Hearing implants for adults

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 a 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.

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.

How much does a hearing implant cost?

In the UK and Ireland, hearing implants are fully funded on the NHS/HSE for those whose hearing loss meets the criteria.

Not hearing as clearly with your hearing aids?

Our free hearing implant guide can help you understand your options and next steps.

Request your information pack

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
Cochlear implant surgery is routine and often done as a day case. It is an established procedure that has been available in the UK for decades.
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

Am I too old for a hearing implant?

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.

Is hearing implant surgery brain surgery?

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 preparation and procedure.

Do I need to be completely deaf to get a hearing implant?

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

"My relationships with my children and partner have improved immensely. It was probably the best decision that I have ever made."^*1

- Elizabeth D, Cochlear^® Nucleus^® System recipient

Improved speech understanding^4-6

Clinical studies show that many cochlear implant recipients experience improved speech understanding compared to hearing aids.

Better hearing in background noise^7-10

Many cochlear implant recipients report an improved ability to follow conversations in noisy environments, such as restaurants, social gatherings or workplaces.

Greater social and professional connection¹¹

Recipients consistently report improved confidence in social situations, a better ability to maintain professional relationships and reduced feelings of isolation.

Improved hearing beyond hearing aids

Hearing 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 thinking^13-18

Treating severe hearing loss with cochlear implants has been linked to improvements in memory and thinking in older adults.

Quality of life¹⁹

Your quality of life could improve with cochlear implantation to treat your hearing loss.

Every hearing journey is unique

Our information pack answers common questions and helps you explore your options.

Get your information pack

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Connect with a volunteer

Learn about their first-hand experience choosing a Cochlear® hearing solution.

Connect with a volunteer

Have more questions?

Get in touch with our Cochlear Compass team. We provide a free information service to help you understand your options and feel confident about your next steps.

A smiling woman wearing a Cochlear hearing implant on her head.

Find a hearing implant specialist near you

Woman wearing a cochlear implant walking through an airport with a friend.

Implant surgery and preparation

Understanding what to expect during and after surgery can help you or your child feel more prepared and confident.

Cochlear stories: life with a Cochlear® device

People who know hearing loss speak about their experience. These inspirational stories give you real insights into life with a Cochlear™ device.

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.

*¹ Views expressed are those of the individual. Consult your health professional to determine if you are a candidate for Cochlear technology.

