The central axons form synaptic connections with cells in the cochlear nucleus of the brainstem. Recipients of cochlear implants for hearing loss are more at risk for pneumococcal meningitis. In some cases, implants contain electronics, e.g. artificial pacemakers and cochlear implants. There has been considerable controversy within the culturally deaf community over cochlear implants. This is done on the external component of the cochlear implant called the sound processor. The round window is often used as an approach for cochlear implant surgery. The first known cochlear implant was created in 1957. "Sensory" hearing loss often occurs as a consequence of damaged or deficient cochlear hair cells. This information is then received by the cochlear implant's internal components. Much of the strongest objection to cochlear implants has come from the Deaf community. In humans, there are on average 30,000 nerve fibers within the cochlear nerve. Research on the regrowth of cochlear cells may lead to medical treatments that restore hearing. In 1977, NASA helped Kissiah obtain a patent for the cochlear implant. William House also invented a cochlear implant in 1961. He is also working on cochlear implants.