When hearing aids aren't enough
Do you wear hearing aids but still struggle to hear? A hearing implant may be the answer.
What you'll find on this page
- How to recognise the signs that hearing aids are not enough.
- How to take the next steps to better hearing.
Losing your hearing can seem like an unavoidable part of ageing, particularly when hearing aids become less and less effective. If this sounds like you, it's important to know that hearing aids are not the only way to improve your hearing.
Maintaining the best possible hearing as you age may have several benefits for your overall wellbeing, with research suggesting there are links between hearing loss and loneliness.1,2
So, if your hearing aids are no longer enough it's important to take action.
"A couple of students came up and told me they'd asked me questions and that I ignored them. I don't ignore people, so I sat down with the students and spoke to them and found out that I was pretty deaf."
- John R. Cochlear™ implant recipient
Signs that hearing aids may not be providing enough benefit for you
With your hearing aids, do you:
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Have difficulty hearing conversations, especially with background noise?
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Ask people to repeat themselves?
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Misunderstand what people say?
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Have trouble hearing on the telephone?
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Turn up the TV volume louder than others in the room prefer?
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Feel people often mumble when they talk?
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Struggle to hear sounds of nature, such as birds chirping or rain falling?
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Find yourself agreeing, smiling or nodding during conversations when you're not sure what's been said?
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Withdraw from conversations because it's too difficult to hear?
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Read lips to understand what people are saying?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, a hearing device, like a cochlear implant or bone conduction implant, may be the answer.
Find a hearing specialist near you
More information
Disclaimer
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.
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.
References
- Contrera K, Sung Y, Betz J, Li L, Lin F. Change in loneliness after intervention with cochlear implants or hearing aids. The Laryngoscope. 2017;127(8):1885-1889.
- Rutherford B, Brewster K, Golub J, Kim A, Roose S. Sensation and Psychiatry: Linking Age-Related Hearing Loss to Late-Life Depression and Cognitive Decline. American Journal of Psychiatry. 2018;175(3):215-224.