References

Sarant JZ, Busby PA, Schembri AJ, Briggs RJS, Masters CL, Harris DC. COCHLEA: Longitudinal Cognitive Performance of Older Adults with Hearing Loss and Cochlear Implants at 4.5-Year Follow-Up. Brain Sci. 2024;14(12):1279. Published 2024 Dec 19. doi:10.3390/brainsci14121279.
Amini AE, Naples JG, Hwa T, et al. Emerging Relations among Cognitive Constructs and Cochlear Implant Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2023;169(4):792-810. doi:10.1002/ohn.344.
Vandenbroeke T, Andries E, Lammers MJ, Hofkens-Van den Brandt A, Mertens G, Van Rompaey V. Cochlear implantation and cognitive function in the older adult population: current state of the art and future perspectives. Brazilian Journal of Otorhinolaryngology. 2025 May 1;91(3):101544.
Runge CL, Henion K, Tarima S, Beiter A, Zwolan TA. Clinical Outcomes of the CochlearTM Nucleus® 5 Cochlear Implant System and SmartSoundTM 2 Signal Processing. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology [Internet]. 2016 [cited 2018 Oct 25];(6):425.
Fitzpatrick EM, Leblanc S. Exploring the factors influencing discontinued hearing aid use in patients with unilateral cochlear implants. Trends in Amplification. 2010, 14; (4): 199–210.
Rumeau C, Frere J, Montaut-Verient B, Lion A, Gauchard G, Parietti-Winkler C. Quality of life and audiologic performance through the ability to phone of cochlear implant users. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2015, 272: 3685–3692.
JAMA Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (2020): Gifford RH, Driscoll CLW, Davis TJ, et al. Assessment of Speech Understanding After Cochlear Implantation in Adult Hearing Aid Users: A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2020;146(10):916-924. doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2020.1969.
Kelsall D, Lupo J, Biever A. Longitudinal outcomes of cochlear implantation and bimodal hearing in a large group of adults: A multicenter clinical study. Am. J. Otolaryngol. 2021, 42 (1): 102773.
Buchman CA, Herzog JA, McJunkin JL, Wick CC, Durkovic N, Firszt JB, Kallogjeri D. Assessment of Speech Understanding after Cochlear Implantation in Adult Hearing Aid Users. A Nonrandomized Controlled Trial. JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery. 2020;146(10):916-924.
Boisvert I, Reis M, Au A, Cowan R, Dowell RC. Cochlear implantation outcomes in adults: A scoping review. PLOS ONE. 2020, 15 (5): e0232421.
Monteiro, E., Shipp, D., Chen, J., Nedzelski, J., & Lin, V. 2012. Cochlear implantation: A personal and societal economic perspective examining the effects of cochlear implantation on personal income. Journal of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, 41(4) Manrique-Huarte R et al (2016) Treatment for hearing loss among the elderly: Auditory outcomes and impact on quality of life. Audiol Neurootol, 21 Suppl 1:29-35.
Hirschfelder A, Gräbel S, Olze H. The impact of cochlear implantation on quality of life: The role of audiologic performance and variables. w Head Neck Surg. 2008 Mar;138(3): 357-332e.
Hamerschmidt R, Santos VM, Gonçalves FM, Delcenserie A, Champoux F, de Araujo CM, de Lacerda ABM. Changes in cognitive performance after cochlear implantation in adults and older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. Int J Audiol. 2022 Mar 23:1-12. doi: 10.1080/14992027.2022.2050823. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35318870.
Jayakody DMP, Friedland PL, Nel E, Martins RN, Atlas MD, Sohrabi HR. Impact of Cochlear Implantation on Cognitive Functions of Older Adults: Pilot Test Results. Otol Neurotol. 2017 Sep;38(8):e289-e295. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000001502. PMID: 28806341.
Mertens G, Andries E, Claes AJ, Topsakal V, Van de Heyning P, Van Rompaey V, Calvino M, Sanchez Cuadrado I, Muñoz E, Gavilán J, Bieñkowska K, Swierñiak W, Skarzyñski PH, Skarzyñski H, Tapper L, Killan C, Ridgwell J, McGowan J, Raine C, Tavora-Vieira D, Marino R, Acharya A, Lassaletta L. Cognitive Improvement After Cochlear Implantation in Older Adults With Severe or Profound Hearing Impairment: A Prospective, Longitudinal, Controlled, Multicenter Study. Ear Hear. 2021 May/Jun;42(3):606-614. doi: 10.1097/AUD.0000000000000962. PMID: 33055579; PMCID: PMC8088820.
Yeo BSY, Song HJJMD, Toh EMS, Ng LS, Ho CSH, Ho R, Merchant RA, Tan BKJ, Loh WS. Association of Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants With Cognitive Decline and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Neurol. 2022 Dec 5. doi: 10.1001/jamaneurol.2022.4427. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 36469314.
Völter C, Götze L, Bajewski M, Dazert S, Thomas JP. Cognition and Cognitive Reserve in Cochlear Implant Recipients. Front Aging Neurosci. 2022 Mar 21;14:838214. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.838214. PMID: 35391751; PMCID: PMC8980358.
Sarant JZ, Busby PA, Schembri AJ, Fowler C and Harris DC (2024) ENHANCE: a comparative prospective longitudinal study of cognitive outcomes after 3 years of hearing aid use in older adults. Front. Aging Neurosci. 15:1302185. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1302185.
Mosnier et al 2018 Long-term cognitive prognosis of profoundly deaf older adults after hearing rehabilitation using cochlear implants.