FUNDING FOR HEARING IMPLANTS

Cochlear Implants are medical devices that are fully covered by private health insurers. There may be associated surgical and professional fees that leave a small out-of-pocket expense gap.

You will need to discuss this with your private health fund once the surgeon and audiologist have provided you with billing codes.

A full and detailed cost of your hearing implant and procedure will be explained to you after we have determined which device would best suit you.

At Medical Audiology, follow-up rehabilitation services are bulk-billed to Medicare. However, there may be private costs associated with out-of-warranty device repairs.

The cost of the surgical procedure and hospital costs may depend on your level of insurance. Please check with your private health fund to confirm your eligibility.

Most hearing implant devices are funded by state government to eligible persons. There is normally a waiting period involved with accessing this funding but it covers all hospital treatment, implantable devices and professional services for the most part. Your GP or audiologist can advise you on this process.

DVA may cover the costs associated with hearing implants. More information can be found from DVA (www.dva.gov.au).

If you are a participant in the NDIS and your plan identifies the need for certain hearing services, your National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) Planner may refer you to the Hearing Services Program. Find out more about what the NDIS means for clients of the program. Go to www.hearingservices.gov.au

You may opt to cover the full cost of implantation and follow-up care. Your surgeon or audiologist can discuss these costs with you.

Other costs associated with cochlear implants and other hearing implants includes;

• batteries
• replaceable parts
• out-of-warranty service and repair costs.
• upgrade of the sound processor.

Please note implantable devices and parts come with warranty periods from 1 to 3 years. Associated accessories are covered for up to 90 days.