Cochlear Implant Cost in India

“The average cost of Cochlear Implant in India starts from $17500 (INR 966,000). The cost can be less or more depending on several factors including your medical condition, experience of the surgeon and the type of hospital you choose.

Cochlear Implant

What is a Cochlear Implant?

A cochlear implant is a device that is surgically implanted to provide sound stimulation to someone with profound hearing loss. The implant bypasses the typical hearing process and replaces it with electronic signals that stimulate the auditory nerve. In time, the brain learns to interpret these signals into a form of hearing that can be identified as speech and identifiable sounds.

What Factors Affect The Cost of Cochlear Implant Surgery in India?

Factors that affect the cost of cochlear implant surgery in India include:

  • Type of implant
  • Age of the patient
  • Whether it is a single or double implant
  • Preexisting health conditions
  • Choice of hospital and doctor
  • Complications during the procedure

The overall cochlear implant cost mainly depends on the type and manufacturer of implant being used. The cochlear implant device cost ranges from USD 8000 TO USD 15000 (INR 608,000 to INR 1,140,000) depending on the manufacturing company, features of the brand and accessories. 

To know more details, share your query and medical details with us at care@lyfboat.com. We will provide you with precise quotes for the whole package and comparative cost analysis from different hospitals and surgeons.

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How Does a Cochlear Implant Work?

While a hearing aid only amplifies sound a Cochlear Implant picks up sound waves and converts them into electrical pulses that stimulate the auditory nerve and are then sent to the brain. The brain interprets these signals as sounds. 

While hearing through a Cochlear Implant is different than hearing naturally many studies show that a child who receives the implant prior to the age of three has the same auditory and speech development, by the age of 10, as children born without a hearing impairment. 

Cochlear implant surgery procedure:

Before the surgery:

The medical team will perform a series of tests including:

  • Complete evaluation of external, middle, and inner ear to check for signs of infection or abnormalities
  • Hearing tests, such as audiogram
  • a hearing aid trial to assess the potential benefit of the system
  • Tests to evaluate structures of middle and inner ear
  • Imaging scans such as CT scan to see if the cochlea has a normal shape. This is an important test for patient with a history of meningitis infection as it helps detect if there is new bone growth in the cochlea that could possibly interfere with the implantation of the device.
  • Other imaging tests such as MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan
  • Psychological examination to determine the patient’s ability to cope with the implant

During the cochlear implant surgery: 

The surgery will takes around 1.5 hours and involves following steps

  • The patient will be put under general anaesthesia, so that they are unconscious and do not feel pain during the surgery
  • Intravenous (IV) lines will be inserted to administer drugs or other fluids and patient’s vital signs will be regularly checked with monitors and patches
  • The area on the scalp where implant will be put is shaved or cleaned
  • An incision will be made behind the ear to access the mastoid bone, which is then drilled to get to the inner ear. After this, the electrode is placed.
  • The incision is then stiched back and covered with a dressing.

The implant will only be turned on when the incision has completely healed, which takes about 4 weeks post-operatively.

After the surgery:

Many patients are kept in the hospital overnight for observation, while in other cases they might get discharged and go home the same day as surgery. The surgery is not particularly painful or distressful.

Most patients are able to resume their normal activities within 2-3 days post surgery. As the implant is inserted into the inner ear, there might be changes in the balance canal function. Adult patients may fell dizzy after the operation, for about a week or more.

Popular cochlear implant device brands

3 major manufacturers –

  1. Cochlear™
  2. Advanced Bionics 
  3. MED-EL

Cochlear™ company – 

Cochlear™ Nucleus® System 

  • Smart bimodal hearing solution from Cochlear and ReSound (Smart Hearing Alliance)- stream sound directly to both ears at once from a compatible Apple® or Android™ smartphone or device to your Nucleus 7 Sound Processor and compatible ReSound hearing aid
  • The newest generation Nucleus Implant – the Nucleus Profile™ Plus Implant – expands our innovative implant portfolio by offering access to MRIs at 1.5 and 3.0 Tesla without removing the magnet or requiring a head wrap.
  • The Nucleus® 7 Sound Processor features smartphone compatibility and is the smallest and lightest1 behind-the-ear hearing solution that combines comfort with advanced sound processing technologies. And thanks to the new chip technology, you can enjoy a full, active day with up to 50% longer battery life.
  • Cochlear Nucleus CP802 Sound Processor

Kanso® Sound Processor – the smallest and lightest1,2 off-the-ear sound processor available with two microphones. It has a robust, all-in-one design, with no cables and nothing on the ear to worry about or maintain. 

