Costs Associated with Cochlear Implants

Costs associated with cochlear implantation will include preoperative, surgical, postoperative programming and ongoing expenses, as well as the cost of any necessary (re)habilitation. Preoperative costs include medical and audiological evaluations, a CT scan, and in some cases, costs associated with a hearing aid trial, including therapy. Costs related to the surgical procedure include those of the device itself, operating room supplies, as well as physicians’ fees (surgeon and anesthesiologist). Post-operative costs include programming the device, usually five to six visits during the first three months. These costs may total from $50,000 to $100,000, depending on a number of medical and non-medical factors.

All implant external devices are warrantied for a period of three years. However, the warranties do not include cables and of course batteries must be purchased. Purchase of an extended maintenance contract from the manufacturer is strongly advised at the end of the warranty period. Insurance and maintenance contracts can also be purchased from specialized insurance companies. Currently these contracts are priced at around $300-400 per year. These types of items represent the ongoing costs associated with cochlear implantation over the long term.

Health insurance coverage for cochlear implant services has improved greatly in recent years, with the majority of commercial health plans and managed care organizations now providing benefits for the procedure and related services, including programming and aural rehabilitation. Federal and state laws (such as the Americans with Disabilities Act) prohibiting exclusionary insurance policies that deprive cochlear implant candidates from the only opportunity to alleviate their hearing loss.

Medicare, the Veteran’s Administration, and all other federal health plans provide benefits for all cochlear implant services. Federal law requires that all state Medicaid agencies provide coverage for cochlear implants for children under 21 years old, and most provide benefits for adults as well. Vocational rehabilitation, maternal and children’s health services, and other combined federal-state programs also often provide benefits.

Cochlear implantation consistently ranks among the most cost-effective medical procedures reported. Studies indicate that cochlear implantation can eliminate much of the $1 million expected lifetime cost to society of a child who uses only sign language.

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