Cochlear implants are typically recommended for individuals with severe to profound hearing loss who do not benefit significantly from hearing aids. The specific criteria for cochlear implant candidacy may vary depending on the country and healthcare provider. However, in general, adults with hearing loss are considered for cochlear implants if their word recognition scores are below a certain threshold (usually around 50% or lower) with optimal hearing aids. Children may also be candidates if they have severe to profound hearing loss and limited benefit from hearing aids. It's essential to consult with a hearing healthcare professional to determine individual eligibility.