Finding the right hearing device for you or a loved one can be a life-changing event. As you explore various hearing loss treatments, you’ll probably learn about hearing aids and cochlear implants. While both can considerably impact your daily life, let’s find what might work best for your needs.
Hearing aids are a non-invasive hearing loss treatment placed into the ear canal. They amplify sounds to help you hear better and more clearly, and are adjustable to your needs and preferences.
Cochlear implants use a combination of internal and external elements to bypass the inner ear, using electrical stimulation to send signals straight to the brain for interpretation.
Hearing Aids Timeframe: Hearing aids can be fitted in a few appointments. Within a couple of weeks, it’s possible to feel comfortable with your new helpers.
Hearing Aids Costs: Hearing aid costs between $3,000 – 6,000, although insurance will often take care of part or all of the expenses.
The following services are covered by Minnesota Health Care Programs (MHCP):
Curious about paying for hearing aids with an HSA or FSA. Read our blog article about it.
Cochlear Implants Timeframe: Cochlear implants require a two- to four-hour surgical procedure. It typically takes six to twelve months to get used to them fully, with therapy and rehabilitation options to help you get comfortable.
Cochlear Implants Cost: Cochlear implants cost an average of $60,000 – $100,000. Depending on your insurance, these expenses may be partially or entirely covered. Medicaid, Medicare, and VA benefits cover them, as well.
Hearing Aids Diagnostic Evaluation: To determine your hearing aid needs, a licensed audiologist will perform a series of noninvasive tests. You’ll identify sounds while wearing headphones; from there, we can tell how advanced your hearing loss is.
Cochlear Implants Diagnostic Evaluation: Cochlear implants require a more in-depth qualifying process, including medical exams to evaluate the physical condition of the ear. After a visit to the audiologist, an otolaryngologist (ENT) and speech-language pathologist may also perform tests. A thorough evaluation ensures this step is the best option for you or your loved one.
The short answer, it depends on your individual circumstances.
Hearing aids are an effective treatment for most mild to profound hearing loss. But it can depend on the type of hearing loss you’re experiencing, which is why you’ll want an accurate diagnosis. If you’ve tried hearing aids for a while and found they’re not working as they should, visit an audiologist and see if you need any adjustments. It could be that you don’t have the right type, style, or fit.
Cochlear implants could be a worthwhile option if you don’t notice improvements to your hearing over time, especially if you have severe inner-ear damage.
The first step in deciding between hearing aids versus cochlear implants is to see how your ears are functioning.
Our SoundGate Hearing team will perform a diagnostic evaluation before recommending treatments. We’ll explain everything you need to know so you leave feeling confident and educated. And our one-week, no-obligation hearing aid trial period gives you time to decide if your new hearing aids are right for your environment.
Learn more about SoundGate’s hearing aid trial period.
Investing in a hearing loss treatment can drastically improve your quality of life. Take it from us—we’ve seen patients flourish once their hearing issues are addressed.
Have more questions about the difference between hearing aids and cochlear implants? Reach out or schedule an appointment with our audiology team. Let’s take that first step together.
Until next month,
Dr. Sarah Binfet
Hello, I am Sarah! I have been an Audiologist since 2019 when I received my doctorate degree from A.T. Still University in Arizona and undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota. I have a passion to help people with their hearing healthcare. Coming from a family with hearing impaired individuals, I know the importance for personalized hearing care and best Audiology practices. Raised in small town Minnesota, I enjoy my time being outside, on the golf course or on the lake up north. I have 2 young children who keep me on my toes and always laughing.
My name is Brooke, and I have been working at SoundGate Hearing since July of 2023. I love being a part of a team that puts the customers first. Being able to help others has always been a passion of mine. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family and traveling.
I have worked in a variety of roles in the hearing industry since graduating from Minnesota State University-Moorhead with a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications. I have worked at SoundGate Hearing since 2013 and have substantial experience with both the technical and business sides of the industry. I understand the fundamental need to provide strong support for our patients. I spend my free time away from the office with my active family. I enjoy a wide variety of activities, including travel, hiking, camping, fishing, and all things outdoors. I am a passionate hockey and soccer parent and fan.
Hello, I am Kara, and I am so excited to continue serving the Buffalo area and providing hearing care at SoundGate Hearing. I grew up in SW, MN, in a small town, and I love the sense of community that small towns offer. I have worked at SoundGate since 2019 and love the personalized care this clinic provides patients. In my free time, I enjoy reading, staying active, spending time outdoors, and soaking up as much lake time as I can in our short MN summers.
Welcome! I am Dr. Sarah Binfet and I have been a Doctor of Audiology since 2006. I proudly served Veterans at the Minneapolis VA for nearly 9 years. I established Blaine Hearing Center in 2013 in conjunction with my husband's optometric practice. It has been a wonderful partnership and enjoyable to see each other at work! In 2015, I had the opportunity to grow my practice when I purchased SoundGate Hearing from my mentor, Dr. Wendy Davis. I genuinely love what I do and feel that helping people hear is essential to their quality of life. I believe in creating a welcoming and supportive environment in which the patient and their families can be educated on their hearing loss, hearing aid options, and how to have the best success with their hearing aids. At SoundGate, we deeply care about our patients and their outcomes. We want everyone to genuinely enjoy their hearing aids and the benefits they bring. I am committed to offering my patients the most up to date digital hearing aid technology, which is why I carry a full line of manufacturers. There is no one right hearing aid for everyone. It is my job to help my patients navigate the complex works of hearing aids and decide on which products best meet their needs, goals and budget. I have discovered the benefit of giving patients the opportunity to trial hearing aids out of the office. A hearing aid trial is most helpful in navigating the complex journey of better hearing. A Minnesotan through and through, I was raised in Eden Prairie, MN, received my undergraduate degree from the University of St. Thomas and my Doctor of Audiology degree from the University of Minnesota. When not at work, you will find me cooking, hitting up the newest restaurants and fitting in as much yoga as possible. During the weekend, you will find my husband Rodney and me with our three kids, Evelyn, Jake and Sam, loving the outdoors at our family cabin on Leech Lake. I look forward to meeting you.
My name is Kathy, and I am a Hearing Instrument Specialist (HIS) with SoundGate Hearing. I have been in hearing health for 18 years. I am passionate about helping people live their best lives with the best hearing possible. Getting to know patients is a joy for me. My position is a lot like a Nurse Practitioner’s. I am licensed to perform many services to help you while I work with and for the Audiologists for your best care. In my spare time, you will find my husband and I enjoying our three busy grandsons, reading with my book club, traveling, and spending time with friends and family. I am so glad to be part of the SoundGate Hearing team.