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CNI Center for Hearing
Cochlear Implant Assistance Program
Many hearing-impaired individuals have needs that a hearing aid simply cannot meet. Medical research has shown that cochlear implants can be appropriate for patients of any age, starting as young as 12 months. And recent studies have shown that implants are one of the most cost-effective, advanced medical technologies available (learn more about cochlear implants at www.cochlear.com or www.bionicear.com or www.medel.com). Unfortunately, this amazing technology comes at a high price -- the average cost of the implant and procedure is approximately $85,000 and not all insurance companies recognize the benefits of the cochlear implant. In addition, some patients may not have any health insurance at all and may not qualify for government assistance programs.
In the spring of 2003, the Center for Hearing accepted the challenge of helping the financially challenged patients and their families obtain this life-enriching device by establishing the Cochlear Implant Assistance Program. Through a cooperative effort of Cochlear Americas, Advanced Bionics and Med-El, as well as a team of dedicated medical professionals, this program strives to assist qualified candidates needing cochlear implants. While the Cochlear Implant Assistance Program receives and awards no-charge implants, patients are still responsible for other costs associated with the procedure such as physician, hospital, anesthesiology, and audiological fees. The average out-of-pocket cost for candidates who receive an implant through the Cochlear Implant Assistance Program is approximately $10,000 - $20,000.
The supply of cochlear implants for this program is limited. CNI Center for Hearing's Cochlear Implant Assistance Program will submit a request to the manufacturer for an implant only if a completed application is approved by the Cochlear Implant Assistance Program. Availability of the cochlear implant will then be determined at the discretion of the manufacturer.
Here's what one mother told us about the experience of receiving a cochlear implant for her 3-year old son, Jason: "Your donation of a cochlear implant for Jason has impacted our family greatly. We have hit one roadblock after another in our pursuit of funding for this. You have shown us there is someone out there who will help. Your program has saved us. It has allowed us to give him an opportunity that will change his life forever."
Read more about patients who have been helped by the Cochlear Implant Assistance Program
Cochlear Implant Assistance Program Eligibility Criteria.
Application for the Cochlear Implant Assistance Program. [Download]
To download Adobe Reader, click below:
Cochlear Implant Assistance Program
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CNI Center for Hearing
Baha Assistance Program
While hearing aids are helpful for many individuals, there are some types of hearing loss for which conventional aids do not provide benefit. For some patients, conductive, mixed hearing loss or single-sided deafness may be helped with the Baha system which uses bone as a pathway for sound, bypassing the outer and middle ear.
The Baha system is the only implanted treatment for hearing loss that works through direct bone conduction. It allows sound to be processed by the cochlea without involving the outer ear or ear canal, enabling those with specific types of hearing loss to benefit from a natural transmission of sound. Unlike hearing aids, the Baha system does not rely on amplification; and unlike cochlear implants, it does not utilize electronic impulses to stimulate the cochlea.
Unfortunately, this amazing technology comes at a high price - the average cost of the Baha system and surgical procedure is approximately $18,500 and not all insurance companies recognize the benefits or are able to provide coverage for the procedure. In addition, some patients may not have any health insurance at all and may not qualify for government assistance programs.
In early 2006, the CNI Center for Hearing began helping financially-challenged patients and their families obtain this life-enriching device by establishing the Baha Assistance Program. Through a cooperative effort of CNI Center for Hearing, Cochlear Americas and a team of dedicated medical professionals, this program may be able to assist qualified candidates needing the Baha device. The Baha Assistance Program awards only the actual system itself (the internal and external components) - patients are still responsible for other costs associated with the procedure such as the physician, hospital, surgical, and audiological fees. The average out-of-pocket cost for candidates who receive a Baha device through the CNI Center for Hearing is approximately $10,000.
The supply of Baha devices for this program is limited. The CNI Center for Hearing will submit a request to the manufacturer for a device only if a completed application is approved by the Baha Assistance Program. Availability of the Baha device will then be determined at the discretion of the manufacturer.
Baha Assistance Program Eligibility Criteria.
Application for the Baha Assistance Program. [Download]
Baha Assistance Program Application
To download Adobe Reader, click below:
Baha Assistance Program
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CNI Center for Hearing
Angel Network
The time immediately following cochlear implant surgery can be financially overwhelming. The rehabilitation, though critical, is often quite costly and there are few options available to assist with the costs of vitally important speech, language and auditory/verbal therapy. The mission of the Angel Network is to assist with the financial needs of cochlear implant recipients in need of rehabilitation.
Angel Network Eligibility Criteria.
Angel Network Application [Download]
To download Adobe Reader, click below:
Angel Network
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