Hearing implants for adults
Do you find you're missing out on life because you struggle to hear, even when wearing powerful hearing aids? A hearing implant could be the next step.
Is it time to consider a hearing implant?
Do you have difficulty hearing on the phone or understanding conversations? Perhaps you no longer participate in the activities you once enjoyed because of your hearing loss. Whether you lost your hearing suddenly or gradually over time, a hearing implant can help you reconnect with the people and activities you love.
When hearing aids aren’t enough
If hearing aids are no longer helping you, or you have stopped wearing them altogether, a hearing device such as a cochlear implant or bone conduction implant, may be able to help. Some common signs that hearing aids are no longer providing enough benefit include:
- Having difficulty hearing conversations, especially in background noise.
- Having trouble hearing the TV or talking on the phone.
- Frequently asking people to repeat themselves or misunderstanding what they say.
Getting your hearing checked is the first step towards finding a hearing solution that may improve your hearing and quality of life.
Clearer hearing, clearer thinking
The effects of hearing loss go beyond sound. It’s been linked to changes in memory, focus and thinking skills.1,2
Studies have shown that cochlear implant users have improvements in memory and thinking after one year. 2,3 Clearer hearing can help reduce the mental effort of listening, supporting memory and focus.
Take the online hearing quiz
Our short hearing quiz can help you assess your hearing and consider your next steps.^
The difference between hearing aids and hearing implants
Hearing aids help people with hearing loss by amplifying sounds. As hearing loss progresses, sounds may need to be clearer, not just louder. When hearing aids are no longer providing enough benefit, hearing implants may offer an alternative treatment option for certain types and degrees of hearing loss.
"Recently I went to the Pink concert...I changed my Osia to the music setting on my phone so I could hear the sound better. It was like listening to it in full stereo...It wasn’t an echo or anything. I could hear every pitch, every beat, every sound that came our of her mouth...I was part of the concert."
- Terri, Cochlear® Osia® recipient
How much does a hearing implant cost?
There are different funding options available for candidates in Australia and New Zealand, which may cover the costs of cochlear implants in full.
Not hearing as clearly with your hearing aids?
Our free hearing implant guide can help you understand your options and next steps.
How do I get a hearing implant?
If you decide to go ahead with a cochlear implant, the process will comprise several steps, from initial assessment to rehabilitation. Knowing what to expect at each stage will help you feel prepared and confident.
- Talk to your audiologist
Ask about the possibility of a cochlear implant. Your audiologist will be able to determine whether you could benefit from one and refer you to a specialist clinic for an assessment if necessary. - Assessment
An assessment is an opportunity to talk to healthcare professionals and ask lots of questions. It will involve a variety of tests over several appointments. - Surgery
The surgery itself is typically a routine outpatient procedure lasting two to four hours under general anaesthesia. - Activation
A few weeks after surgery, your audiologist will activate your cochlear implant sound processor. This is when you begin hearing through your implant. - Rehabilitation
You’ll be supported by audiologists and therapists over the following months, learning to embrace your new world of sound with regular speech and listening practice.
Frequently asked questions
Hearing implants are proven to be a successful solution for people in their 80s and 90s. It's never too late to regain access to the sounds you're missing.
No, hearing implant surgery does not involve the brain. The surgeon makes a small incision behind the ear and places the implant underneath the skin. In most cases, you can return home on the same day and can get back to your normal activities within a few days.
Learn more about surgery and preparation.
No, you don't have to be completely deaf to get a hearing implant. If you start struggling to hear and understand speech even with powerful hearing aids in noisy environments, talk to your audiologist about hearing implants.
Benefits of a hearing implant
"The quality of the sound for me is very crisp, very clear. I’ve never known anything like it. Just to be able to walk along and actually enjoy the wind blowing through the trees. It puts a smile on your face because you’re actually then realising what you’ve missed.” *
- Diane M. Cochlear® Nucleus® System recipient
Improved speech understanding4-6Clinical studies show that many cochlear implant recipients experience improved speech understanding compared to hearing aids. |
Better hearing in background noise7-10Many cochlear implant recipients report an improved ability to follow conversations in noisy environments, such as restaurants, social gatherings or workplaces. |
Greater social and professional connection11Recipients consistently report improved confidence in social situations, a better ability to maintain professional relationships and reduced feelings of isolation. |
Improved hearing beyond hearing aidsHearing aids make sounds louder. However, as hearing loss worsens, sounds must also become clearer. Cochlear implants can provide that clarity, even in noisy places.12 |
Improved memory and thinking13-18Treating severe hearing loss with cochlear implants has been linked to improvements in memory and thinking in older adults. |
Quality of life19Your quality of life could improve with cochlear implantation to treat your hearing loss. |
Have more questions?
Get in touch with the Cochlear Engagement Team. We provide a free information service to help you understand your options and feel confident about your next steps.
Contact us
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 follow the directions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.
For a full list of Cochlear’s trademarks, please visit our Terms of Use page.
Views expressed are those of the individual. Consult your health professional to determine if you are a candidate for Cochlear technology.
In Australia, Cochlear™ Nucleus® implant systems are intended for the treatment of moderately severe to profound hearing loss.
In Australia, Baha® bone conduction implant systems are intended for the treatment of moderate to profound hearing loss.
In Australia, the Cochlear™ Osia® System is indicated for patients with conductive, mixed hearing loss and single-sided sensorineural deafness (SSD) aged 5 years and above with up to 55 decibels sensorineural hearing loss. Patients should have sufficient bone quality and quantity to support successful implant placement. Surgery is required to use this product. Any surgical procedure carries risk.
For Cochlear™ Nucleus®, Osia® and Baha® systems: This product is not available for purchase by the general public. For information on funding and reimbursement please contact your health care professional.
Any testimonial featured on this website is intended for an Australian audience only.
^ The Cochlear Hearing Quiz is not a diagnostic evaluation and is not intended to replace medical advice. For a complete test or evaluation of your hearing, please consult a hearing healthcare professional. They will be best placed to diagnose and/or treat a hearing loss condition.