During a cochlear implant evaluation, our team will determine if this treatment is the best fit for you. We’ll start by reviewing your hearing and other medical history, discussing your hearing goals and evaluate your hearing with and without hearing aids. If you don’t have hearing aids, we will fit you with loaner hearing aids for the testing.
Procedures for Cochlear Implant Evaluation
- Sound booth hearing test: This is a standard hearing exam, which evaluates your ability to repeat words and sentences in quiet and in background noise, both with and without your hearing aids.
- Medical evaluation: Our doctor will review your medications, health history and hearing test. A CT scan, MRI, and/or X-ray will likely be requested, to examine the structures of your ear(s) and auditory nerve
After the Evaluation
If our doctor determines you are a candidate for cochlear implants, they’ll discuss the procedure, risks and followup care. They’ll provide you with the latest information about cochlear implant technology and answer any questions you may have.
Insurance Authorization
Approximately 90% of health insurance companies and managed care plans cover cochlear implants. However, preauthorization of coverage and related services is not automatic. Health insurance policies and health plans, also referred to as “payers,” have administrative processes to review coverage issues and make decisions. These processes may be complex and confusing. Understanding your plan’s specific process is crucial to getting approval for a cochlear implant. Although each payer may have different reviewing methods, the process of submitting a request is fairly straight-forward.