Cochlear Implants: How well do they work at an older age?

Posted by Julie Chitwood @billchitwood, Sep 7, 2021

Looks like I might be a candidate for a cochlear implant. I'm 81 and wondering how well people have done with the implant at an older age. Is it easier to adjust to hearing as having had good hearing for most of my life? Any suggestions/information appreciated.

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arieswoman | @arieswoman | Apr 3, 2022

In reply to @julieo4 "I let my hair dry completely before putting on my hearing aid and/or CI processor." + (show)

Thanks. I have been doing that just in case.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 9, 2022

In reply to @sueatt "Hi, I went completely deaf I overnight due to an antibiotic. I can tell you being..." + (show)

Hi Sue, I hope you’ll upload your picture to your profile as well. I love that so many members are sharing their personal experiences with Cochlear implants. @billchitwood Julie, got something great started here.

Sue, what tip would you offer someone who is about to have their implant turned on?

jimwrye | @jimwrye | Apr 11, 2022

In the same boat. Interested in responses.

arieswoman | @arieswoman | Apr 12, 2022

I am 83 years old. I had my Cochear Implant on 3/8/2022 and turned on 3/30/2022. I feel that I am doing fantastic. I hear sounds I had forgotten about. I dropped a bunch of silverware from the dishwasher into the drawer and was amazed at how loud it was! I do my excercises each morning. I still have problems in a large group of people with background noise but over all I am a very happy camper!

Julie Chitwood | @billchitwood | Apr 12, 2022

In reply to @arieswoman "I am 83 years old. I had my Cochear Implant on 3/8/2022 and turned on 3/30/2022...." + (show)

Keep going out to noisy places! It does get better. Kids and I have a favorite Mexican restaurant that is very noisy and they also play music. The first few times after activation I couldn't hear a word for the most part. Then suddenly I noticed I was picking up words and actually realizing there was music playing (before it all blended into one very noisy background). My first inclination was to pick quieter places - kids didn't let me get away with that. Seems like the more you challenge your brain the better it does! I tend to like quiet but now try to have noise of some sort going most of the time. Which isn't hard with my husband around as he turns the TV on as soon as he is up. I do a lot of listening to music on my computer as well.

I'm 81 and I am so thrilled that I can hear again! You are really doing great and each day will get better!

arieswoman | @arieswoman | Apr 12, 2022

In reply to @billchitwood "Keep going out to noisy places! It does get better. Kids and I have a favorite..." + (show)

I just want the constant chirping to go away!

Julie Chitwood | @billchitwood | Apr 12, 2022

In reply to @arieswoman "I just want the constant chirping to go away!" + (show)

I found that it does go away. Every so often now I'll hear weird sounds but almost unnoticeable. I was activated on 1 December 2021. Can't remember when it started stopping but I don't think it took that long - maybe a month or two?

Right now I'm hearing weird sounds but it is me breathing after sweeping the driveway covered in Palo Verde blooms (I almost half way filled one of the big city trash cans!)

Julie, Volunteer Mentor | @julieo4 | Apr 13, 2022

In reply to @arieswoman "I am 83 years old. I had my Cochear Implant on 3/8/2022 and turned on 3/30/2022...." + (show)

You are on a wonderful journey to better hearing! Congratulations! My first 'new' sound was a crow flying overhead. It scared the dickens out of me! Now I hear all kinds of birds and can ID them by the different sounds. What a blessing!

gvg | @gvg | Apr 17, 2022

In reply to @arieswoman "I just want the constant chirping to go away!" + (show)

I had a sound like a constant wind or low drum but it eventually went away. I am so glad I have my implant!! Hand in there and practice, practice, practice. Also let your audiologist know about the chirping they might be able to do something about it. Best of luck!