Short version I’m in a position that my ENT wants to put in a cochlear implant in my right ear when they go in to do some other work. I have had no hearing in my right ear in 20 years and have tinnitus in both for the last 25 years. Looking for someone else that has had hearing loss and received the implant. How long have you had it? Is it worth all the hassle and expenses? Does the garbling sounds ever disappear? How comfortable are they? How differently do people look at you for wearing it?
To add to this. I’ve only noticed one person who had cochlear implants, and only really noticed because she also had a speech impediment (then I noticed the “hearing aids” that didn’t look like most hearing aids). Her hair partially covered them and I wouldn’t have noticed at all if I hadn’t been interacting with her.
I do notice more hearing aids and such these days, possibly because I’m getting older and am aware of what my near future holds. I don’t think most people will care too much.