in the ear.  The hairs in a normal ear are stimulated by the sound waves which in turn stimulate the nerve which then sends messages to the brain. Cochlear implants are electronic devices  that are in two parts, one under the skin behind the ear with electrodes leading down to where the hairs in the cochlear should be, and a device that is worn like a hearing that transmits sound data through the skin to the internal part. The sounds are transmitted down the electrodes which act as the damaged hairs and stimulate the nerve. They are given to people with sever to profound hearing loss to try to give them access to some sound.  How successful they are depends on many things. There are many arguments surrounding Cochlear implants. Rebecca is not interested in the politics, but just wants people to be more aware and open minded.

'Sound travel' 

(A3 Drypoint print) 

'Sound impact of electrode' 

(A3 Drypoint print)

'Vibration of sound on nerves' 

(A3 Drypoint print)

'Connection to brain'
(A3 Drypoint print)

Nottingham was the first place in the UK to do cochlear implants.  The first child is now in his thirties and the technology is improving. This topic is personal to Rebecca who is also profoundly deaf.