Cochlear Implant Regret: What Experts and Users Want You to Know

How Common Is Cochlear Implant Regret?

A cochlear implant is an electronic device that helps people with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss hear. They’ve been used since the late 1970s, bringing hearing to hundreds of thousands of people around the world.

Overall, cochlear implants show a low regret rate. In a recent study of adult cochlear implant recipients, only 15% reported moderate-to-strong regret, while 58% said they had no regret at all. The same study showed that the vast majority (77%) found that their cochlear implant met their .

Worried that something might go wrong with your cochlear implant? In general, recalls and device failures for cochlear implants are rare. But taking a close look at the numbers can help you get a better understanding. Every cochlear implant company reports its reliability data—you can find MED-EL’s reliability records here .

The cumulative survival rate for our latest cochlear implant, SYNCHRONY 2, is 99.91% within three years. This means that the probability of your cochlear implant providing continued benefits after two years is 99.91%.

Why Some People Initially Regret Their Cochlear Implant

You might see videos of people crying with joy at their activation appointment. This can give the impression that their hearing loss is instantly “cured.”

In reality, adults and children alike need to do plenty of (re)habilitation to get the most out of their cochlear implant. This mismatch between expectations and reality can cause people some initial disappointment or regret about their cochlear implant.

But with practice, returning to previous sounds—from your favorite songs to the birds chirping—is well within your grasp. But it’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself or your child before getting a cochlear implant. It’s a journey.

How to Know If a Cochlear Implant Is the Right Choice for You

Talk to Existing Cochlear Implant Users

Read blogs. Visit forums. Find a support group. There are hundreds of thousands of people out there who have already taken the leap and gotten a cochlear implant.

Take Hearpeers, for example. This online community lets you connect with cochlear implant users so you can ask them questions about their journey. There are also lots of family members of CI users who can share their perspectives. Make a list of questions or concerns that you have and start asking!

Get Expert Opinions on Cochlear Implant Regret

Talking to your audiologist is a great place to start. They see hundreds of patients and know all the common worries and potential problems that come up. They also come from a neutral standpoint—with their number one concern being your hearing health.

If you’re worried about the surgery in particular, talk to your surgeon directly. This blog post has some useful ideas on what to ask them. And always feel free to ask for a second opinion.

Research Cochlear Implant Technology

Understanding the technology behind a medical device can help you make a more informed decision. A cochlear implant works by bypassing damaged parts of the inner ear and using electrical signals to stimulate the auditory nerve.

How Hearing Works With a Cochlear Implant

1. The audio processor picks up sound and sends it to the internal implant.
2. The cochlear implant uses electrical pulses to stimulate the inner ear.
3. The auditory nerve carries these signals to the brain.

Write a Pros and Cons List

Writing down your concerns about getting an implant and weighing them against the benefits can help you make an informed decision. Common concerns include the risk of surgery and fears about what the device might sound like. Pros include better sound and speech perception, increased social interaction, and improved confidence. There’s also a strong connection between untreated hearing loss and dementia.

Trust in Yourself

Worrying about cochlear implant regret is perfectly natural. But doing the research, talking to real users, and getting counseling from hearing professionals can help you make an informed decision.

And remember, there’s one person who knows what’s best for your lifestyle better than anyone else: You. So, once you’ve gathered all the information and weighed the considerations, trust in your decision. You’ve got this.