Cochlear costs can be kept to virtually zero

COSTING about $ 30,000, cochlear implants are very expensive, but there are several avenues of funding that can also be pursued.

Cochlear implants, and other implantable devices must be inserted surgically by an ear, nose and throat specialist, while the removable speech processor is fitted and programmed by an audiologist.

Funding is available through the public health system, so fitting doesn’t incur any cost if the patient meets fairly strict criteria, which can include the severity of loss and impairment. But there can be a substantial waiting period. One of the easiest avenues for patients to access funding is through their private health insurance coverage.

Many people mistakenly believe that a cochlear implant ( and other implantable devices) is covered by the “Extras” portion of their policy, such as hearing aids and glasses. They therefore may not pursue implantable devices if they don’t have the “Extras” cover under their policy.

But cochlear implants and other implantable devices are actually classified as a medical prosthesis, so are in fact covered by the “Hospital” portion of their insurance policy. A patient can potentially have basic hospital coverage and be eligible to have the majority of the cost for implant surgery and the speech processor covered by their policy.

But such as where an implant is obtained, which surgeon is used and the details of the private health insurance policy also need to be considered. For example, with excess levels, there are variations with potential gaps that may need to be paid.

Clarity Hearing Solutions works with ear, nose and throat surgeons to keep the costs incurred by patients for cochlear and other implantable devices as close to zero as possible.

This can be managed through a combination of Medicare bulk billing and private health insurance billing.

Furthermore, most private health insurers will cover replacement speech processors every three to five years as required.

Regional patients outside of Townsville, who require travel for surgery or consultations, can also access funding through their local hospital to assist with the cost of accommodation and travel.