When hearing aids aren’t enough: a plain-English guide to cochlear implants
A cochlear implant is considered when hearing aids no longer provide adequate amplification or clarity. Northside Audiology’s implant program offers full support, from initial assessment and rehabilitation through to lifetime care, for implantable hearing devices such as cochlear implants and bone conduction implants.
For some people, there comes a point where hearing aids simply aren’t giving them enough. If your aids no longer provide adequate amplification or clarity, it doesn’t mean you’re out of options; it means it’s time for a review.
“My hearing aids don’t help. What can I do?”
The first step is to revisit your audiologist for a review of your hearing. When hearing aids aren’t enough, Northside Audiology has a number of experienced Implant Audiologists who will work with you throughout your journey, from that first conversation through to long-term care.
Cochlear implant vs hearing aid
The difference matters. A hearing aid amplifies sound, and works well while there’s enough healthy hearing to build on. A cochlear implant is an implantable device used when amplification alone no longer delivers clear speech. Northside also supports bone conduction implants, another type of implantable hearing device, as part of its implant program.
The steps toward an implant
- Initial audiology evaluation. Book an assessment with a Northside Implant Audiologist to determine whether you’re a candidate and which implant suits you.
- Team decision and surgery planning. Northside works closely with the ENT surgeon to review all findings and plan the next steps.
From there, the implant program provides full support through rehabilitation and lifetime care, so the follow-up that shapes your long-term result happens with the same team.
What does a cochlear implant cost in Australia?
Cost shouldn’t prevent cochlear implantation. Most device costs for a cochlear implant in Australia are covered by private hospital insurance, with possible gap fees for the hospital, surgeon and initial activation. Ongoing costs are minimal and often covered by Medicare, with some public funding available. Contact Northside Audiology for details specific to your situation.
Key facts
- Cochlear implants are considered when hearing aids no longer provide adequate amplification or clarity.
- Most cochlear implant device costs are covered by private hospital insurance, with possible gap fees; ongoing costs are minimal and often covered by Medicare.
- Northside Audiology’s implant program provides full support, from initial assessment and rehabilitation to lifetime care.
Frequently asked questions
My hearing aids don’t help anymore. What should I do?
Revisit your audiologist for a review of your hearing. Northside has experienced Implant Audiologists who guide you through the whole journey.
What’s the first step toward a cochlear implant?
An initial audiology evaluation with an Implant Audiologist to determine whether you’re a candidate and which implant suits you.
How much does a cochlear implant cost?
Most device costs are covered by private hospital insurance, with possible gap fees; ongoing costs are minimal and often covered by Medicare, with some public funding available.
What is a bone conduction implant?
It’s another type of implantable hearing device that Northside Audiology supports alongside cochlear implants, as part of its implant program.
Book an appointment. Medicare rebates available with a current doctor’s referral.