Hi Johnnyb7!

I personally know people that have had cochlear implants for over 25 years. The internal device is designed to last a lifetime. When I got mine, I was told that I likely would never need to be re-implanted.

Every person is different, but by doing the rehab, most people reach a very good level of hearing. Like everything else, you get out of it the effort you put into it.

I have tinnitus as well and I would not expect the implant to solve that problem, but it does help to mask it.

Dennis

Dennis,

Thank you! That was very helpful and encouraging! I am hoping the implant will help cover some or most of the noises caused by tinnitus. How does music sound to you with your cochlear implant ?

Best Regards,

Music is still a work in progress after 4 years. Some sounds very good, others, not very good. Familiar music and instrumental music sounds best to me.
Dennis

Dennis,
Ok, I wasn’t sure.
Can you sing to the music and hear yourself to stay on key?

Thank you!

Some can do that very well. I’ve never been gifted in that respect, so I am not a good resource for that.
Dennis

Lol!!! Thank you!
God Bless

Hello @johnnyb7! Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! We’re happy to have you here!

I would like to introduce you to other members @michaelstewart, @graveltruck @rosesareredmylove2016 and @faycarole in hopes that they will share how music sounded to them along with being able to sing with songs and also, what to expect when considering a Cochlear Implant.

Teresa shared a link above to information on Cochlear Implants- here it is again- http://mayocl.in/2xFGkdV. There is a tab labeled “what to expect” in the link that you will find helpful. There is also a Mayo Clinic Cochlear Implant Facebook page if you are interested in obtaining more information.

Can you tell me, have you sought out any kind of tinnitus counseling?

I had a BAHA for one sided deafness. It works great

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