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Cochlear Implant vs. Hearing Aid: Which Is Right for You?

Hearing aids and cochlear implants are two popular hearing devices used to correct hearing loss. But how do you choose which one to use? We go into the nuts and bolts on each device and how to decide which one is best for you.

Written by Amy Isler, M.S.N., R.N.

Posted August 15, 2025

Man smiling while talking on mobile phone

Hearing aids are the usual go-to device to treat hearing loss. But did you know that several types of solutions are specifically designed to treat different types of hearing loss?

Hearing aids and cochlear implants both correct hearing loss, but they do so in different ways. Choosing the correct device depends on which part of the ear (outer, middle, inner or auditory nerve) is causing the hearing loss.

What Is a Hearing Aid?

Hearing aids are small devices inserted into your ear that work by amplifying the sound around you, making it easier to hear. Traditional hearing aids are most useful for people with mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss, which is caused by damage to the inner ear.1

What Is a Cochlear Implant?

Cochlear implants are a more invasive type of hearing aid because they require surgery to insert a small electrode device into your inner ear (cochlea). This device works in tandem with an external transmitter that sits on the outside of your ear, picking up sound from a speech processor attached to a microphone and then sending the signal directly to your auditory nerve.2

Cochlear implants benefit people with severe to profound hearing loss or those who do not get enough support from traditional hearing aids. Both adults and children can get cochlear implants.2

Candidates for Each Device

Good candidates for either a hearing aid or cochlear implant include:

  • Hearing aids may be better for people with mild to moderate hearing loss in one or both ears. Hearing aids amplify sound to make it easier to understand speech and to hear in noisy environments.1
  • Cochlear implants may be more beneficial for people who are deaf or have severe hearing loss. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved cochlear implants for children as young as 9 months old.2

Advantages and Limitations

The advantages and limitations of hearing aids include:3

Hearing aid advantages Hearing aid limitations
  • Can hear sounds you may have missed
  • They do not restore normal hearing
  • Speech over the phone may be clearer
  • May amplify unwanted background sounds
  • Communicating may be easier
  • Takes time to get used to (have to learn how to adjust settings)
  • Hearing in noisy environments may be better
  • Can be expensive

Hearing aid advantages

The advantages and limitations of cochlear implants include:4

Hearing aid advantages Hearing aid limitations
  • Immediate results for adults (children may take longer to adjust)
  • Complications from the surgical implant procedure
  • Can perceive loud, medium and soft sounds
  • May have unknown effects
  • Can understand speech without lip-reading
  • Need to change batteries frequently
  • Makes telephone calls easier
  • May lose residual hearing
  • Watching TV and enjoying music is easier
  • Can be expensive

The Process of Getting Hearing Aids

If you are 18 or older, you can now purchase hearing aids over the counter (OTC) at your local pharmacy without a prescription. While this option is convenient, it is still a good idea to work with a doctor to ensure you are using them correctly and that they fit properly.5

Fitting your hearing aids

After you have decided which style of hearing aids will work for your lifestyle, the doctor or a licensed professional will help you with fitting and customizing the hearing aids to your specific needs.6

Getting used to wearing hearing aids can take some time. Your doctor may schedule a few follow-up appointments to ensure everything is working properly.6

The Process of Getting Cochlear Implants

Once you and your doctor have decided that cochlear implants are right for you, a date will be set for your surgery and pre-implant evaluation. During a pre-implant evaluation, your doctor will typically do a variety of things that can include:7

  • Comprehensive medical and hearing history
  • Meningitis immunization as indicated
  • Physical ear, nose and throat (ENT) examination
  • Radiological assessment
  • Review of surgical procedures and potential complications

Surgical procedure

The surgical procedure involves implanting a small device inside the cochlea, located in the inner ear. It is an outpatient procedure that typically takes about one to three hours. It is done under general anesthesia.7

Activation

After recovering from surgery, the cochlear implant will need to be activated by a licensed professional.7 Activation day can be both exciting and stressful. Family members may be encouraged to participate so they know how to help you.

Rehabilitation

After activation, it is important to participate in rehabilitation that helps you adjust to your new life with cochlear implants.7 This process may take several months and usually begins a few weeks after surgery.

Comparing Costs

Generally, hearing aids are significantly cheaper than cochlear implants. This is due to the surgical requirement and the complexity of getting fitted for cochlear implants.

  • Hearing aid pricing. The national average cost* of digital hearing aids is $2,114 per pair, but it can range from $1,650 to $4,155.8
  • Cochlear implant pricing. The average cost* of cochlear implants is $51,072, but it can range between $39,475 and $98,195.8

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Average cost of hearing aids vs. cochlear implants by state/district

Below is a breakdown of the average cost* of digital hearing aids and cochlear implants for all 50 states and the District of Columbia.8

State/District Average cost of digital hearing aids (pair) Average cost of cochlear implant
Alabama $1,802 $43,752
Alaska $2,558 $62,393
Arizona $2,159 $51,427
Arkansas $1,836 $44,519
California $2,690 $62,265
Colorado $2,123 $52,085
Connecticut $2,186 $54,827
Delaware $2,107 $51,044
District of Columbia $2,630 $63,434
Florida $2,112 $51,007
Georgia $1,924 $46,493
Hawaii $3,221 $74,784
Idaho $2,164 $52,195
Illinois $2,148 $48,302
Indiana $1,888 $46,438
Iowa $1,811 $44,629
Kansas $1,863 $45,451
Kentucky $1,940 $47,041
Louisiana $1,967 $47,754
Maine $2,116 $51,153
Maryland $2,399 $61,077
Massachusetts $2,508 $59,597
Michigan $1,960 $47,096
Minnesota $1,953 $48,247
Mississippi $1,754 $42,820
Missouri $1,867 $44,903
Montana $2,057 $50,331
Nebraska $1,901 $45,835
Nevada $2,105 $50,550
New Hampshire $2,250 $55,210
New Jersey $2,279 $55,759
New Mexico $1,874 $46,164
New York $2,318 $55,649
North Carolina $1,928 $47,644
North Dakota $1,935 $46,877
Ohio $1,944 $48,357
Oklahoma $1,840 $43,423
Oregon $2,234 $55,375
Pennsylvania $2,071 $49,837
Rhode Island $2,177 $54,827
South Carolina $1,978 $47,973
South Dakota $1,917 $47,206
Tennessee $1,840 $45,945
Texas $1,985 $47,261
Utah $2,125 $51,702
Vermont $2,245 $52,798
Virginia $2,069 $50,112
Washington $2,331 $54,936
West Virginia $1,872 $44,793
Wisconsin $1,974 $47,535
Wyoming $1,985 $49,234

Insurance Coverage

  • Hearing aids insurance coverage varies by state. Traditional Medicare doesn’t offer much assistance for adults; Medicaid does cover hearing aids for children. Supplemental or private insurance may cover the cost of hearing aids, depending on your specific healthcare plan.9
  • Cochlear implants are typically covered by health insurance. This includes Medicare, Medicaid and most commercial healthcare plans.10

Living With the Device

Adjusting to life with a hearing device can take time, but the positive outcome can help boost your quality of life.1

Daily life with hearing aids

Keep these things in mind as you adjust to your daily life with hearing aids:5

  • Attend follow-up appointments with your doctor to ensure the hearing aids are working correctly.
  • Be patient while your brain adjusts to the new sounds.
  • Have extra batteries on hand in case you need to replace them.
  • Make sure to routinely maintain and care for your hearing aids.
  • Wear them consistently for maximum impact.

Daily life with a cochlear implant

Here are some things to consider in your daily life while wearing cochlear implants:

  • Attend follow-up appointments with your doctor and rehabilitation specialist.7
  • Be patient during your initial adjustment.
  • Enjoy being able to hear sounds you couldn’t before.
  • Enjoy music, talking on the phone and other social activities.
  • Routinely maintain and care for the sound processor.
  • Use rehabilitation resources to practice your new skills.7

What to Remember When Deciding

Living with hearing loss can be challenging and stressful, but there are many options available to help improve your quality of life. The decision between getting a hearing aid and a cochlear implant will depend on the type and severity of your hearing loss, as well as your budget.

Regardless of the device you choose, it is recommended that you consult with a doctor or licensed healthcare professional who can help you make the right decision. Once you have been fitted with your new device, be sure to attend all follow-up appointments and regularly clean and maintain your device to ensure optimal hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions about hearing aids and cochlear implants? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about them.

