This varies from person to person. At switch on, the most commonly reported sounds are described as “mechanical,” "robotic," and "cartoonish,” with some people sounding as if they are “talking with marbles in their mouth.” Some clients will only “feel” the stimulation of the implant when it is first turned on. It is very important to recognise that this is a process. Over time, recognise that the sound quality will change as the brain re-learns the stimulation patterns provided by the cochlear implant. For the majority of clients, the sound quality will continually improve over the next twelve months.

Public Health System

This provides coverage for one cochlear implant, subject to meeting certain funding criteria.

Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC)

For hearing loss related to an injury, ACC may fund two cochlear implants if clinically needed.

Private health insurance

Dependent on the policy you have in place, varying components may be covered. Please check with your provider or insurance broker.

Personal Funding

Some adults resort to family support, crowdfunding platforms like Givealittle, or other fundraising efforts to manage the costs associated with cochlear implants.

No, this is a common myth. Cochlear implant surgery is ear surgery, not brain surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon inserts a thin electrode into the cochlea, which is located in the inner ear.

Cochlear implant surgery is performed under a general anaesthetic and takes approximately 1 to 3 hours, with an overnight stay in the hospital. The procedure is considered a routine surgery with low risk.