Cochlear implant referral criteria for audiologists and audiometrists, and how we work with you.
When to Refer for an Implant Assessment
Hearing Health Professionals
The frontline to better hearing
As your client’s audiologist or audiometrist, you’re often the first to notice when hearing aids are no longer enough. Candidacy criteria have widened in recent years. Clients who were once told nothing more could be done may now be suitable for an implant. This includes clients with previous ear disease or surgery.
If you’re unsure whether a client is ready for an assessment, we’re always happy to talk it through.
When to refer?
Keeping up with implant technology and candidacy can be hard if you don’t work with implants every day. A client’s own description of their daily hearing difficulties is often the clearest sign. Consider a referral if your client or their family reports:
- Limited benefit with appropriately fitted hearing aids
- Difficulty on the telephone
- Reliance on visual cues for successful communication
- Family and friends report that the patient experiences communication difficulties even with the use of amplification
- Patient has family make appointments for them
- Patient reports that noise significantly impacts speech perception
General Candidacy Guidelines
The guidelines below show when to consider a referral for an implant assessment. You don’t need to be certain your client is a candidate. That’s what the assessment is for.
Why refer to Hearing Implants Australia?
Only around 1 in 10 Australian adults who could benefit from a cochlear implant has one. Many are never referred for an assessment.
When you refer to us, you stay part of your client’s care. We send you a clear clinical report after each key appointment. We’re also happy to discuss shared clients at any time.
We also run regular education sessions and breakfast meetings for referring audiologists, covering candidacy, new technology and case discussions.
If you need more information about candidacy criteria, click here for cochlear implants, and here for bone conduction implants.
Explore Specific Device Information
We offer detailed insights on each hearing device, including functionality, suitability, and personalised recommendations based on individual hearing needs.
Get in touch
Whether you’re a patient, GP or health professional, our team is here to help. Contact us to make a referral, ask about hearing implants, or learn more about our services.
Referring a patient? Send referrals by email to [email protected]. Please include recent audiology results where available.
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