Why you are never too old for cochlear implants

There is no upper age limit for cochlear implantation. It is no longer a rarity for people over 80 to receive cochlear implants. The oldest person to receive a cochlear implant in Europe to date was 99 years old.

"Is it still worth it for me?" This is the question asked by people who become deaf at an advanced age and need a cochlear implant to restore their hearing.

There are many reasons to treat hearing loss or even deafness with a cochlear implant, even at an senior age, especially when conventional hearing aids are no longer sufficient:

Why cochlear implantation is so important even in old age

Inadequately treated hearing loss carries a significantly higher risk for depression, dementia and an increased incidence of the disease.

This can all be attributed to the great extent to the loss of sufficient communication skills. Those who are unable to take part in a conversation isolate themselves and neglect their cognitive abilities as well as their mental and physical health.

Improve your personal life situation

Successful fitting with cochlear implants can enormously improve the lives of people in old age in various ways, if not change them significantly.

For example, it is probably important for an 85-year-old living alone after the loss of his/her partner to stay in contact with people and continue to hear the sounds of everyday life.

Or the 75-year-old senior citizen is relieved when he can understand everything well during a conversation with his doctor and act accordingly.

Furthermore, seniors are certainly always happy if they can cope with their everyday lives independently for as long as possible, enjoy cultural events and take part in conversations at family get-togethers.

Cochlear implants can help to (re)activate or re-establish social contacts and, thus, ultimately improve the quality and situation of life.

Exchange with other cochlear implant users and self-help groups

Whether for decision-making, exchanging experiences or initially uncertain handling of the new technology and the various accessories - in addition to the competent technical staff, contact with other cochlear implant users is invaluable and creates confidence in the new hearing.

In addition to topic-related self-help groups and initiatives, the hearing advisors on the hoerverlust.at information platform also offer the opportunity for personal contact. They are all users of hearing implant systems themselves and can provide advice and support. You can find all hearing advisors here!

Better later than never

To summarize, there is no age limit for cochlear implantation, taking into account the physical and mental health of the person concerned. On the contrary: the cochlear implant is a provision for old age.

It improves communication skills and thus promotes social contacts, prevents mental decline and makes people independent. The cochlear implant enables participation in life and is therefore an indispensable factor for quality of life.

Find out more about the range of implantable hearing solutions here!

Comprehensive information that you may need on the way to hearing (again) can be found on the information platform hearingloss.at.

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