Conditions Limiting Cochlear
Implant Success

Cochlear implant systems have been used successfully by thousands of people worldwide, but there are situations when a cochlear implant system may not be appropriate. Some factors include:

Hearing Is “Too Good”

If hearing aids provide good speech understanding, they may be a better option.

Profound Hearing Loss for a Very Long Time

If an adult was born with a profound hearing loss or has been deaf for many years, the auditory nerve may not effectively carry sound information to the brain. Optimal benefit of a cochlear implant may not be possible, although consistent use of residual hearing with hearing aids may help offset the length of deafness.

Neural Hearing Loss

If the site of hearing loss is the auditory nerve or brain, a cochlear
implant cannot help.

Cochlear Malformations

If the cochlea is absent or not fully formed, it may not be possible to surgically place a cochlear implant.

Medical Problems

If an individual is not healthy enough to tolerate anesthesia and surgery or participate in the follow-up programs, a cochlear implant may not be advisable.

Inappropriate Expectations

If individuals and families have unrealistic expectations, results may be disappointing.

Lack of Support from Family or Caregivers

If support from family and caregivers is not available, success with a cochlear implant system may be compromised.