I lost my hearing in left ear suddenly 3 years ago. Wear a hearing aid in my right ear now but so many environments bother me I often just stay home. I don't even go to church because of the music and if I use an ear plug I can't hear the priest. Do you think I'd be a good candidate for an implant and would be able to get used to it? I am 70 years old.

Hello @mtnyankee! I absolutely think you should speak with a surgeon who specializes in cochlear implants.

Here is a story about a patient who also had a hard time hearing and communicating in different environments and did end up consulting with a surgeon and had a Cochlear Implant placed. I had the chance to meet with her and had a lovely talk about how the process changed her life. Please take a look- https://sharing.mayoclinic.org/2018/04/27/cochlear-implant-allows-judith-collins-to-relish-her-life-again/

Also, you may be interested in this Q&A where Dr. Matthew Carlson, ENT surgeon at Mayo Clinic, discusses Cochlear Implants. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pion0v4JnRE

And then here is some information Mayo has available on the .org web page. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cochlear-implants/about/pac-20385021

Do you know of anyone that has had a Cochlear Implant, so you can talk with them about their experience?

I am 73 and in 2008 lost hearing overnite due to acoustical neuroma. Complete hearing loss after radiation. I had BAHA (bone anchored hearing aid) done in 2014 paid by Medicare for one sided deafness and love it. I wear hearing aid on other side as I have hearing loss from child ear infections. I lots of times just have processor from BAHA and can hear for around home etc. only requirement is a functioning cochlea

@mtnyankee ,
The only way to know for sure is to be evaluated. If your hearing aid is not helping, there is a good possibility you would qualify. Don't let you being 70 deter you. I personally know people implanted much older than you are.

Dennis