More older adults have turned to cochlear implants after Medicare expanded eligibility for the devices. By Paula Span Published Oct. 18, 2025Updated Oct. 19, 2025 A serene watercolor representation of a person with a cochlear implant, surrounded by the harmonious sounds and vivid imagery of nature's birds, plants, and trees. Kitty Grutzmacher had contended with poor hearing for a decade, but the problem had worsened over the past year. Even with her hearing aids, “there was

Hearing loss can significantly impact communication and quality of life. For many people with severe to profound hearing loss, cochlear implants offer a chance to regain access to sounds and speech. But not everyone with hearing loss is a good candidate for this procedure. Understanding the key characteristics that make someone an ideal candidate helps set realistic expectations and guides the decision-making process. This article explores the main factors that determine cand