Cochlear Implant Frequently Asked Questions
A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted device that provides direct electrical stimulation to the auditory nerve. It bypasses damaged parts of the inner ear (cochlea) that prevent sound from being processed normally. While cochlear implants don’t "restore" natural hearing, they can allow a person to perceive sounds and understand speech—often with significant improvements in communication and quality of life.
Cochlear implants were first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for adults in 1985 and for children in 1990. Since then, the technology has advanced significantly.
As of 2024, over 737,000 cochlear implants have been placed worldwide, with more than 120,000 in the United States. Early detection and intervention programs have expanded access, particularly for children, allowing earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Cochlear implant candidacy has expanded in recent years. While the traditional candidates are:
- Adults with moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears who receive limited benefit from hearing aids, and
- Children as young as 9 to 12 months with profound hearing loss,
New FDA approvals and clinical practice guidelines now include:
- Individuals with single-sided deafness (SSD)
- People with asymmetric hearing loss (one ear significantly worse than the other)
- Those who still have residual hearing but struggle with understanding speech despite using hearing aids
We work closely with Cochlear Corporation (Cochlear Americas), a leader in implantable hearing technology, to evaluate candidacy and provide the most up-to-date options.
It’s important for each person (or family) to have realistic expectations, understand the process, and be prepared for follow-up care and rehabilitation.
A hybrid cochlear device greatly improves hearing for people who have some hearing function, but not enough loss to be a candidate for a traditional cochlear implant. The device is a combination of a hearing aid and a cochlear implant. The hearing aid portion maximizes residual low-frequency hearing, and the cochlear implant directly stimulates the hearing nerve in the mid- to high frequency ranges, where there is little to no residual hearing. The internal portion is placed beneath the scalp, and the external portion is worn over the ear, similar to a hearing aid.
Outcomes vary, but many recipients report improvements in hearing and communication—especially with time, consistent use, and support.
- For adults who lost hearing after learning to speak, speech may sound unfamiliar at first but often becomes more natural over time.
- Children who are implanted early typically develop stronger speech, language, and academic skills than those who are implanted later.
- Individuals with SSD often report improved sound localization, better understanding in noisy environments, and reduced listening fatigue.
The key to success is continued use, follow-up care, and aural rehabilitation when needed.
Cochlear implants are available at specialized centers around the country, including ours. These centers offer:
- Evaluation and counseling
- Surgical implantation
- Device programming
- Ongoing support and rehabilitation
Proximity to the implant center is important, as multiple follow-up visits are required after surgery.
Surgery is just the beginning. Ongoing care includes:
- Device activation and programming (also called “mapping”)
- Regular follow-up visits
- Aural rehabilitation (especially for children and new users)
- Support and troubleshooting
Cochlear implants are lifetime devices, and consistent use and care are critical to long-term benefit.
A typical cochlear implant team may include:
- Audiologists
- ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgeons
- Speech-language pathologists
- Psychologists or counselors
- Educators and support staff
This collaborative team works together to support the patient through every step of the process.
- Audiologists determine candidacy, activate and program the device, and provide technical and listening support.
- Speech-language pathologists help children and adults improve their ability to listen, speak, and communicate effectively with the implant.
Together, they provide aural rehabilitation, which includes training in listening, communication strategies, speechreading, and more.
The full cost—including evaluation, surgery, device, programming, and follow-up—can range from $30,000 to $100,000 or more. However, cochlear implantation is considered highly cost-effective, especially in children, where early intervention can lead to significant long-term savings in education and support services.
Yes. Most health insurance providers—including Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, and VA health plans—cover cochlear implants and related services. This typically includes:
- Surgical implantation
- Device cost
- Programming
- Aural rehabilitation
Coverage details can vary by plan, and preauthorization may be required. Our team and partners at Cochlear Corporation can help guide you through the insurance process.
You can learn more about cochlear implants through these trusted resources:
Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Hearing Loss Association of America
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders