Cochlear Implant vs. Hearing Aid: What’s Right for You?
- Author: Jessica M. Frankel
What This Blog Covers
This guide breaks down the difference between cochlear implants and hearing aids, and who each option is designed to support. At NYC Hearing Associates, patients receive AI-powered evaluations and personalized care to find the best-fit technology.
The Core Difference: How Each Device Supports Hearing
- Hearing aids boost sound for ears that still process it.
- Cochlear implants send sound straight to your hearing nerve when your inner ear can’t.
💡 Your results guide everything
from the device you choose to the support you get along the way.
When a Hearing Aid Is a Strong Fit
If your ears still send usable signals to the brain,
hearing aids can help you tune back in.
They’re designed for:
Mild to severe hearing loss
Patients who want clearer sound without surgery
Those interested in Bluetooth®, rechargeable, or invisible options
NYC Hearing Associates offers custom-fit hearing aids from brands like Phonak™, Oticon™, Widex™, ReSound™, Starkey™, and Lyric® – fit with AI‑driven testing and AI-enhanced hearing care.
When Cochlear Implants Offer More Support
If hearing aids aren’t providing meaningful improvement, a cochlear implant may be the right next step.
These devices:
Bypass the inner ear entirely
Convert sound into
electrical signals
Directly stimulate the
auditory nerve
Help your brain interpret speech and sound more clearly
Our implant program is led by Dr. Darius Kohan
A nationally recognized neurotologist and surgeon affiliated with NYU, Lenox Hill, and MEETH. We handle the full journey – from candidacy testing to post-op rehab.
The Evaluation Process: Step by Step
When the process is mapped out for you, it’s easier to focus on what matters – hearing clearly again.
Can You Combine Both Devices?
Yes – many patients benefit from bimodal hearing, which means using a hearing aid in one ear and a cochlear implant in the other.
This combination can offer:
Fuller sound quality across tones and frequencies
Improved speech understanding in group settings
A more balanced, natural listening experience
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which device is right for me?
Your audiologist will review your full hearing profile and walk you through your best-fit options. We offer comprehensive diagnostics, clear guidance, and device trials where appropriate.
Can cochlear implants help if I still hear a little?
Yes – they support patients with severe to profound sensorineural loss, especially when hearing aids aren’t delivering clarity. You may still hear, but not well enough. That’s where cochlear implants help.
Can I upgrade from a hearing aid to an implant later?
Yes. Many patients begin with hearing aids and shift to cochlear implants if hearing continues to decline. We’ll monitor your results and revisit the plan if needed – you’re never stuck.
Is the surgery major? How long is recovery?
It’s typically an outpatient procedure done by an ENT. Most patients return to regular activity within a few days, with activation and therapy starting about two weeks later.
What brands or devices do you work with?
We offer hearing aids from Phonak™, Starkey™, ReSound™, Signia™, Widex™, Lyric®, and Oticon™, and implants from Cochlear™, Advanced Bionics®, and MED-EL® – all customized to your hearing goals.
Book a Consultation That Puts You First
We offer consultations in Midtown, Chelsea, UWS, UES, and Garden City, plus virtual appointments. Every step is guided by a board-certified audiologist.
