Who is a candidate for a cochlear implant?

Timothy Hunsaker

Au.D., CCC-A

Desert Valley Audiology

A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted device designed for individuals whose hearing loss is too severe to be adequately addressed by hearing aids alone. Candidacy is typically considered when a person has moderate to profound sensorineural hearing loss in one or both ears and is no longer receiving enough benefit from traditional amplification. Both adults and children can be candidates, and the evaluation process involves a series of audiological and medical assessments to determine whether an implant is appropriate. A cochlear implant works differently from a hearing aid — rather than amplifying sound, it bypasses damaged hair cells in the inner ear and directly stimulates the auditory nerve, allowing the brain to perceive sound.