- Q. Dear Rabbi Shlit’a. Can one blow shofar for an elderly individual that has a cochlear implant on only one ear? Can one recite the Bracha?

A. On question 3306 we wrote:

Q. I’m considering using a cochlear implant will that be any different? Should I install it only on one ear?
A. See question 2013; A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that electrically stimulates the cochlear nerve (nerve for hearing). The implant has external and internal parts. The external part sits behind the ear. It picks up sounds with a microphone. It then processes the sound and transmits it to the internal part of the implant.

Inserting a cochlear implant destroys any residual hearing in the operated ear. Thus, one can not turn back.
Doctors recommend that a person should be completely or almost completely deaf in both ears, and get almost no improvement with hearing aids. Anyone who can hear well enough with hearing aids is not a good candidate for cochlear implants. Therefore, if one uses them he cannot comply with the mitzva of Shofar and cannot blow for others.

If he has only an implant on one ear, if he can disconnect the electricity source or plug that ear, Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that he can still comply if he can still hear a little with the other.

Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a also rules in Maayonei Shlomo (O.H. 77) in regard to the use of cochlear implants, that in order to comply with kiddush a wife or daughter should say it quietly herself, but she does not have to hold a cup of wine in her hand if it is embarrassing. It is also preferable that one should make an effort to drink some of the wine or grape juice.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a

Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller, Horav Dovid Pam, Horav Aharon Miller and Horav Chanoch Ehrentreu and Horav Kalman Ochs Shlit’a