Hearing Devices

Cochlear implant (CI) surgery requires general anesthesia and the procedure for one ear lasts about 2 to 3 hours. Surgery is usually completed as an outpatient procedure but may include a one-night stay in the hospital.

Bilateral Implants

In some instances, children receive bilateral devices (one implant in each ear).

The child may be implanted in both ears in one surgery (simultaneous) or may have each ear implanted at different times (sequential). The cochlear implant team will discuss the recommendations and options for the patient (simultaneous or sequential implantation) with the family.

Post-Surgery and Follow-Up

It generally takes 3 to 5 weeks for the surgical incision to heal, but most children resume normal activities within days after the surgery.

During the time between surgery and implant activation, the child will not be able to wear the hearing aid(s) in the implanted ear(s). If a hearing aid is worn in a non-implanted ear, the child should continue to wear this aid during the time between surgery and activation.

Some children receive bimodal stimulation, which means they continue to wear a hearing aid in their non-implanted ear after the implant is activated. This can improve their ability to determine from which direction a sound is coming (localization) and improve speech understanding in noisy environments.

Activation and Programming

1-4 weeks after surgery, the child will return to the clinic to have the device activated for the first time. Cochlear implant activation is typically a two-day process.

• Ten to twenty return visits are often needed within the first year in order to program the speech processor, evaluate outcomes, and provide auditory training or aural habilitation.
• Follow-up audiology and speech-language services maximize a child's potential for the development of auditory and spoken language skills.

Children require long-term support services from a number of professionals for educational and speech-language development after the first year of cochlear implant usage.

The combined costs for pre-implant evaluations, the implant device, surgery and post-surgical fittings are dependent on an individual's needs and the center that performs the surgery.

How much do cochlear implants cost?

Cochlear implants are more expensive than hearing aids. The average cost of cochlear implants can range from $30,000 to $50,000 without insurance. Most major insurance agencies and federal insurance programs provide coverage for cochlear implants.

Costs can be quite significant and may seem overwhelming. Most private and group medical insurance policies cover the cost of the device and surgery, but out of pocket costs may still be incurred.

Does insurance cover cochlear implants?

Most major insurance companies, Medicare, and Medicaid include benefits which cover the cost of cochlear implants. Medicare, Tricare, the Veteran's Administration, and all other federal health care plans provide benefits for cochlear implants. All state Medicaid agencies are required to cover cochlear implant costs for children under 21. To find out if your insurance will cover the cost of cochlear implants and any out-of-pocket costs you will incur, speak with your insurance plan provider or cochlear implant center.

What programs are available to help families afford cochlear implants?

Some organizations assist families with limited financial resources and insurance. The Disabled Children's Relief Fund and the Foundation for Sight and Sound are just two examples. Work with your cochlear implant center to find an organization that fits your family's needs. Your audiologist or early intervention team can help you find benefits for which you and your family qualify.

What factors are included in the cost of cochlear implants?

The total cost of a cochlear implant will include several factors of the cochlear implant candidacy process including:

• Pre-Implant Evaluations
• Cochlear Implant Surgery
• Surgery Follow-Up and Device Activation
• Aural Habilitation/Rehabilitation