The overall cost of cochlear implantation is made up of different components.
Funding Pathways
Funding Pathways for cochlear implants in Australia
How much does a cochlear implant cost?
Cochlear implantation includes several necessary medical services and procedures that are provided over time by a team of clinicians. The overall cost is made up of different components.
- Audiologist appointments
- ENT specialist appointments and associated medical imagining
- Surgery expenses and post-operative care
- Cochlear implant device cost
- Post-operative appointments and sound processor activation
- Ongoing care and maintenance of a cochlear implant sound processor
In Australia, Medicare helps to fund the consultations with all specialists and in some instances may cover the entire appointment. Medicare however does not cover the cost of a cochlear implant system.
The cost of a cochlear implant is generally funded in the following ways:
Private Health Insurance
If you have a private health insurance (hospital) policy covering implantation of hearing devices, the cochlear implant system may be fully reimbursed. Exact coverage of hospital and surgical procedures will depend on your level of cover, and it is best to ask the following questions to your fund directly:
- Does my policy cover cochlear implant surgery and the prosthesis?
- Are there any restrictions or waiting periods?
- Are there any known out of pocket costs?
- What is the sound processor replacement policy?
State Government Funding
A limited number of cochlear implants are funded in each state per calendar year. There are usually more restrictive eligibility criteria due to the limited funding as well as a waiting list. For more information, please speak to your hearing care professional directly or contact Hearing Implants Australia.
Department of Veterans Affairs
DVA may cover the costs associated with cochlea implants, including implantation and sound processor upgrades. For more information, please contact Hearing Implants Australia or DVA for further information (www.dva.gov.au)
Self-Funded
You may be able to self-finance the cost of a cochlear implant system, as well as the associated specialist and surgical costs. It is important that you discuss this option with your clinical team, so you are aware of all of the costs involved.
Ongoing Care & Maintenance
Cochlear implant sound processors will require ongoing maintenance and repairs. External speech processors are generally covered by a standard manufacturer warranty; however, it is recommended that the sound processor is insured against loss through your home and contents insurance.
As technology improves and new innovations become available the external sound processor will be able to be upgraded without any additional surgery.
There are several potential funding pathways for this which may include:
- Private health insurance
- DVA
- Self funding
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
N.B. The NDIS does not cover the costs of a cochlear implant system or surgery. However, funding may be allocated for ongoing auditory rehabilitation, assistive listening devices or for upgrades of speech processors. For more specific advice please talk to your hearing health provider.
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