McArthur Audiology is thrilled to announce we have joined the Cochlear Provider Network. What this means for our patients is that Dr. McArthur has teamed up with implanting surgeons so we can offer options for the best possible hearing healthcare for when hearing aids are just not enough. Cochlear Implants (CI) are surgically implanted medical devices that replace the function of the damaged inner ear (cochlear) and are designed to mimic natural hearing. Bone Anchored Hearing Aids (BAHA) uses the body’s natural ability to conduct sound through bone conduction. BAHA is great for people who are deaf in one ear or have conductive or mixed losses.
Because we live in rural Colorado/Kansas implantable options used to mean many trips to the Denver area for testing, surgery, and several follow-up appointments that could be daunting to many people. Dr. McArthur has spent several hours training and is now certified to conduct candidacy testing and activation of implantable devices eliminating much of the travel that used to be necessary. Dr. McArthur teamed up with two of the best ear surgeons in the Denver area, Dr. Feehs and Dr. Muckle, to provide the medical candidacy consultation and surgery, while the rest of the audiological services can be provided right here, close to your home.
Insurances cover implantable hearing solutions if it is determined that you meet the audiological candidacy criteria and have a referral from your PCP.
How a Cochlear Implant works.
Cochlear implants are designed to mimic the function of a healthy inner ear or cochlea. They replace the function of damaged sensory hair cells inside the cochlea with an electrode to provide clearer sound than what hearing aids can provide. Hearing aids are designed to amplify what is left of hair cells. Unfortunately, damaged or missing sensory hair cells do not regenerate, so this type of hearing loss doesn’t improve without treatment.
Cochlear implants can seem like a miracle because they provide access to sounds that you can no longer hear, even in noisy environments.
There are two primary components of the Cochlear™ Nucleus®System: the external sound processor and the implant that is surgically placed underneath the skin attached to an electrode that is inserted in the cochlea.
We offer a choice of sound processor wearing options.
How much does a cochlear implant cost?
Unlike hearing aids, cochlear hearing implants may be covered by Medicare. They are also covered by many insurance plans and typically Medicaid.* Contact your insurance company or local Hearing Implant Specialist to determine coverage as well as your estimated out-of-pocket expenses. The cost of a cochlear implant will vary from person to person based on their specific health plan.
*Coverage for adult Medicaid recipients varies according to state specific guidelines. Contact your insurance provider or local Hearing Implant Specialist to determine your eligibility for coverage.
Do you qualify for a cochlear implant?
Cochlear implants help adults with sloping moderate to profound hearing loss in both ears, or children 12 months or older with severe to profound hearing loss in both ears and are not receiving enough benefit when using hearing aids. For some people, using a hearing aid(s) with a severe to profound hearing loss can be like listening to a loud, badly tuned radio.You may hear parts of what is being said and it may be loud enough, but the words are not clear.
Note: Wearing hearing aids first is a necessary step in the evaluation process for a cochlear implant.
Want to know if a cochlear implant may be a solution for you?
