A significant number of deaf patients that have received cochlear implants now achieve higher word recognition scores then those with conventional auditory prostheses. This situation makes the choice of which type of auditory rehabilitation to propose a complex matter in patients with remaining auditory function. Our paper aims at providing some arguments to these new questions by presenting the clinical experience and practice of the Centre romand d'implants cochléaires. We also address related legal issues. Clinical tools, such as testing the comprehension of lists of logatoms have proved very useful for the evaluation of these particular patients. The evaluation of cochlear implant candidates remains a highly individualized process, necessitating a case by case approach by an experienced multidisciplinary cochlear implant team.