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Financing Ear Care With the CareCredit Card

The CareCredit credit card can help you pay for hearing care, including regular hearing tests, screenings and more.** Use our Acceptance Locator to find a hearing specialist near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue to invest in your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go and easily access the Well U blog for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

In addition to hearing care, you can also use your CareCredit credit card for dentistry, cosmetic, pet care, vision, health systems, dermatology, pharmacy purchases, spa treatments and so much more within the CareCredit network. How will you invest in your health and wellness next?

Author Bio

Amy Isler, M.S.N., R.N., has more than a decade of nursing expertise. She combines her nursing experience and journalism background to create engaging and educational healthcare content for leading brands and publications, including GoodRx, Verywell Health, Vision Center and more. Her mission in writing is to provide positive, accurate and informative articles for consumers.

*Actual cost may vary based on geography, provider and other variables. Cost information is based on research in the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, which was conducted by ASQ360° in 2024 on behalf of Synchrony’s CareCredit.

**Subject to credit approval.

The information, opinions and recommendations expressed in the article are for informational purposes only. Information has been obtained from sources generally believed to be reliable. However, because of the possibility of human or mechanical error by our sources, or any other, Synchrony and any of its affiliates, including CareCredit, (collectively, “Synchrony”) does not provide any warranty as to the accuracy, adequacy, or completeness of any information for its intended purpose or any results obtained from the use of such information. The data presented in the article was current as of the time of writing. Please consult with your individual advisors with respect to any information presented.

All product, service, and company names are the trademarks of their original owners. The use of any trade name or trademark is for identification and reference only and does not imply any endorsement, sponsorship, or affiliation by or with the trademark holder of their brand.

© 2025 Synchrony Bank.

Sources:

1 “Hearing aids,” National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Updated October 11, 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing-aids

2 “Cochlear implants,” National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Updated June 13, 2024. Retrieved from: https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/cochlear-implants

3 “Hearing aid benefits and limitations,” U.S. Food and Drug Administration. November 18, 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/hearing-aids/hearing-aid-benefits-and-limitations

4 “Benefits and risks of cochlear implants,” U.S. Food and Drug Administration. February 9, 2021. Retrieved from: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/cochlear-implants/benefits-and-risks-cochlear-implants

5 “How to get hearing aids,” U.S. Food and Drug Administration. November 18, 2022. Retrieved from: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/hearing-aids/how-get-hearing-aids

6 Victory, Joy. “Hearing aid fitting: What to expect,” Healthy Hearing. Updated June 5, 2025. Retrieved from: https://www.healthyhearing.com/help/hearing-aids/fitting

7 “Steps to a cochlear implant,” American Cochlear Implant Alliance. Accessed June 18, 2025. Retrieved from: https://www.acialliance.org/page/StepstoaCochlearImplant

8 2024 Synchrony Average Procedural Cost Study for Cosmetic, Dental, Veterinary, Vision and Other Practices Across the United States, conducted by ASQ360° Market Research, Cost Tables.

9 Whelan, Corey. “Insurance and financial assistance for hearing aids,” Healthy Hearing. Updated December 10, 2024. Retrieved from: https://www.healthyhearing.com/help/hearing-aids/insurance-financial-assistance

10 “Cochlear implant insurance,” American Cochlear Implant Alliance. Accessed June 18, 2025. Retrieved from: https://www.acialliance.org/page/HealthIns

11 Victory, Joy. “Can I wear a cochlear implant and hearing aid together?” Healthy Hearing. June 19, 2023. Retrieved from: https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/53466-Bimodal-explained-hearing-aid-cochlear-implant-at-same-time

12 “Frequently asked questions about hearing aids,” Johns Hopkins Medicine. Accessed June 18, 2025. Retrieved from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/frequently-asked-hearing-aid-questions

13 “Cochlear implants,” American Academy of Audiology. Accessed June 18, 2025. Retrieved from: https://www.audiology.org/consumers-and-patients/managing-hearing-loss/cochlear-implants/

14 Gerhart, Megan and Victory, Joy. “Bluetooth hearing aids,” Healthy Hearing. Updated May 22, 2025. Retrieved from: https://www.healthyhearing.com/help/hearing-aids/bluetooth