Cochlear Implant Candidacy in Vancouver
If hearing aids are no longer giving you the clarity you need, or you’ve been told your hearing loss is more significant, a cochlear implant may be an option worth exploring.
At Sonaris, we provide cochlear implant candidacy screening to help you understand whether you meet the criteria before moving forward with a full assessment through the provincial program.
The goal is simple, to give you clear answers early, so you know what the next step looks like without unnecessary travel or guesswork.
When to consider a cochlear implant:
You may benefit from a cochlear implant assessment if you’re noticing:
- Hearing aids are no longer providing enough clarity
- Speech is difficult to understand, even with amplification
- Severe to profound hearing loss
- Increasing listening fatigue or reliance on visual cues
- A sense that sound is present, but not clear or usable
What a cochlear implant is:
A cochlear implant is a device that sends electrical signals directly to the auditory nerve, bypassing the parts of the inner ear that are no longer functioning effectively.
This is different from hearing aids, which amplify sound. A cochlear implant uses a different pathway to help your brain receive sound when amplification alone is no longer enough.
It does not restore natural hearing, but it can provide access to sound and speech that may not otherwise be available.
What to expect from your candidacy assessment:
Your assessment is designed to understand how well your current hearing system is working and whether a cochlear implant may be appropriate.
This includes:
- Diagnostic hearing testing
- Speech understanding in best-aided conditions (AZBio testing)
- Review and optimization of current hearing aids
- Real ear measurements to confirm performance
The goal is to determine whether you meet the criteria before being referred to the provincial cochlear implant program at St. Paul’s Hospital.
How cochlear implants work:
A cochlear implant has both external and internal components that work together to deliver sound.
- Externally, a microphone and processor capture and convert sound into signals.
- Internally, a small implanted device sends those signals directly to the auditory nerve.
This allows sound to be perceived even when the inner ear is no longer able to transmit it effectively.
What to expect moving forward:
If you meet the criteria, the next step is a formal assessment through the provincial cochlear implant program.
We help guide that process, coordinate referrals, and support you before and after so you understand what to expect at each stage.
For many people, this starts as a question, not a decision. Our role is to help you understand whether this is a path worth considering.
Referred to Sonaris Hearing Center Surrey by ENT Doctor Mori. An excellent experience with audiologist Fred Manta. With Fred’s expertise, selected hearing aids and some specialised equipment, I am able to hear much of what I lost over the years through industrial noise exposure. Anticipating multiple appointments, I was hesitant to make the drive as there were hearing centres much closer to home. It quickly became evident however that it would be worth every mile. Office manager Ravjir and office admin., Hanna were very thoughtful in finding appointments that were off peak traffic times and fitting me in when there was a snag. All in all my wife Linda and I appreciate Sonaris very much and we’ll happily drive the distance to continue with them as my ongoing hearing management requires. Thank you Fred, Ravjir and Hanna.
I simply cannot say enough about Fred Matta . He is clearly one of the most personable, professional and knowledgeable specialists that I have ever met in the medical field. He spent an exceptional amount of time assisting me to make the best decision regarding my hearing aids. He also allowed lots of trial time for me to demo two different models. There was never any pressure to make the final purchase. I would also like to thank his receptionist/assistant, Jas. She completes the picture that allows for a friendly, comfortable office visit.
Do not hesitate to contact Sonaris as you will be most impressed!!
I have been seeing Fred for many years now and he has just fitted me with my second set of hearing aids . . . always extremely professional . . . polite . . . courteous . . . knowledgeable . . . and he goes out of his way to check all details and trials to ensure everything is as good as it can be and the customer 100% satisfied . . . a true professional . . . and highly recommended!!!
Undoubtedly one of the most professional, empathetic and best medical partners a patient/parent can ask for. Fred Matta goes beyond his professional duties to research, communicate and guide.We cannot thank Fred enough for the care, guidance and friendship over the years.
Director of Audiology
Book Your Appointment With Us Today
Book Your Appointment With Us Today
Where Can I Cochlear Implant Candidacy Screening in Vancouver?
If you’re considering a cochlear implant in Vancouver, Burnaby, or Surrey, the first step is understanding whether you meet the criteria.
At Sonaris, we provide detailed candidacy assessments so you can get clear answers before moving forward with the provincial program at St. Paul’s Hospital.
Many people come in unsure if they’re even close to qualifying. That’s completely normal. We walk through your hearing, your current devices, and your speech understanding so you can make an informed decision about next steps.
If a cochlear implant is appropriate, we help guide you through the referral process and what comes next.
