Cochlear Implant Support & Advocacy Groups

Cochlear implants (CIs) are surgically implanted devices that bypass the damaged structures of the inner ear to create a sense of sound.

For severe hearing loss, hearing aids aren't the best option. For many, a cochlear implant has a greater chance of improving hearing. Read on to hear the perspective of a cochlear implant surgeon who also has cochlear implants.

This video features Chris who traveled internationally in 2021 to get a bilateral cochlear implant from Dr. Ruffin. It explains the activation process of a cochlear implant. We discuss how bilateral implants improve hearing in noise, sound direction, and overall ease of hearing. Chris shares his personal experiences with his implant in music appreciation, relationships, and work.

It is no longer true that cochlear implants destroy residual hearing. Soft surgery results in atraumatic electrode insertion. This can preserve residual hearing. This hearing is useful whether the hearing is "usable" or not. Preserved hearing means less scar inside the cochlea so the cochlear implant can work better. If you have usable hearing, you may wear a cochlear implant and a hearing aid in the same ear. Atraumatic insertion also improves balance outcome. With less scar inside the cochlea, you may be able to adopt new and upcoming technologies for improved hearing.

Most people with severe and profound sensorineural hearing loss don’t realize what they’re missing. The average hearing aid user waits for a decade before biting the bullet and getting hearing amplification. A cochlear implant candidate takes even longer—a dozen years before receiving an implant. Learn more about cochlear implants.

Cochlear implants can cost over $100,000. Read more to learn how to understand insurance, minimize your costs, and start your journey to hearing better.

Like other technology, cochlear implants (CI) are continually improved. Dr. Ruffin has been a scientist involved in cochlear implant research for 15 years. He provides a birds-eye view of CI research in the HLAA Washington State Fall 2019 issue of Soundwaves.

Audiology doctoral student Sarah Sparks (Twitter: @saralovesears) is in training at Gallaudet University. Ms. Sparks was born typically hearing and initially resisted cochlear implants. This blog post by Med El describes her journey with hearing loss and the reason for her initial skepticism.