Cochlear Implant technology has made hearing loss treatable for people of all ages
If hearing aids are not enough, make an appointment via the form below to talk about improving your hearing.
Could you benefit from a cochlear implant?
Hearing loss is gradual. Most people adapt for years before realising how much they're missing: nodding along in conversations, avoiding phone calls, turning the TV up, withdrawing from situations that used to be effortless.
If you wear hearing aids but still struggle, a cochlear implant may do what hearing aids can't.
While wearing your hearing aids, do you:
Have difficulty following conversations, especially with background noise?
Ask people to repeat themselves, or smile and nod when you've lost the thread?
Struggle to hear on the phone, even with the volume up?
Rely on subtitles or lip-reading to follow what's being said?
Find social situations, work meetings or family gatherings exhausting?
Avoid situations you used to enjoy because of the effort involved?
Miss the everyday sounds you used to take for granted: birds, rain, the surf?
If any of these sound familiar, you're not alone. There may be a better option than persisting with hearing aids that aren't working hard enough.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cochlear Implants
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In very general terms, when you have trouble hearing conversations, even when wearing an optimally fitted hearing aid.
There are 3 questions to ask:
Are you struggling with conversations at home or work?
Is the hearing worse than 60 dB (on a pure tone audiogram)?
Is the speech discrimination worse than 60% (on a speech audiogram)?
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Hearing aids amplify sound, but this does not always mean improved clarity.
It is difficult to predict outcomes of Cochlear Implants because there are so many individual factors, but most patients hear better than they did previously with their hearing aid.
Most people report that sounds like speech and every day sounds like television, footsteps, trains, ring tones and dogs, are much clearer with a cochlear implant.
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Implant audiologists thoroughly assess hearing while wearing an optimally fitted hearing aid and compare these results to predicted results from a Cochlear Implant.
If the best results achievable with a hearing aid are worse than the predicted results with a Cochlear Implant, then a Cochlear Implant is usually recommended. -
Microphones on the external sound processor receive sound and convert into an electronic signal, which is transmitted through the skin to the implant, then along the electrode into the cochlea, electrically stimulating the nerve cells directly (bypassing the damaged hair cells of the cochlea).
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Private Health Insurance (silver level or higher) should cover the full cost of the external speech processor and the implant, as well as a significant portion of the surgical and anaesthetic fees, and all of the hospital costs (unless there is an excess on the policy).
There are also audiology fees for the switch on and on going mapping appointments (usually 6-8 appointments in the first year, then annually thereafter, each 1-2 hours).
If you require further information please call the rooms on
07) 5539 2399 -
Cochlear Implant recipients often report speech sounds as robotic or tinny initially, which usually improves with time.
There is usually a fairly steep learning curve, and within 6-12 months, most patients are out-performing their hearing aid results.
You have to train your brain to “hear” differently.
Everyone is different – most people have significant benefits within three months- but the improvement may continue for years.
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Cochlear Implants are great for people who can still hear, but struggle to hear conversation clearly.
If you have moderately severe hearing loss and meet the audiological criteria (struggling to hear conversations at home or work) you’ll likely benefit from a Cochlear Implant.
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Yes, many people do this and they often find it the ideal scenario.
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Yes- phone calls can even be streamed directly to your implant from a mobile phone, increasing the clarity and enjoyment of listening.
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Cochlear Implant patients usually stay overnight, but this is not always necessary.
Most people take a week off work, but could perform usual daily activities within 2-3 days.
There may be some imbalance in the first week due to an inflammatory response in the inner ear to the implantation.
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Our ears are the pathways to transmit sound to our brain.
When the ears become damaged, that part of the brain is not stimulated and may lay dormant- the longer the duration of hearing loss, the more potential for a reduced hearing outcome.
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Hearing loss leads to communication problems and frustration, followed by anxiety, depression and social withdrawal.
The isolation makes the hearing loss even worse. Less social activities and interactions lead to cognitive decline (worse thinking and memory), leading to reduced work opportunities and earlier onset of dementia.
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The actual implant usually lasts a lifetime, but the external speech processor can be upgraded every 5 years or so (usually covered by private health insurance and DVA).
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You can take it off to swim, or cover it with a waterproof skin if you want to swim and hear at the same time.
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A Cochlear Implant does not restore normal hearing but it usually improves the hearing considerably.
Like hearing aids, it can be less effective in very noisy situations.
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There are two ways to get started:
Book a Cochlear Implant assessment with your local implant audiologist (Neurosensory Unit, Hear and Say Centre, Clarity Hearing and Balance)
Book an appointment with Dr McMonagle
It doesn’t matter which order these appointments occur- if there is any doubt as to suitability, then better to see Dr McMonagle first.
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We offer this as part of the patient journey before you undergo surgery.
It’s a great opportunity to speak to someone with a Cochlear Implant and ask real life questions about day to day life with a Cochlear Implant.
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The Cochlear Implant is usually switched on two weeks after your surgery.
This can be quite an emotional moment and it often signals the start of embracing life more fully with the benefit of better hearing.
We’ll be there to support you as you become accustomed to the new normal.
We’ll help you to “train” using audiobooks and apps to make the most of your bionic hearing.
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Advanced speech tests (comparing hearing with optimally fitted hearing aid to predicted CI results).
ABR test (checks the hearing nerve)
Balance tests (ensures there is no unexpected balance weakness in one/both of the ears).
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McMonagle is a specialist cochlear implant surgeon on the Gold Coast with over two decades of experience.
