Cochlear Implants: How Young is Too Young, How Old is Too Old?

Today, there are a lot more people who fit the criteria for a cochlear implant. Many people wonder whether there’s such a thing as being too young—or too old—to receive a cochlear implant. So, what’s the answer?

How Young Is Too Young?

For a child born with profound hearing loss that can’t be treated by a hearing aid, studies show with overwhelming certainty that early identification and intervention—like cochlear implantation—are tied to better hearing and listening skills later in life.

Cochlear implants have advanced very far in the last few decades. Now, during hearing tests, the hearing of children with cochlear implants is compared to the hearing of children with normal hearing. Their hearing used to be compared to that of children with hearing loss and high-powered hearing aids.

Many studies have shown that children who receive cochlear implants before they turn two have significantly better hearing results than children implanted at an older age.

So, when’s the best time for a child to receive a cochlear implant? Ultimately, it comes down to the regulations where you live. But the general rule is the sooner, the better.

And for children whose hearing loss is progressive, it doesn’t matter if they’re two or ten or even older when they receive cochlear implants—as long as their hearing loss is treated in a timely manner.

How Old Is Too Old?

On the other side, someone who’s seventy, eighty, or even ninety years old might look at a cochlear implant and think they don’t qualify for one because of their age. But that couldn’t be further from the truth! Most age-related health issues won’t preclude someone from receiving a cochlear implant.

Many older adults have progressive hearing loss that develops over many years or even decades. And some older adults have sudden hearing loss as a result of disease, ototoxic medications, or trauma. Regardless of whether their hearing loss occurred gradually or suddenly, cochlear implantation can be an appropriate solution for older adults.

One of the biggest predictors of success with a cochlear implant is the duration of the hearing loss: early intervention is important because a shorter time span between hearing loss and treatment can lead to better results. Find out about 10 factors that influence hearing with a cochlear implant.

And cochlear implantation helps with more than just speech: cochlear implants can also make it possible to enjoy music. MED-EL cochlear implants bring recipients closest to natural hearing, making it possible to perceive and appreciate music, thereby improving quality of life.