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Hearing aids make sounds louder. Cochlear implants bypass damaged parts of the ear and directly stimulate the hearing nerve, offering a different solution from traditional hearing aids.
A cochlear implant is a medical device that bypasses damaged parts of the inner ear to directly stimulate the auditory nerve, providing a sense of sound to individuals with significant hearing loss.
A microphone picks up sounds from the environment.
The speech processor (a computer) analyses and digitises the sound signals and sends them to a transmitter.
The transmitter worn on the head sends the signal to the surgically implanted internal implant.
The implant sits just under the skin behind the ear, receives signals from the processor, and converts them into electric impulses. The electrode array placed within the cochlea receives the signal from the transmitter and stimulates the auditory nerve, which, in turn, sends information to the brain to be interpreted as meaningful information.
The following outlines the general process of acquiring cochlear implants.
Take our hearing quiz to see if a cochlear implant could be right for you.
Download our brochure to get more information and see what is involved in getting a cochlear implant.
If you meet criteria for a publicly funded CI, a referral can be made to the CI programmes for assessment.
*Please note that a referral for assessment is not a guarantee you will be put on the waiting list for a CI. It is an assessment only.
Take our quick online hearing quiz to discover if a cochlear implant could be right for you. Note: This quiz is intended as a guide only and not a comprehensive assessment.
Please answer all the questions before submitting!
You answered no for all the questions, you may not need a cochlear implant!
You answered "Yes" to one or more of these questions, which means you may benefit from a more in-depth hearing evaluation and could potentially be a candidate for a cochlear implant. While this quiz is not a substitute for a professional hearing test, it can be an initial step to recognising the need for further help.
Download the brochure below to take the next step.
Cochlear implant surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic and takes approximately 1 to 3 hours, with an overnight stay in the hospital. The procedure is considered a routine surgery with low risk.
An ENT surgeon, specialising in cochlear implants, makes a 4-6 cm incision behind the ear and then opens the mastoid bone leading to the middle ear. They then make an opening in or near the round window of the cochlea, inserting the implant electrode array into the cochlea. The electronic portion of the device attached to the electrode array is placed under the skin behind the ear. The incision is then closed, a head dressing is applied, and you are taken to your room for recovery and an overnight stay.
Post-implant appointments start the day after surgery with 1-2 hours for switch-on, allowing time for device programming, rehabilitation, and auditory perception assessment. One week later, there's a 2-hour follow-up for device mapping and rehabilitation.
A one-month follow-up includes a 2-hour session for an ORL review, device mapping, and rehabilitation. Additional follow-ups, usually lasting 2 hours, are scheduled as needed for device mapping and rehabilitation.
As required, yearly reviews involve a 1.5-hour session for device programming, rehabilitation, and auditory perception assessment.
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After you receive your cochlear implant, you need to train your brain on how to listen, hear, understand and communicate with others. To do this, it is important to have conversations with your friends and family. It’s all about communication, communication, communication.
Think about your positioning and lighting when having conversations. For example, try to have chats in quiet, well-lit areas, like a living room as opposed to a noisy kitchen. Position yourself so that your better hearing ear is towards the speaker and one that allows you clear access to the speaker’s face for additional visual cues.
Click below to learn more about post surgery care.
Pindrop Foundation is dedicated to providing access to cochlear implants for adults with significant hearing loss, recognising that effective communication is vital for nurturing relationships and improving quality of life.
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See funding options below.
This provides coverage for one cochlear implant, subject to meeting certain funding criteria.
For hearing loss related to an injury, ACC may fund two cochlear implants if clinically needed.
Depending on the policy you have in place, varying components may be covered. Please check with your provider or insurance broker.
Some adults resort to family support, crowdfunding platforms like Givealittle, or other fundraising efforts to manage the costs associated with cochlear implants.
What are the risks of surgery?
An ENT surgeon, specialising in cochlear implants, makes a 4-6 cm incision behind the ear and then opens the mastoid bone leading to the middle ear. They then make an opening in or near the round window of the cochlea, inserting the implant electrode array into the cochlea. The electronic portion of the device attached to the electrode array is placed under the skin behind the ear. The incision is then closed, a head dressing is applied, and you are taken to your room for recovery and an overnight stay.
Cochlear implant surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic and takes approximately 1 to 3 hours, with an overnight stay in the hospital. The procedure is considered a routine surgery with low risk.
How much does it cost? Is it funded?
Public Health System
This provides coverage for one cochlear implant, subject to meeting certain funding criteria.
Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)
For hearing loss related to an injury, ACC may fund two cochlear implants if clinically needed.
Private health insurance
Dependent on the policy you have in place, varying components may be covered. Please check with your provider or insurance broker.
Personal Funding
Some adults resort to family support, crowdfunding platforms like Givealittle, or other fundraising efforts to manage the costs associated with cochlear implants.
Can I sleep with my CI on?
No. The implant is likely to come off during sleep, and it may get damaged, so you should take your processor off before going to bed. If you live alone, it is strongly recommended that you get an alerting alarm system. Your local hearing therapist can help organize an assessment and discuss funding options for you. For more information, check out our technology and assistive devices guidelines.
Do I have to limit my sports activity? What about scuba diving and swimming?
For swimming, you will need to remove the external component when you swim, much like you would have to remove a hearing aid. The internal part of the cochlear implant is not affected by water. However, you can swim with your processor on if you use the Aqua Kit Accessory in any water-based activity to a depth of 4 metres. It is a single-use plastic enclosure that completely seals in your processing unit, cable, and coil. It is designed for use with rechargeable batteries only. You can use the in saltwater, a soapy bath/shower, chlorinated pools—anything that is safe for skin contact.
For scuba divers, the internal implant is validated to withstand pressure at a depth of 25 metres (82 feet) underwater, but use of the Aqua Accessory is not recommended for Scuba diving as depths may exceed 4 metres. It is recommended that you check with your surgeon or clinician before participating in a dive, because there may be other medical conditions that you will need to consider.
For contact sports,scuba you should wear a helmet to protect your equipment. Boxing and other aggressive sports are discouraged.
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