When hearing aids
aren't enough.
For severe to profound hearing loss, a cochlear implant, often paired with a hearing aid on the other ear, can restore clarity that amplification alone cannot reach. Our focus is the hearing aid side of bimodal hearing. We do not map or program the cochlear implant itself, that stays with your implant center, while we optimize the hearing aid that pairs with it and help coordinate your care.
When hearing aids are turned all the way up and speech still sounds muddy, the issue is often that too few healthy hair cells remain to carry sound. A cochlear implant takes a different path to the hearing nerve, and for the right person it can be life changing.
What bimodal
hearing means.
Bimodal simply means using a cochlear implant on one ear and a hearing aid on the other, so each ear contributes what it does best.
Cochlear Implant
A surgically placed device that bypasses damaged hair cells and stimulates the hearing nerve directly, restoring access to speech for ears that no longer benefit from amplification.
A Hearing Aid, Too
When the other ear still has usable hearing, a well-fit hearing aid adds warmth, low-pitch richness, and a natural quality the implant alone cannot provide.
Two Ears Together
Your brain blends both signals, which can mean clearer speech in noise, less listening effort, and a stronger sense of where sounds are coming from.
Better Combined
For many people, understanding and sound localization are measurably better with both devices working together than with either device used on its own.
When to ask
the question.
A cochlear implant is not the first step for most hearing loss, but these situations are worth a careful conversation.
Limited Benefit From Aids
You wear well-fit hearing aids and still struggle to follow conversation, especially in background noise or on the phone.
Severe to Profound Loss
Testing shows a degree of hearing loss in one or both ears that amplification can no longer fully address.
Single-Sided Deafness
One ear has little or no usable hearing while the other hears reasonably well, a pattern where an implant may help.
Guidance at
every stage.
To be clear about our role: we handle the hearing aid that pairs with your implant, plus evaluation and long-term support. We do not program or map the cochlear implant itself, your implant center does that.
Candidacy Evaluation
Thorough diagnostic and speech testing to understand whether an implant could help, so any surgical referral is well informed from the start.
Coordination With Your Team
We work alongside your ENT and implant center, who place and program the implant, so your records, goals, and follow-up stay connected rather than scattered.
The Hearing Aid Side
This is our part. We fit and fine-tune the hearing aid that pairs with your implant, balancing the two so both ears work as a team. The implant itself is programmed by your implant center.
Ongoing Support
Follow-up visits and listening practice help your brain adapt and keep you getting the most from your devices for years to come.
Every major
implant system.
We are independent, so we work across all three cochlear implant manufacturers and pair them with hearing aids from every major brand for the bimodal side.
Talk Through Your Options →Cochlear & bimodal,
explained.
Do you perform the implant surgery?
No. The implant is placed by an ear surgeon, an ENT or otologist. We handle only the hearing aid side of bimodal hearing, plus evaluation and follow-up, all coordinated with your surgical team.
Do you program or map the cochlear implant?
No, and we want to be clear about that. Programming and mapping the cochlear implant is done by the audiologists at your implant center. Our role is strictly the hearing aid worn on the other ear: we fit it, fine-tune it, and balance it with your implant so the two work well together.
What exactly is bimodal hearing?
Bimodal hearing means wearing a cochlear implant on one ear and a hearing aid on the other. Each device does what it does best, and the brain combines the two for clearer, more natural hearing than either alone.
How do I know if I am a candidate?
If you wear well-fit hearing aids and still struggle to understand speech, or testing shows severe to profound loss, it is worth exploring. A candidacy evaluation gives you a clear, no-pressure answer.
Does insurance or Medicare cover cochlear implants?
Cochlear implants are often covered by Medicare and many private plans when established medical criteria are met. We help you understand your coverage and coordinate the documentation your plan requires.
How long does it take to adjust?
Adaptation is gradual. After the implant is activated, sound improves over weeks to months as your brain learns to use the new signal, supported by programming visits and listening practice.
Pinnacle Audiology provides evaluation, the hearing aid side of bimodal hearing, and follow-up care. We do not program or map cochlear implants, and implant surgery is performed by a partnering ear surgeon; both are handled by your implant center. We are glad to help you connect with one.
Let's find out
together.
A candidacy evaluation is the simplest way to know whether a cochlear implant or bimodal hearing could help. No commitment, just clarity.