Can Older Adults Benefit From Cochlear Implants?

Hearing loss is very common in older adults. Among people in their 60s, 15.4% have moderate hearing loss or higher.Rehabilitation, S. F. D. A. (2021, March 3). World report on hearing. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240020481[1] And among people older than 90, 58.2% have this level of hearing loss.Rehabilitation, S. F. D. A. (2021, March 3). World report on hearing. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240020481[1] If you have moderate hearing loss, you will struggle to hear spoken conversations or even the phone ringing. With more severe hearing loss, you may even be unable to hear traffic sounds, as shown on this audiogram. Even the most powerful hearing aids don’t offer enough support if you have severe-to-profound hearing loss. But cochlear implants may be able to give you access to sound.

Age-related hearing loss—the gradual loss of hearing over time in both ears—is very common.  As technology improves and world health increases, the elderly population grows. By 2050, people over 65 years old are predicted to make up 17% of the total world population.United Nations. (n.d.). International Day of Older Persons | United Nations. https://www.un.org/en/observances/older-persons-day[2] As the world population ages, age-related hearing loss is also likely to increase. Even if you had good hearing when you were younger, you may gradually lose it as you age.

Hearing Loss Means More Than Just Missing Out on Sound

If you don’t do anything about your hearing loss, everyday life can become more and more tricky. You might find it harder to connect with friends and family, watch television or listen to music, run errands to the bank or pharmacy, talk to a doctor, and hear the phone and other important sounds.

Age-related hearing loss can also lead to frustrating feelings of isolation. It may even lead to depression and a decline in cognitive abilities, such as memory loss.

Recognizing Hearing Loss and Embracing Solutions

Treating hearing loss early may prevent some of these negative consequences. Cochlear implants are not only suitable for younger people, such as babies born deaf. They may also be an option for many older adults with severe-to-profound sensorineural hearing loss.

Cochlear implant surgery is typically a straightforward and routine operation that lasts between 1–2 hours and is performed under either general or local anesthesia. The first fitting of your audio processor usually takes place after about four weeks of recovery.

But the first step is recognizing the symptoms of hearing loss. Some signs can be noticed early if you pay close attention. Keep an eye (or an ear) out for these clues:

• Struggling to hear high-pitched sounds, such as children’s voices or the ringing of a phone
• Television, radio, or phone volume levels that are uncomfortable for people without hearing loss
• Difficulty understanding speech in busy places, such as shopping centers and restaurants
• Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears
• Lip-reading to compensate for lack of auditory speech understanding

When hearing loss remains untreated, it can have a significant negative impact. So if you’ve noticed that you or someone you love is developing hearing loss, be sure to address this issue. Being able to hear again can help you stay socially connected and restore your access to auditory stimulation, keeping your brain active.

Try to recognize hearing loss symptoms as they gradually emerge, and seek professional help before your hearing loss prevents you from enjoying daily life fully. Treating your hearing loss can help you maintain your independence.

Taking the Next Steps Toward Hearing Well Again

Start with this free online hearing test to help you figure out whether you might have hearing loss. Your primary care physician may be able to refer you to an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist or an audiologist for a comprehensive hearing evaluation. Take a look at this article to find out more about this topic.

When hearing aids are not enough, hearing implants such as cochlear implants can be an effective solution. Check out all our hearing solutions to find the one that can help you or your loved one get back to hearing life.