He performs cochlear implant surgery at Pindara Private Hospital with comprehensive pre-operative assessment and post-operative care including device activation and programming.
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Cochlear implants have a success rate of over 90% for appropriate candidates.
Most people report significantly improved hearing compared to hearing aids, with better speech clarity and ability to hear everyday sounds like television, footsteps, and phone conversations.
Success depends on factors like duration of hearing loss and commitment to auditory rehabilitation.
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You may be a good candidate for cochlear implants if you have severe to profound hearing loss, receive limited benefit from hearing aids, have realistic expectations, and are committed to post-implant rehabilitation.
Dr McMonagle can assess your candidacy through comprehensive hearing tests and medical evaluation on the Gold Coast.
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Hearing aids amplify sound, while cochlear implants bypass damaged hair cells and directly stimulate the auditory nerve.
Cochlear implants are better for people with severe hearing loss who struggle with conversation clarity despite optimally fitted hearing aids.
They provide clearer speech understanding and better performance in challenging listening situations.
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Cochlear implants can be very effective for sudden sensorineural hearing loss that doesn't respond to medical treatment.
If you've experienced sudden hearing loss and hearing aids don't provide adequate benefit, a cochlear implant evaluation may be recommended.
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Dr McMonagle works with all major cochlear implant manufacturers including Cochlear, Advanced Bionics, and MED-EL.
The choice of device depends on individual factors including hearing loss type, lifestyle needs, and anatomical considerations.
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During cochlear implant surgery, Dr McMonagle makes a small incision behind the ear, creates a pocket for the internal device, and carefully inserts the electrode array into the cochlea.
The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia using advanced surgical techniques and takes 2-3 hours.
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Cochlear implant mapping is the process of programming your device to optimise hearing.
This involves multiple appointments with an audiologist to adjust settings based on your hearing responses. Initial mapping occurs 2 weeks after surgery, with follow-up appointments for fine-tuning.
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Yes, cochlear implants can be very effective for age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) when hearing aids no longer provide adequate benefit. Many older adults experience significant improvement in communication and quality of life with cochlear implants.
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Auditory rehabilitation involves training your brain to interpret sounds from the cochlear implant. This includes listening exercises, speech therapy, and using apps and audiobooks to maximise your hearing potential.
Dr McMonagle's team provides comprehensive rehabilitation support.
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You can book a cochlear implant consultation with Dr McMonagle by calling (07) 5539 2399 or through local implant audiologists at Neurosensory Unit, Hear and Say Centre, or Clarity Hearing and Balance.
A GP referral is needed for Medicare claims.
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Medicare provides partial coverage for cochlear implant consultations with a valid GP referral.
Private health insurance (silver level or higher) typically covers the device, surgery, and hospital costs.
DVA also covers cochlear implants for eligible veterans.
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The internal cochlear implant device usually lasts a lifetime, while the external speech processor can be upgraded every 5-7 years. Most private health insurers and DVA cover processor upgrades, ensuring you have access to the latest technology.
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You can participate in most normal activities with a cochlear implant. Swimming requires removing the external processor or using a waterproof cover. Contact sports may need protective headgear. Dr McMonagle will discuss activity guidelines based on your lifestyle.
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Yes. Cochlear implants are approved for children from 12 months of age and can be highly effective when implanted early.
Dr McMonagle has extensive experience in paediatric cochlear implant surgery on the Gold Coast.
Early implantation gives children the best opportunity to develop speech and language.
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Dr Brent McMonagle is a specialist cochlear implant surgeon on the Gold Coast with over two decades of experience.
He performs cochlear implant surgery at Pindara Private Hospital with comprehensive pre-operative assessment, surgery, and post-operative care including device activation and programming.
There is also a new service at and publicly at the Gold Coast University Hospital,
What to expect from your cochlear implant journey
Every patient's journey is different, but here is what a typical pathway looks like from first assessment through to switch-on.
Audiology assessment A thorough hearing assessment before anything else. This includes advanced speech tests comparing your current hearing aid performance against predicted cochlear implant results, a check of the hearing nerve (ABR test), and balance tests to check for any unexpected weakness.
Imaging A CT scan of the temporal bones confirms the anatomy and ensures a cochlear implant can be safely inserted. An MRI of the brain is sometimes also required to assess the hearing and balance nerves.
Medical appointments Dr McMonagle will assess your history of hearing loss, examine your ears, and discuss whether a cochlear implant is right for you. For patients over 80, a geriatrician review is arranged to make sure anaesthetic and surgical risks are well managed.
You will also have the opportunity to meet someone who already has a cochlear implant. This is one of the most valuable parts of the process. Real questions, real answers, from someone living with one every day.
Surgery Performed under general anaesthetic, usually taking around two hours. Most patients stay overnight. There is a small incision behind the ear that heals with dissolving sutures, a head bandage for the first two days, and minimal pain. Most patients take little or no pain relief after the first 24 hours.
Recovery Reduced activity for two to three days, then back to normal. No heavy exertion for two weeks.
Switch-on Usually two weeks after surgery. The implant is activated and you hear through it for the first time. For many patients this is an emotional moment, and the beginning of a new relationship with sound. There is a learning curve, and Dr McMonagle's team will support you with training, apps and audiobooks to help your brain adjust and make the most of your hearing.
What changed:
Reads like a reassuring guide rather than a checklist
"Meet a recipient" given its own paragraph because it deserves it
Switch-on treated with the weight it deserves
Typo fixed
Dr McMonagle's name woven in naturally for both SEO and trust
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