A hearing aid makes sounds louder. A cochlear implant skips the damaged part of your ear and sends sound straight to your hearing nerve. If you can hear people talking but cannot make out the words, even with good hearing aids, an implant might help. If hearing aids still work for you, they are usually the better choice.
Written by Mo Helou, Principal Audiologist (Accredited Audiologist, Audiology Australia). Checked October 2026.
The main differences
- How they work. Hearing aids turn sound up. Implants send sound to your hearing nerve.
- Who they are for. Hearing aids: mild to severe hearing loss. Implants: very bad hearing loss, where hearing aids no longer make words clear.
- Surgery. Hearing aids: no. Implants: yes, a short operation while you are asleep.
- Getting used to it. Hearing aids: a few weeks. Implants: a few months of practice.
- Cost. Hearing aids can be free for pensioners and veterans who qualify. Implants are usually paid for by private health insurance, a public hospital or DVA.
Signs your hearing aids might not be enough
- You can hear voices, but the words are not clear.
- You need to read lips or turn on captions, even with your hearing aids in.
- You cannot use the phone any more.
- Turning your hearing aids up makes things louder, but not clearer.
Our honest advice: try well set-up hearing aids first
Lots of people who think they need an implant just have hearing aids that were never set up properly. So we test you with your hearing aids set up the right way first. If that fixes it, we will tell you, and you skip surgery. If it does not, we will tell you that too. We do not do the surgery and we do not sell implants. We just want you to get the right answer.
Can I have both?
Yes. Many people wear an implant in one ear and a hearing aid in the other. It often sounds more natural, and helps with music and noisy places.
What to do next
Read our full guide to cochlear implant checks in Sydney, or book at any of our clinics.
- Alexandria: 104/35 Doody St, Alexandria NSW 2015
- Merrylands: 333 Merrylands Rd, Merrylands NSW 2160
- Winston Hills: 176 Windsor Road, Winston Hills NSW 2153
- Campbelltown: Suite 14/42 Parkside Cres, Campbelltown NSW 2560
- Auburn: 85 St Hilliers Road, Auburn NSW 2144
Book a cochlear implant check or call (02) 8530 7200.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a cochlear implant and a hearing aid?
A hearing aid makes sounds louder. A cochlear implant is a small device put in by a surgeon. It skips the damaged part of your ear and sends sound straight to your hearing nerve.
Is a cochlear implant better than a hearing aid?
Only for the right person. If hearing aids help you understand people, stick with them. If you can hear people talking but cannot make out the words, even with good hearing aids, an implant might help you a lot more.
Can I wear a hearing aid and a cochlear implant at the same time?
Yes. Lots of people have an implant in one ear and a hearing aid in the other. Many say this sounds more natural.
Will a cochlear implant take away the hearing I have left?
It might lower or remove the hearing left in that ear. Surgeons often save some, but not always. That is why we only suggest an implant when hearing aids are not enough.
How do I find out which one I need?
Book a cochlear implant check, called a candidacy assessment. We test how well you hear with your hearing aids set up properly. Then we tell you straight. The whole cochlear implant process with NeuroAudiology Australia is bulk billed.
Sources: St John of God, cochlear implants vs hearing aids; Ear Science Institute Australia, cochlear implants; Cochlear, hearing loss treatments.
