I have been referred for a cochlear implant. What happens next?

What is a cochlear implant?

A cochlear implant is a device that may help you to hear if you have severe to profound hearing loss in both ears and powerful hearing aids are not able to meet your needs.

Why have I been referred?

Your audiologist has assessed your hearing and the benefit you are getting from your hearing aids. It is possible that a cochlear implant might be able to improve your hearing by accessing a larger range of sounds, which a hearing aid cannot achieve.

What happens next?

Your details have been passed to the cochlear implant team at the Emmeline Centre. They will contact you to arrange an assessment.

What happens during the assessment?

The cochlear implant team in the Emmeline Centre will carefully assess your hearing and hearing aids to see if an implant is suitable for you. You will also have a medical assessment to look at your general health. It is also your chance to find out more about cochlear implants. The team understand that you will have lots of questions.

Where do I have to go?

The Emmeline Centre team work from several locations on the Addenbrooke’s campus. Your clinic letter will explain clearly where you need to go.

What happens if I change my mind?

We understand that this can feel like a big step. If at any stage you do not want to proceed, then let the Emmeline Centre reception team know as soon as possible (phone 01223 217589 or email the Emmeline Centre). You will still remain under the care of the CUH audiology team, so make contact in the normal way for appointments and repairs.

What happens if I am not suitable for a cochlear implant?

If the implant does not go ahead for whatever reason, you will remain under the care of the Addenbrooke’s audiology team. Please contact us in the normal way for appointments and repairs.

If your hearing or understanding of speech declines, you can ask for a new referral for a cochlear implant assessment and be reassessed at any stage.

Where can I find out more?

There are lots of places where you can get more information, including the CUH website, charities and national groups, such as:

• The Emmeline Centre for Hearing Implants – Emmeline Centre for hearing implants | CUH
• Action on Hearing Loss – Cochlear implants - RNID (opens in a new tab)
• Hear Together (Formerly Ear Foundation) – Cochlear Implants | Hear Together (opens in a new tab)
• British Cochlear Implant Group – British Cochlear Implant Group (opens in a new tab)