Will I Regret Getting a Cochlear Implant?

There’s no denying it: Getting a cochlear implant is a big decision. After all, cochlear implants are designed to be with you for decades. So it’s understandable if you’re worried you might regret getting a cochlear implant for yourself or your child. With that in mind, here’s our guide to making that decision with confidence.

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, if you want to.

Research Cochlear Implant Technology

Understanding the technology behind a medical device can help you make a more informed decision. Here are a few good resources on cochlear implant technology to get you started:

• How does a cochlear implant work? This video gives a simple explanation.
• The Hearpeers website. Their “Learn” section has lots of useful information on cochlear implants.
• What does a cochlear implant sound like? This in-depth and interactive webpage explains the sound technology cochlear implants.

Deep-Dive the Numbers

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 99.97% within three years. This means that the probability of your cochlear implant providing continued benefits after two years is 99.97%.

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.

Remember, It’s a Journey

Cochlear implants have helped restore hearing to hundreds of thousands of people around the world. However, every single person’s experience with cochlear implants is different. 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. 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.

Trust in Yourself

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