Cochlear implants are a life-changing solution for those with higher degrees of irreversible hearing loss. It differs fundamentally from a hearing aid by directly stimulating the hearing nerve (the cochlear branch of the VIIIth cranial nerve), bypassing the cochlear hair cells commonly damaged in sensorineural deafness.

It consists of two main parts:

1. External Sound Processor: This component captures sounds from the environment and enhances the clarity of the audio.
2. Internal Implant: Surgically placed in the inner ear, this part converts the processed sounds into electrical signals and sends them to the auditory nerve.

This direct stimulation helps individuals with severe hearing loss perceive sounds more effectively

Cochlear Implants can be expensive, for a developing economy like India. With increasing awareness, funding is available through certain Govt. and Non-Government programmes, making it accessible for many. However, due to restricted inclusion criteria, long waiting lists and limited scope of services, a large majority of the population who need a cochlear implant, are not able to avail this funding.

The cost of ‘cochlear implantation’ extends beyond the device itself, which ranges from INR 5 to 17 lakhs depending on the model and brand. Here’s a breakdown of the key expenses involved in the treatment program:

Pre-Surgery Evaluations

• Audiological tests: INR 2,500 – 6,000
• Speech & Psychological evaluation: INR 1,000 – 3,000
• Radiology (CT/MRI): INR 6,000 – 12,000
• Additional medical check-ups: INR 3,000 – 6,000

Surgery & Hospital Fees

Depending on the hospital type and whether the implant is unilateral or bilateral, the surgical cost ranges from INR 2 – 4 lakhs. Insurance may cover part or all of these costs, so it’s worth consulting with your provider.

Post-Surgery Care

Immediate expenditures:

• Cochlear Implant Mapping/Programming (adjusting the stimulation through the cochlear implant for optimal hearing): INR 10,000 – 15,000 in the first year (for 5-6 sessions), reducing to INR 1,500 – 3,000 annually for follow-ups.
• Auditory habilitation: Training the brain to hear with a cochlear implant, even in adults who acquire hearing loss is essential, to derive benefit from the treatment. While adults and experienced listeners, may require only a few sessions to get acclimatised to the new hearing, children with congenital hearing loss require long-term and regular habilitation sessions to learn to hear as well as use hearing to develop verbal language. Depending on the therapy approach, session duration and frequency of sessions, the cost of auditory habilitation sessions can range between INR 1500 – 4500 per month, on an average.

Long-term expenditures:

• Cost of spares (like batteries, transmitting coils, antennas, etc) : INR 3000- INR 30000.
• External Processor servicing/repair ( after the warranty period of 3 years): around INR 15000 in the 4^th year, increasing upto INR 2-3 lakhs with increasing age of the processor
• Processor upgradation (Expected every 7-10 years): between INR 2.5 lakhs upto INR 6.5 lakhs

While cochlear implantation involves significant initial and long-term investments, the improvements in hearing and quality of life can be priceless. Get in touch with us to know various Govt. and non-Govt. funding options that you may avail through us.