It's no secret that healthcare costs in the United States are high. When it comes to knowing the price of a specific procedure, it often feels like a guessing game, with no certainty as to whether insurance will cover the costs.
If you've ever seen a doctor only to receive a bill much higher than expected, you know exactly what this is like.
The issue of hearing health costs has garnered increasing interest in recent years. In the coming years, the U.S. population will include a very large number of elderly people. The aging population, combined with the high cost of care, raises questions about the price of interventions for these patients.
Here's a detailed look at the price of cochlear implants, the factors that contribute to it, and everything you need to know about them. Whether you're simply curious or considering getting one, this article should shed light on the true cost of cochlear implants.
What makes up the price of a cochlear implant
Most hearing aids, such as hearing aids, have a clear price because they are non-invasive. With an implant, however, the cost is much higher, simply because surgery is required.
Here's an overview of the different factors that make up the real cost of a cochlear implant and explain why it can reach the price of a luxury car.
The pre-operative assessment
Before any surgical procedure, a comprehensive pre-operative assessment is essential. It ensures that the patient is a good candidate for the operation. It is crucial to evaluate their general health and any specific needs they may have.
During the pre-operative assessment for a cochlear implant, the doctor will likely explain the risks of the procedure and the expected outcomes, then perform a medical examination. This usually aims to determine if you are a good candidate for a cochlear implant. Your family history, list of allergies, and other important information to know before the operation may also be collected.
Cost of equipment
The second factor weighing on the price of a cochlear implant is the devices themselves. Medical devices are often very expensive because they go through long and costly approval procedures designed to ensure their safety for the public.
A cochlear implant has two main parts: an external unit and an internal unit. The internal unit consists of an electrode array, a receiver, and other electronic components implanted in the body during surgery.
The external unit includes a microphone, a processor, a transmitter, and a battery. The two units work together to allow the person to perceive sounds.
Cost of the procedure
One of the most expensive parts of a cochlear implant remains the operation itself. Surgical procedures are known to be costly, which largely explains the importance of health insurance.
For cochlear implant surgery, several costs are involved for a single operation. First, everyone involved must be compensated: the anesthesiologist, the surgeon, and all the staff present in the operating room.
Then comes the equipment needed for the procedure: anesthetics, instruments, sutures, not to mention the operating room itself. Add in administrative fees, and it quickly becomes clear why the bill climbs.
Postoperative costs
Once the operation is finished, you will be in the recovery room for a period before going home, to rule out any serious postoperative complications. You might think your wallet is safe, but the postoperative period can also incur expenses.
The main postoperative costs associated with a cochlear implant concern the materials needed for scar care, medication, as well as the cost of any accommodations you might need, such as grocery delivery. During the three-to-six-week recovery period, your hearing will be very limited, if not nonexistent. You will need to make arrangements accordingly.
The activation appointment
The activation appointment is when the audiologist provides you with the external unit and turns on the implant for the very first time. During this session, they adjust the device to your preferences so that sounds are not too loud and are as clear as possible.
This first activation appointment can take time and, consequently, incur a cost, as you are paying for the audiologist's time and the use of the adjustment equipment.
Does insurance cover cochlear implants?
With a price tag ranging from $30,000 to $100,000, cochlear implants would be out of reach for most people without borrowing money. While the initial cost is very high, the FDA indicates that many insurance plans actually cover cochlear implants because they are considered a standard treatment for severe to profound hearing loss.
Even though many insurance plans cover them, it is essential to check with your insurer and based on your situation. Given the amount involved, the healthcare facility usually obtains prior authorization to ensure that the procedure and associated costs are covered before proceeding.
For the patient, this is reassuring: you know exactly what you will be responsible for, instead of blindly guessing what insurance will cover until you receive the bill.
Unexpected costs
As with any investment, unexpected costs can arise. A cochlear implant presents many of the same potential pitfalls as conventional hearing aids, but the added complexity of the internal unit opens the door to more unexpected expenses.
Below are some of the potential additional costs of a cochlear implant:
Water damage
Everyone knows that electronics and water don't mix, and the same goes for hearing aids. The internal unit is completely sealed under the skin, but the external processor is fully exposed to the environment. If it is not protected in a waterproof casing, it can therefore be damaged by water.
After a while, wearing your cochlear implant will become second nature. It is then not impossible to forget to remove the external unit before entering a pool, taking a shower, or engaging in any other activity involving water.
Some devices are waterproof or water-resistant, but it is still best to get into the habit of removing them whenever you risk coming into contact with water.
Implant replacement
Another unexpected, relatively rare cost occurs if the device malfunctions. This can affect both the internal and external units. Most manufacturers usually offer a warranty to help cover the costs. But if the internal unit fails, a new operation will most likely be necessary to replace it.
This scenario is very rare, so you probably don't need to worry about it, but it's important to know that the possibility exists.
Loss or breakage
The last unexpected cost concerns the loss or damage of the external unit. The loss of the device is a common fear among parents of children with cochlear implants.
Many implanted children had congenital hearing loss, which caused them to lose their hearing very early. While loss is less often an issue for implanted adults, it is still possible.
Fortunately, the external units of cochlear implants offer some interchangeability and can be upgraded; however, losing or breaking a unit can be expensive. Some companies offer insurance for the device, which can cover loss or breakage and protect you from these expenses.
The price of the device and the operation
Overall, a cochlear implant is by no means cheap. Its high cost is due to the price of the procedure, the device itself, and all the care and maintenance before and after implantation. In the United States, these devices cost between $30,000 and $100,000.
While they represent a significant investment for people with profound hearing loss, they are often covered by insurance and offer a level of hearing that no hearing aid or other assistive device could achieve.
Sources
Who is a cochlear implant candidate? | The Hearing Journal
Frequently Asked Questions | FDA
Cochlear Implant Surgery | Johns Hopkins Medicine
