Cochlear implants
Living with hearing loss can be challenging, affecting not only your hearing but also your quality of life.1 A cochlear implant may help to restore access to the sounds of daily life, so you can stay more connected and confident.
Can cochlear implants help with hearing loss?
For some people with hearing loss, using hearing aids is like listening to a badly tuned radio. It may be loud enough, but the words aren't clear.
If you or your loved one are straining to hear each day, even when using powerful hearing aids, a cochlear implant may be a solution. Cochlear implants can help adults and children with moderate to profound hearing loss in one or both ears who are no longer getting enough benefit from hearing aids.
What's the difference between hearing aids and cochlear implants?
Hearing aids help people with mild to severe hearing loss by amplifying sounds. They work best when there are enough healthy sensory hair cells in the inner ear to transmit sound to the brain.
As hearing loss progresses, sounds may need to be clearer, not just louder. A cochlear implant is an implantable hearing solution designed for people with moderate to profound hearing loss who are no longer receiving enough benefit from hearing aids. Instead of simply making sounds louder, they help restore access to the sounds you've been missing by improving speech understanding and providing greater clarity, even in noisy environments.1-3
Studies show that compared to hearing aids, adults with cochlear implants experienced:
Take the online hearing quiz
Our short hearing quiz can help you assess your hearing and consider your next steps.^
How do cochlear implants work?
A cochlear implant bypasses damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulates the hearing nerve to provide access to sound. Unlike hearing aids, which mostly make sounds louder, cochlear implants use electrical simulation to mimic the function of a healthy inner ear (or cochlea). This enhances the clarity of sounds and improves your ability to understand speech.
There are two parts to a cochlear implant system:
- The cochlear implant - The implant is an electronic device that's placed under the skin and into the inner ear to help deliver hearing, along with the sound processor.
- The sound processor - The sound processor sits on your head. There are two types of sound processors, worn either behind-the-ear or off-the-ear. Two microphones pick up sound waves which are converted into digital information that's transferred to the implant. The hearing nerve then sends this information to the brain to be interpreted as sound.
Together, these components work to provide access to sound, and support improved speech understanding.
How much does a cochlear 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.
How do I get a cochlear 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.
Cochlear implant information guide
Every hearing journey is unique. Our free guide answers common questions and helps you explore your options.
Cochlear implants for children
From learning the alphabet to singing nursery rhymes, hearing plays a crucial role in a child's development. For children with severe to profound hearing loss who are not benefitting from hearing aids, cochlear implants may help improve hearing and support speech and language development.6
Early diagnosis and intervention can make a big difference to a child when it comes to developing communication skills.7 To find out if a cochlear implant can help, talk to a hearing health professional who specialises in all types of hearing technology.
Frequently asked questions
Cochlear 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, you don't have to be completely deaf to get a cochlear implant. In fact, you may be able to hear some sounds (like a baby crying or dog barking) even without hearing aids and still qualify for a cochlear implant.
The moment you start struggling to hear and understand speech with your hearing aids in noise, is the moment you should talk to your audiologist about cochlear implants.
No, cochlear implant surgery does not involve the brain. The surgeon makes a small incision behind the ear, places the implant underneath the skin, delicately threads the electrodes into the cochlea and closes the incision site. In most cases, you can return home on the same day and can get back to your normal activities within a few days.
Yes, you can absolutely swim with a cochlear implant.* The internal device sits under your skin but the external sound processor requires protection before going under water. You can use the Aqua+ accessory, which gives your sound processor more protection for the pool or ocean.
Cochlear Aqua+ solutions are available for both behind the ear and off the ear sound processors and offer water protection to a depth of three metres.
As a cochlear implant recipient, Caroline has discovered the extraordinary gift of hearing her grandchildren with clarity and joy.
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.
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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.
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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.
* The Cochlear Nucleus 8 Nexa, Nucleus 8, Nucleus Kanso 3 Nexa, Nucleus Kanso 3 and Nucleus Kanso 2 sound processors with Aqua+ are dust and water resistant to level IP68 of the International Standard IEC60529. The Cochlear Nucleus 8 Nexa, Nucleus 8, Nucleus Kanso 3 Nexa, Nucleus Kanso 3 and Nucleus Kanso 2 sound processors with Aqua+ can be continuously submerged under water to a depth of up to 3 metres for up to 2 hours. The Cochlear Osia 2 Sound Processor, with battery compartment excluded, is dust and water resistant to level IP57 of the International Standard IEC60529. The Osia 2 Sound Processor with Aqua+ is water resistant to level IP68 when used with LR44 alkaline or nickel metal hydride disposable batteries.
Refer to the relevant user guides for more information.
Some models of Aqua+ accessories require the ear hook to be removed before inserting the sound processor into the accessory. Please consult the instructions for use for more information.