Who Are Cochlear Implants for?

Cochlear implants are designed to help severely to profoundly deaf adults and children who get little or no benefit from hearing aids. Even individuals with severe or profound "nerve deafness" may be able to benefit from cochlear implants.

Who are cochlear implants recommended for?

Cochlear implants in both ears have started to be used more often to treat bilateral severe hearing loss — particularly for infants and children who are learning to speak and process language. Adults and children who are as young as six to 12 months old can benefit from cochlear implants.

Who do cochlear implants not work for?

However, some people cannot benefit from cochlear implantation. In order for a cochlear implant to work, the auditory nerves must be intact. Cochlear implants cannot help when deafness is caused by the injury or absence of the auditory nerve fibers.