After the Cochlear Implant, Other Costs
Tuesday July 22, 2008
FatiSurraiya's son has just received a cochlear implant, but she is worried about the ongoing costs associated with the new cochlear implant (hearing aids have ongoing costs too). She asked on the forum "does anybody know if there is any organization worldwide which could help such parents who are unable to pay expenses for CI?" I am aware of organizations that help parents get cochlear implants in the first place, but not aware of any that help with the ongoing costs such as batteries, dry aid supplies, auditory training, et cetera.
Comments
I am going to assume that this child is in the US? I know that in Canada, the implant is funded, as is auditory training. Supplies such as batteries may be funded, depending on where the person lives (what province) and on income etc. I would have two suggestions, one would be to speak with the provider of the CI and the other would be to look at rechargeable batteries. I know that Cochlear corp has rechargeable batteries for their ear level processors.
Many insurance companies cover cochlear implantations as well as ongoing parts. I don’t know of any insurance company that covers the audiology fees, except Medicaid. If you do not have private insurance you may be able to get your child on Medicaid or a state health insurance plan that will cover the costs. I do recommend the rechargeable batteries, but those need to be replaced periodically as well. Good luck!
Perhaps the Sertoma Club or Lions Club would be willing to help with the cost of additional CI Supplies. I know the primary goal of Sertoma is hearing-related. Primary goal of Lions is sight-related, but they frequently help in hearing-related concerns.
rechargeable are the best way to go there not as heavy to wear and a charge lasts 16 hours didnt you receive some with your starter kit. I did and love them there cost is high at first but well worth it when you figure how much batteries are. The small cost for supplies is worth being able to hear and understand.
My child has the 3G BTE, the rechargable batteries are not compatable. My ins. comp. considers batteries a “disposible durable medical equipment” and doesn’t cover them. I do have a flexable spending account and purchase them with that money. That is $300 a year. I couldn’t afford the extended warranty offer either.(bilateral, plus a backup) I am having to purchase a “refurbished” processor for the 2nd time since the warranty wore off.(dropped,”ear” one too many times!!)That is $500. We can’t afford it, but we can’t afford much of anything these days either. We make sacrifices so our child can hear and will continue to do so gladly!