Cochlear implant funding options

Cochlear implant funding in Australia and New Zealand.

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For more than 40 years, we’ve remained steadfast in our mission to help more people hear and be heard, driven by our belief that everyone deserves an opportunity to connect to the world of sound. As the global leader in implantable hearing solutions, our focus is to help increase access and reimbursement towards the cost of Cochlear hearing technology for those that need it.1

There are different funding options available for candidates in Australia and New Zealand, which may cover the costs of cochlear implants in full. However, people are often unaware that they are eligible and don’t know how to access funding.

Misconceptions about cochlear implant funding

There are some common misconceptions when it comes to cochlear implant funding. If you have been recommended for a cochlear implant, you may think:
“I will have to pay the entire cost of the cochlear implant myself.”
“Getting a cochlear implant is much more expensive than a hearing aid”.
“I will need top private health cover with extras to cover the cost of a cochlear implant.”

Did you know there are publicly funded Cochlear Implant Programs in Australia and New Zealand?

These public programs may provide you with fully funded Cochlear™ Nucleus® Implants and Sound Processors, along with many other benefits.2-6 Furthermore, you may be entitled to additional funding if you have appropriate private hospital cover or if you have an Australian Gold or White Veterans Card.

Disclaimer

Please seek advice from your health professional about treatments for hearing loss. Outcomes may vary, and your health professional will advise you about the factors which could affect your outcome. Always follow the directions for use. Not all products are available in all countries. Please contact your local Cochlear representative for product information.

For a full list of Cochlear’s trademarks, please visit our Terms of Use page.

In Australia, Cochlear™ Nucleus® implant systems are intended for the treatment of moderately severe to profound hearing loss.

In Australia, Baha® bone conduction implant systems are intended for the treatment of moderate to profound hearing loss.

In Australia, the Cochlear™ Osia® System is indicated for patients with conductive, mixed hearing loss and single-sided sensorineural deafness (SSD) aged 10 years and above with up to 55 decibels sensorineural hearing loss. Patients should have sufficient bone quality and quantity to support successful implant placement. Surgery is required to use this product. Any surgical procedure carries risk.

For Cochlear™ Nucleus®, Osia® and Baha® systems: This product is not available for purchase by the general public. For information on funding and reimbursement please contact your health care professional.

Any testimonial featured on this website is intended for an Australian audience only.

References

  1. Cochlear Limited Annual Report 2023 [Internet]. Cochlear Limited; (2023), [cited 8 February 2024]. Available from: https://assets.cochlear.com/api/public/content/db4f441469aa4263acccdfc23980d21b?v=ce8bbd15
  2. Cochlear Implant Services for adults [Internet]. Next Sense; (2023), [cited 8 February 2024]. Available from: https://www.nextsense.org.au/assets/downloads/NextSense-Cochlear-Implants-For-Adults.pdf
  3. Mater Cochlear Implant Clinic [Internet]. Mater Health; (2024), [cited 8 February 2024]. Available from: https://www.mater.org.au/health/what-we-do/audiology/mater-cochlear-implant-clinic
  4. Audiology [Internet]. Fiona Stanley Fremantle Hospitals Group; (2023), [cited 8 February 2024]. Available from: https://www.fsfhg.health.wa.gov.au/Our-services/Audiology
  5. Audiology Clinic at Flinders Medical Centre [Internet]. SA Health; [cited 8 February 2024]. Available from: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/services/hospitals/flinders+medical+centre/services+and+clinics+at+flinders+medical+centre/outpatient+clinics+at+flinders+medical+centre/audiology+clinic+at+flinders+medical+centre
  6. Victorian Cochlear Implant Company [Internet]. The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital; (2023), [cited 8 February 2024]. Available from: https://eyeandear.org.au/patients-visitors/fact-sheets/victorian-cochlear-implant-program/