One Cochlear Implant or Two?
The benefits of cochlear implantation have increased progressively with improvements in technology and clinical practice over the last two decades. Most of the 100,000 cochlear implant recipients worldwide have received substantial communication benefits from implantation in only one ear.
However, nature outfitted each of us with two ears. For people with normal hearing, two ears enhance hearing in noise and localization of sound. Therefore, it is only natural to consider the potential benefit of bilateral (both ears) cochlear implantation.
What are the potential benefits of implanting both ears?
- Hear better in noise
- Localize sound better
- Greater ease of listening—less effort required, less stressful, and less tiring
- Situational advantages—you don’t need to consider where to sit so that your implant ear is optimally positioned to capture sound (e.g., car, classrooms, theaters, etc.)
- Quality Improvements—sound may be fuller, richer, and more natural
To date, only a small percentage of cochlear implant recipients have received bilateral implants, but the number is growing rapidly. Studies have documented some significant benefit in both adults and children with two implants. You should discuss your option to get two implants with your Cochlear Implant Team.
“I chose to have the implants put in each ear so that I could have the best possible hearing ability.“
-Jaki Schechter, Adult Bilateral Cochlear Recipient
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