Find Hearing Professional


We are here to help!  Give us a call today at 800-567-1692

One or Two guide-to-cochlear-implants

Left ear, right ear, or both?

Most people receive an implant in only one ear; however, bilateral implantation (cochlear implants in both ears) is on the rise. With normal hearing, two ears are required to best tell where sounds are coming from, to hear optimally in noise, and to understand very soft speech. Studies have shown benefits with two implants as well (Peters, 2006). Insurance may only cover one implant, although some plans now cover two. In some instances coverage for both implants has been received upon appeal.

If you are getting one implant, you must decide in which ear to place it. Issues such as lifestyle, anatomy, dominant hand and hearing loss in each ear will be considered by you and your cochlear implant team in order to make a decision.

Peters, B. (2006). Rationale for Bilateral Cochlear Implantation in Children and Adults. Cochlear Corporation White Papers. Retrieved October 21, 2008 from http://www.cochlearamericas.com/PDFs/bilateral_white_paper.pdf.

Quick Guide to Cochlear Implants - Your Next Step

Learn more - read about
Cost and Funding

- OR -

Free Hearing Aid Profile, Personalized for You! Get HAPPY™!

Free Comprehensive Guide to Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants including our exclusive Guide to Hearing Aid and Cochlear Implant Funding and much more.

Sign up for our eNewsletter

Text Size:

S M L