I had a CI evaluation in 2011 (hearing test the same as now, completely deaf left ear) and wasn’t qualified because of my “too good” hearing in my better ear (100% WRS). Even obtained second opinion in another place.
Roughly 1.5 years later, in 2013, I had a routine appointment with the same physician audiologist as before (this is a nonsurgical, more specialized branch of ENT in my country).
She told me the guidelines (or positive scientific evidence was appeared, I don’t recall) changed and then I could be qualified. I agreed.
Somewhat better, so this all depends on each individual, my sister who has 2 Ci’s could not hear the smoke alarm while standing right under it, my other sister who has 1 Ci, does have very poor word recognition, totally different from each other.
I realize your question is sent to kgmgpm, but I have an AB CI and my word recognition after CI in booth testing (perfect scenario) went from about 60 to 95%. Nothing is guaranteed, of course, but its a heck of a lot better now and it allowed me to continue to work! Requesting a referral for a no-commitment CI evaluation might be helpful to provide you some more info for your specific situation. Getting the eval doesn’t mean you have to get the CI!