Cochlear™ Baha® system 

Implants –

  1. Baha® Connect system
  2. Baha® Attract system

Sound Processors – 

  • Baha® 5 Sound Processors – For hearing loss up to 45 dB
  • Baha 5 SuperPower Sound Processor – For hearing loss up to 65 dB 
  • Baha 5 Power Sound Processor – For hearing loss up to 55 dB 

Advanced Bionics Company (with Phonak Technology) –

For bilateral cochlear implant

  • Naída Link Bimodal Solution
  • Naída Link Bimodal Solution 
  • Naída Link CROS Solution
  • Naída Electric Acoustic System 

Naída CI Q Series Sound Processor – 

  • Naída CI Q30 – the optimal choice for recipients seeking outstanding performance in noise and wireless connectivity, while enjoying simplicity and ease of use.
  • Naída CI Q70 – the ideal choice for recipients who benefit from greater comfort and advanced bilateral features. In addition to Naída CI Q30 features, it includes additional binaural, bilateral, and bimodal features ideal for hearing in noise and on the phone. 
  • Naída CI Q90 – the ideal solution for recipients who benefit from a full line of features and accessories. In addition to features of Naída CI Q70 sound processor, it includes unique automatic capabilities, better hearing in noise, and future acoustic electric compatibility.
  • Neptune™ Sound Processor – The first and only SWIMMABLE sound processor in the world. Features include industry’s only Freestyle™ design for the freedom to choose your wearing style, advanced waterproof technology, ease of use, incredible performance capability.

MED-EL company–

SYNCHRONY Cochlear Implant (3.0 Tesla MRI—Without Magnet Removal)

MED-EL offers exceptional hearing performance and outstanding reliability

Features – 

  • Highest MRI safety- The self-aligning implant magnet provides unmatched comfort, security, and peace of mind during an MRI scan.
  • Smallest Titanium Implant -The smallest and lightest titanium cochlear implant available—making it the ideal choice, even for the youngest candidates.
  • Proven Stability – Small titanium fixation pins secure the implant in place, ensuring stability for long-term safety and reliability.
  • Flexible Electrodes – the widest selection of soft, flexible electrodes to ensure the optimal solution can be chosen for every candidate.
  • Sync with all devices – Connect wirelessly to nearly any external audio source or Assistive Listening Device (ALD). An accessory battery pack enables direct audio input from any device with a headphone jack.
  • Powered by Triformance – the combination of three key technologies: Complete Cochlear Coverage, Fine HearingTM, and Structure Preservation.

2 types of audio processor available –

SONNET Behind-the-Ear Audio Processor

  • Wind Noise Reduction
  • Automatic Sound Management 2.0 for hands-free control and effortless listening 
  • The water-resistant, lightweight, and tamper-proof design
  • An ideal choice for both children and adults.

RONDO Single-Unit Processor

  • Compact All-in-One Design – combines the control unit, battery pack, and coil into a compact and convenient single-unit processor
  • Comfortable and Discreet – is worn off the ear; especially comfortable for individuals who wear glasses
  • Waterproof with WaterWear Accessory

Who is eligibile for a Cochlear Implant surgery?

The factors that are considered when determining cochlear implant eligibility include:

  • Severe to Profound hearing loss in both ears.
  • Hearing loss that does not benefit from the use of hearing aids.
  • Lack of or slow development of auditory skills.
  • No pre-existing condition that would restrict the placement of the implant
  • Healthy enough to have surgery.
  • Parents (or patient, in the case of adults) are committed to follow-up care and appointments and have realistic expectations of the outcome.

