I did a lot of bluffing. Not a good idea as it took longer to get help. In November I received a Cochlear Implant in right ear, which was my worse ear. So glad I did - I'm 81. Knock on wood, things have really improved. With streaming I can now understand phone calls. Doing better in noise and even watching TV and listening to music. The 'homework' to get the brain to adjust to the CI is actually fun. With a CI they do a lot of testing to make sure it will help and that you are healthy enough for the surgery (my husband isn't as he has some major health issues - he gets very frustrated not being able to hear well even with hearing aids).

Good luck.