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Cochlear Implants: How well do they work at an older age?
Hearing Loss | Last Active: Aug 7, 2022 | Replies (143)Comment receiving replies
Not new to hearing loss but contemplating a cochlear implant. I’m struggling mentally with moving forward. First I see a CI as the “final option” in my hearing loss journey. I’m 65 and been struggling and wearing hearing aids for 25 years. What if it doesn’t work? What are my options then? It’s my understanding that I would essentially be deaf and frankly, that scares me. Do I continue to seriously struggle or take the plunge? My rational mind tells me my concerns are overblown. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.
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cmkellner23 - Fortunately, I think your worries are needless. I used a hearing aid until my hearing went down too far and in 12/2018, got a CI. (My other ear became deaf earlier.) If my CI didn't work, I had more to lose, since I did not have another hearing ear. And yes, before the surgery, I worried as you are doing about the results. I think the sooner you get a CI the better. Rather than see the CI as your last option, I would see it as a potentially exciting option which it turned out to be for me. You do have 2 ears don't you? So you would get 1 CI at a time. Why not consult with a neurosurgeon and discuss your concerns and questions? (I did that.) I probably did that about 3 times before I was ready to leap!