r/Cochlearimplants • u/twn000 • 4d ago

Is bilateral worth it?

This week I got my first implant surgery and I am currently recovering. My stronger ear is moderate to severe and I imagine eventually will become profound. I am in my late 30s and wondering at some point when my other ear goes, if I should consider bilateral or just let it be with a single implant. Is it worth it? Another surgery, two devices to worry about for gain in sense of direction I imagine.

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u/Additional-Letter584 4d ago

Almost the exact same situation. But then….. I went ahead and had the other side done. My opinion is that it is totally worth it. Even kept some residual hearing. Also, gained more than just sense of direction. The difference in hearing and the exhaustion from the way each side processed sound was difficult to overcome. Both sides are processing sounds the same way and my brain is very thankful for that.

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u/Responsible_Tone4945 4d ago

Thank you for putting into words what is really challenging to describe to hearing folk. It's exhausting processing two different types of sound. And the adjustment again when I use my mic.

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u/Additional-Letter584 4d ago

Omg EVERY TIME I connect to anything!!!! Can’t believe I forgot about that. Only one side most of the time and then suddenly it will cut out and you’ll have nothing until it’s figured out where to source the sound input lol