Nobody has mentioned the physical discomfort of wearing hearing aids; I thought that was often a problem?

re cochlear implants which have been mentioned twice in this discussion thread: as I understand it,there isn't just a "risk" of destroying any existent hearing but an inevitability so they would only be used for profound loss. People with implants have to use an external hearing aid linked to the implant. Adults find it very difficult to learn to recognise the new sounds - implants work better for deaf children than for deaf adults. The friend of mine who has an implant says it is useless for music; he has to take it out when listening to music (He has an ordinary hearing aid for his other ear that doesn't have an implant). He plays guitar by using electronic tuner and memorizing chords and he sings rather out of tune.

I read about a profoundly deaf boy who hopes to become a professional cello player, but I note that he is looking towards a career as a soloist. (see message above from Red and White Rabbit)