How To Get a Cochlear Implant

If you or a loved one has recently been struggling or diagnosed with hearing loss, it’s easy to feel like your world has turned upside down. Luckily, there are now more ways than ever to get you back to a life filled with the beautiful sounds of this world. When hearing aids are no longer enough and unable to give you the hearing you deserve, a cochlear implant may be the right solution.

Cochlear implants are an established, FDA-approved medical treatment option designed to replace the function of the inner ear (cochlea) and mimic natural hearing. Cochlear implants use electrical impulses to transmit sound to the inner ear and on to the hearing nerve. This is then interpreted by the brain as sound.

At first, it may be overwhelming to navigate how to get from point A to point B, but there are resources that make it simple to find your path. It’s important that you feel prepared and confident for this life-changing journey to better hearing, and a good place to start is by following Cochlear’s 10-step guide to receiving a cochlear implant.

  1. Contact a hearing implant specialist to have an evaluation to determine if you are a candidate for a cochlear implant.
  2. Work with your Hearing Implant Specialist to obtain insurance approval.
  3. Investigate, ask questions and connect with others who have been in your shoes.
  4. Prepare for surgery and work with your doctor to schedule a date.
  5. Complete the surgery. This is typically a routine, outpatient procedure.
  6. Approximately 3-4 weeks after surgery see your specialist to receive your processor and get your device activated/turned on.
  7. Follow up with your audiologist for adjustments and cleanings.
  8. Practice, practice, practice with your new implant.
  9. Join the Cochlear Family to connect with others who have cochlear implants.

Hear Now. And Always.

Cochlear implants have improved the quality of life for tens of thousands of recipients. In fact, research shows that 93% of cochlear implant recipients demonstrated significantly improved speech understanding compared to a hearing aid. Whether you lost your hearing suddenly or gradually over time, a hearing implant can help you reconnect to the people and activities you love; your journey to better hearing is worth every step.

If you or a loved one would like to learn more about qualifications, cochlear implants, cost, and the general steps toward better hearing, start here.

© Cochlear Limited 2021. All rights reserved. Hear now. And always and other trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of Cochlear Limited or Cochlear Bone Anchored Solutions AB. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always read the instructions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information. Views expressed are those of the individual. Consult your health professional to determine if you are a candidate for Cochlear technology.