When a person has such a severe loss that they are struggling hear even in a one on one conversation, we refer them to one of the cochlear implant centers in the Bay Area. A cochlear implant consists of electrodes implanted into the inner ear and an externally worn processor that looks like a large behind the ear hearing aid. Wearers learn to hear again over a series of months and follow up appointments for programming. The results have gotten better and better since the FDA approved cochlear implants over 20 years ago.