Not everyone with hearing loss is a candidate for cochlear implants. Adults must meet certain criteria for a cochlear implant. You might qualify if you:
Are 18 years or older
Are committed to attending regular programming visits and aural rehabilitation sessions
Are motivated to incorporate listening in daily communication
Do not benefit from a hearing aid or other prosthetic communication device
Do not have a medical condition that puts you at high risk for surgery
Have moderate-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss
Have no medical contraindications
The first step is to meet with your hearing care team for an evaluation. During this appointment you:
Complete a questionnaire about your expectations, auditory awareness and attitudes
Complete testing to evaluate your hearing and current hearing aid(s)
Meet with an audiologist and a surgeon
Review your medical history with your doctor
Talk with your doctor about the cochlear implant process
Undergo a physical examination