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 individual is 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.

Neural hearing loss
If the site of hearing loss is the auditory nerve, 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.