CNI Center for Hearing
Outreach & Support
Cochlear & Baha Assistance Program
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Note: If you wish to
donate to Cochlear &
Baha Assistance
Program, please
indicate this wish
in the special
instructions box.
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The cost of the cochlear implant procedure is the greatest deterrent to patients in need. The combination of the device itself, plus the fees associated with the surgical, hospital and audiological services, totals more than $65,000 for implants which are sometimes, but not always, covered by private insurance. Medicaid and Medicare generally cover cochlear implants, but families that work and have no health insurance are usually ineligible for government assistance. This is where the Cochlear Implant Assistance Program can help.
For some patients with single-sided deafness, neither cochlear implants nor hearing aids are appropriate. For these individuals, the bone-anchored or "Baha" device is the most effective means of restoring hearing. The combination of the device itself, plus the fees associated with the surgical, hospital and audiological services, totals approximately $20,000. Often, these devices are not covered by private insurance and the out-of-pocket costs are frequently prohibitive to lower- and moderate-income families. The Baha Assistance Program was designed to help these individuals.
Both the Cochlear Implant and Baha Assistance Programs accept applications from permanent, legal US residents (adults and children) who do not have the resources to obtain the appropriate technology. The programs assess the financial needs of the recipient and administer the donated devices. Approximately 90% of those who submit a completed application are assisted. To date, dozens of devices have been awarded, with several of those being given to local Colorado children. While the devices themselves are donated to CNI from the manufacturers, the programs are seeking financial support to cover administrative costs.
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