Final answer:
A cochlear implant will not restore hearing if the hearing loss is due to an abnormal auditory nerve as the implant relies on a functioning auditory nerve to transmit signals to the brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
​Cochlear implants are medical devices designed to restore hearing in individuals with a nonfunctional cochlea. However, not all types of hearing loss can be addressed with a cochlear implant. Specifically, a cochlear implant will not restore hearing if the hearing loss is resulting from an abnormal auditory nerve. This is because the cochlear implant relies on the auditory nerve to transmit the electrical impulses generated by the implant to the brain. If the auditory nerve is abnormal or damaged, it will not be able to effectively transmit these signals, rendering the implant ineffective.
Therefore, individuals with hearing loss due to conditions affecting the auditory nerve, such as auditory neuropathy, may not benefit from a cochlear implant. On the other hand, those with damage to the hair cells in the organ of Corti or damage to bones of the middle ear might still be candidates for a cochlear implant, as the device bypasses these areas to directly stimulate the auditory nerve.