Deaconess Hospital in Cincinnati, OH Cochlear Implant Surgery Cost (2024)

FAQs

How much do cochlear implants cost near Ohio? ›

The total costs of cochlear implants, including the devices, surgery and rehabilitation, range from $50,000 to $100,000, according to experts. Fortunately, cochlear implants are covered at least in part by most private insurance companies, as well as by Medicare and Medicaid.

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.

Part B will pay for 80% of the cost of cochlear implants if you're eligible for them after reaching your deductible. In 2024, the Part B deductible is $240. Without a Medicare Supplement plan, you'll need to pay the full 20% not covered by Medicare, which averages to $1,800 for cochlear implants.

If you don't see specific mention of cochlear implant coverage in your policy, check with your insurer directly as there still may be coverage in your policy. Sometimes insurance companies incorrectly categorize cochlear implants as hearing aids, which can result in an inappropriate denial.

Transformative treatment

The total cost of a cochlear implant for one ear, including the surgery, is £22,919 and for two ears, it is £37,904. Dr Roger Wicks, director of policy and campaigns at Action on Hearing Loss, said he welcomed the guidance changes.

Key Takeaways: Cochlear Implants vs. Hearing Aids. Cochlear implants help deaf or hard-of-hearing people interpret sound, but they do not restore typical hearing. Hearing aids make sound louder, while cochlear implants directly stimulate the auditory nerve to allow the brain to process sound.

They don't restore your hearing, but they can improve your ability to understand speech and hear other sounds. Cochlear implants work by creating a new pathway in your ear.

Mild intermittent pain may occur during the first two weeks, particularly above or in from of the ear, when chewing. If the skin around the surgical area is sensitive, it may be covered with several fluffed-up gauze pads for cushioning.

The internal device is designed to last for your lifetime, and the manufacturers offer a ten year warranty, with some restrictions. While rare, internal devices can and do fail. For adults who received implants as young children, a device failure offers the opportunity to upgrade the internal device.

Ultimately, it comes down to the regulations where you live. But the general rule is the sooner, the better. And for children whose hearing loss is progressive, it doesn't matter if they're two or ten or even older when they receive cochlear implants—as long as their hearing loss is treated in a timely manner.

Why are cochlear so expensive? ›

Cochlear implants are one of the most successful yet expensive medical implants available, with the cost of the implant alone often exceeding 25,000 USD (Nadège et al. 2011). Part of the reason why these implants are costly is that manufacturers often have little incentive to make their implants affordable.

Children with inner ear abnormality (for example, Michel malformation in which the cochlea does not develop, or complete absence of the cochlear nerve) cannot receive cochlear implants.

Average Cost of Cochlear Implants

The total costs of cochlear implants, including the devices, surgery and rehabilitation, range from $50,000 to $100,000, according to experts. Fortunately, cochlear implants are covered at least in part by most private insurance companies, as well as by Medicare and Medicaid.

Therefore, patients with hearing losses greater than or equal to 60 dB HL (pure tone average 0.5, 1k, 2kHz) and speech understanding less than or equal to 60%,⁸ should be considered for a referral for a cochlear implant evaluation.

The person should be completely or almost completely deaf in both ears and get almost no improvement with hearing aids. Anyone who can hear well enough with hearing aids is not a good candidate for cochlear implants. The person needs to be highly motivated.

Hearing aids do not require surgery and are best suited for people with less severe hearing loss and fair speech understanding. Cochlear implants require surgery and are best suited for people with more severe hearing loss in one or both ears and poor speech understanding.