Cochlear implant candidacy criteria

Cochlear implant candidacy criteria determine if someone might benefit from the device. Generally, candidates have significant hearing loss that hearing aids can't improve enough, often with limited functional hearing through traditional aids. They usually have profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears, meaning nerve damage in the inner ear. Candidates need to have good health to undergo surgery and realistic expectations about the benefits. An audiologist and medical team assess their hearing levels, speech understanding, and overall health to decide if a cochlear implant is appropriate. The goal is to improve speech comprehension and communication abilities.