I was 65 when I had my cochlear implant surgery. I know a few people who had it done in their late 70s and early 80s who are doing well. Your health and willingness to do the rehabilitation is the key.

Since you have Phonak hearing aids, I'm wondering if your audiologist showed you Phonak's Roger Pen device? I know it has been improved since I tried it a few years ago, but the older model I tried worked quite well. It's an assistive listening device that works with your hearing aids. Kind of gives you double value for the hearing aids as it shuts off the HA's regular microphone and only picks up the sound you're trying to hear. It works well in noisy social settings. The only downside is that it is visible. Some people try so hard to hide their hearing loss that they won't use the assistive devices. Consequently, some audiologists don't even tell their patients about these add on devices. A shame.

I use a similar device with my cochlear implant. It's called a 'mini mic2+' that works with the Cochlear Americas cochlear processors. I LOVE it! Enough to buy a second one so I always have one charged and ready to go. Everyone who sees it thinks it's great that I'm helping myself.

Has your audiologist suggested that you look into cochlear implants?