Cochlear Implants: Understanding the Benefits and Risks

3. Who Is Eligible?

Deaf adults and children, or those who experience severe hearing loss, may be eligible for cochlear implants, particularly if a hearing aid does not improve their heading ability. To be considered eligible, one's hearing loss has to impact spoken communication significantly. Because a lot of rehabilitation is required after the surgery to place the implant, recipients must be willing to put in the work. It is also important to ensure the individual maintains realistic expectations of the changes they can expect.