Recipient Information

What to expect from a Cochlear Implant

While a cochlear implant does not provide normal hearing, results to date from children and adults with cochlear implants have generally been excellent. Adults have generally demonstrated improved speech recognition and understanding, and report they find it easier to follow conversations.

For children who have not developed speech and language prior to their implant, clinical data indicates that over 60% of children learn to recognise speech without lip-reading, and have shown improvements in speech and language.

Learning to listen and speak with a cochlear implant takes time and practise, and patients are encouraged to have realistic expectations of their progress.

  Date Created: Thursday February 19 2004
  Last Updated:  Tuesday July 29 2008
  Authorised By: Director, Audiological Services
  Maintainer: Webmaster, The Bionic Ear Institute
  Email: webmaster@bionicear.org
  Copyright © The Bionic Ear Institute