The nature of the hearing loss and availability of support services are also considered in the candidacy process. There is no predictable way to determine what an individual will hear with a cochlear implant. We do know that you will receive improved environmental awareness and better speech awareness. However, hearing speech does not mean understanding speech. The longer a person wears the implant and with much practice, speech understanding can improve.
Cochlear implants offer a wide range of hearing benefit.
The ability to self-monitor speech results in better clarity and intonation. The optimal benefit is the ability to understand words without visual cues. With training the vast majority of individuals can learn to understand and use spoken language with lip-reading. Because many communication cues that are contained in speech escape visual detection, cochlear implants restore a level of access to spoken language that can immeasurably improve quality of life. No, the cochlear implant is not a cure for deafness.