In very general terms, when you have trouble hearing conversations, even when wearing an optimally fitted hearing aid.

There are 3 questions to ask:

Are you struggling with conversations at home or work?

Is the hearing worse than 60 dB (on a pure tone audiogram)?

Is the speech discrimination worse than 60% (on a speech audiogram)?

Hearing aids amplify sound, but this does not always mean improved clarity.

It is difficult to predict outcomes of Cochlear Implants because there are so many individual factors, but most patients hear better than they did previously with their hearing aid.

Most people report that sounds like speech and every day sounds like television, footsteps, trains, ring tones and dogs, are much clearer with a cochlear implant.

Implant audiologists thoroughly assess hearing while wearing an optimally fitted hearing aid and compare these results to predicted results from a Cochlear Implant.
If the best results achievable with a hearing aid are worse than the predicted results with a Cochlear Implant, then a Cochlear Implant is usually recommended.

Microphones on the external sound processor receive sound and convert into an electronic signal, which is transmitted through the skin to the implant, then along the electrode into the cochlea, electrically stimulating the nerve cells directly (bypassing the damaged hair cells of the cochlea).

Private Health Insurance (silver level or higher) should cover the full cost of the external speech processor and the implant, as well as a significant portion of the surgical and anaesthetic fees, and all of the hospital costs (unless there is an excess on the policy).

There are also audiology fees for the switch on and on going mapping appointments (usually 6-8 appointments ion the first year, then annually thereafter, each 1-2 hours).

If you require further information please call the rooms on
07) 5539 2399

Cochlear Implant recipients often report speech sounds as robotic or tinny initially, which usually improves with time.

There is usually a fairly steep learning curve, and within 6-12 months, most patients are out-performing their hearing aid results.

You have to train your brain to “hear” differently.

Everyone is different – most people have significant benefits within three months- but the improvement may continue for years.

Cochlear Implants are great for people who can still hear, but struggle to hear conversation clearly.

If you have moderately severe hearing loss and meet the audiological criteria (struggling to hear conversations at home or work) you’ll likely benefit from a Cochlear Implant.

Yes, many people do this and they often find it the ideal scenario.

Yes- phone calls can even be streamed directly to your implant from a mobile phone, increasing the clarity and enjoyment of listening.

Cochlear Implant patients usually stay overnight, but this is not always necessary.

Most people take a week off work, but could perform usual daily activities within 2-3 days.

There may be some imbalance in the first week due to an inflammatory response in the inner ear to the implantation.

Our ears are the pathways to transmit sound to our brain.

When the ears become damaged, that part of the brain is not stimulated and may lay dormant- the longer the duration of hearing loss, the more potential for a reduced hearing outcome.

Hearing loss leads to communication problems and frustration, followed by anxiety, depression and social withdrawal.

The isolation makes the hearing loss even worse. Less social activities and interactions lead to cognitive decline (worse thinking and memory), leading to reduced work opportunities and earlier onset of dementia.

The actual implant usually lasts a lifetime, but the external speech processor can be upgraded every 5 years or so (usually covered by private health insurance and DVA).

You can take it off to swim, or cover it with a waterproof skin if you want to swim and hear at the same time.

A Cochlear Implant does not restore normal hearing but it usually improves the hearing considerably.

Like hearing aids it can be less effective in very noisy situations.

There are two ways to get started:

1. Book a Cochlear Implant assessment with your local implant audiologist (Neurosensory Unit, Hear and Say Centre, Clarity Hearing and Balance)

2. Book an appointment with Dr McMonagle

It doesn’t matter which order these appointments occur- if there is any doubt as to suitability, then better to see Dr McMonagle first.

We offer this as part of the patient journey before you undergo surgery.

It’s a great opportunity to speak to someone with a Cochlear Implant and ask real life questions about day to day life with a Cochlear Implant.

The Cochlear Implant is usually switched on two weeks after your surgery.
This can be quite an emotional moment and it often signals the start of embracing life more fully with the benefit of better hearing.
We’ll be there to support you as you become accustomed to the new normal. We’ll help you to “train” using audiobooks and apps to make the most of your bionic hearing.

Advanced speech tests (comparing hearing with optimally fitted hearing aid to predicted CI results)

ABR test (checks the hearing nerve) delete please

Balance tests (ensures there is no unexpected balance weakness in one/both of the ears).