Below is a summary of Australian Hearing’s protocols regarding the provision of implantable devices (other than cochlear implants) to eligible clients.
To be considered for a fully-subsidised implantable device (other than cochlear implant) supplied by Australian Hearing, the client will:
• Be eligible for Australian Hearing’s services
• Be over five years of age
• Possess a current Hearing Services Card
• Have a unilateral or bilateral conductive hearing loss and be medically unable to use an air conduction device in the ear/s with a conductive hearing loss
• Be prepared to undergo a Candidacy Program
• Be able and prepared to care for the surgery site
• Understand that their device must be repaired off-site. A loan device will be arranged. This may be a conventional bone conduction hearing aid.
An implantable device will not be considered for clients who have a profound unilateral sensorineural hearing impairment (sometimes called single-sided deafness).
Australian Hearing provides eligible recipients with the following:
• Unilateral or bilateral device fitting
• Repairs, maintenance and consumables that are required to ensure ongoing function of the sound processor
• Pre- and post-operative audiological assessment and monitoring, in accordance with audiological protocols.
Australian Hearing is not responsible for:
• The cost of the surgery and any consumables used therein
• The cost of the implantable components
• Any complications arising from surgical procedure.
Accessories
Where a client does not meet the Candidacy Criteria, they can choose to contribute to the cost of the sound processor, which Australian Hearing will fit and manage.