Will a Cochlear Implant Restore Normal Hearing For People Who Are Deaf?

While a cochlear implant allows a deaf person to hear, it does not restore “normal hearing”. The cochlear implant works by creating electronic signals that stimulate the auditory nerve and the brain learns to interpret these signals as speech and sound.

Because the cochlear implant bypasses normal auditory channels it is not used on patients who are able to hear sufficiently without aid. However, it can provide functional “hearing” to a person with profound hearing loss allowing them to hold conversations and, in some cases, identify environmental sounds. The ability to identify environmental sounds is increased the younger a patient has the implant. 

What Are The Risks of Cochlear Implant Surgery?

Cochlear implants are extremely safe; however, as with any surgery, there are some risks. The most common complications are bleeding and infection. Other possible complications and side effects include:

  • Nerve damage: damage to a nerve during the procedure can affect the sense of taste as well as causing facial weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles.
  • Dizziness and balance issues
  • Tinnitus – ringing in the ears
  • Loss of remaining hearing
  • Fluid leaking to the brain
  • Malfunction or infection leading to need to remove or replace the device
  • Meningitis, an infection of the brains membrane

How can Lyfboat assist you getting Cochlear Implant in India?

World's Most Trusted Medical Advisory & Discount Platform

Lyfboat is a free advisory platform; we do not charge any fees from patients. In fact, we negotiate the price that Indian hospitals offer. In some cases we are able to reduce the cost by negotiating upto 20% of what Hospitals generally offer. We advise the best treatment from the top hospital/surgeon at best price.

After the Implant Surgery, What Kind of Long-term Maintenance is Required?

Following a Cochlear Implant, there are some small steps you should take to ensure that the device remains in good working condition.

  • Change the microphone protector quarterly (every 3 months).
  • Always carry a spare cover for your microphone protector.
  • Clean your sound processor regularly with a non-abrasive, dry cloth.
  • Store the sound processor in its storage case when you are sleeping or not using the device.
  • Be sure to recharge your batteries or carry spare batteries with you.

What is the Ideal Age for a Child to Receive a Cochlear Implant?

If the child had impaired hearing from birth than the earlier the implant is put in place the more significant the improvement. Children who are born with impaired hearing and receive a Cochlear Implant before the age of three show the greatest level of benefit.

If the hearing loss is progressive rather than congenital the age of implantation is irrelevant as long as the condition is treated in a timely manner. There is no adult age limit to receiving a Cochlear Implant as long as the patient is healthy enough to have the surgery. 

Are Different Approaches Used by Different Cochlear Implant Surgeons?

There are two primary techniques that are used for Cochlear Implants. The traditional implant, called a Standard Mastoidectomy, has been in use for over 40 years. It involves an incision being made behind the ear to access the mastoid bone. The mastoid bone is opened allowing access to the middle ear. The inner ear is then opened to gain access to the cochlea.

An opening is made in the cochlea and electrodes are inserted. An electronic device is placed under the skin at the base of the electrodes. This is an outpatient surgery that lasts four hours or less and most patients go home the same day.

Many surgeons are moving towards a new, minimally invasive technique for Cochlear implants. Although the technique is more difficult to learn it reduces blood loss and trauma to surrounding tissue and speeds up healing time.

Why Consider India for Cochlear Implant?

The cost of a cochlear implant in India is significantly less than in most other countries While the cost is less, the patient sacrifices nothing in quality. The hospitals, doctors, and staff in India are among the best trained and most technologically equipped in the world.

Using cutting-edge research and state of the art technology they provide premium care that is equal or superior to hospitals in the west. In addition, there are many packages available that include the cost of room and board for a parent to travel with and stay with their child while they are going through this medical procedure.

References

  • https://cicadaqld.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Comparison-Chartv2.pdf
  • https://www.cochlear.com/in/en/home
  • https://advancedbionics.com/com/en/home/cochlear-implants-for-you/
  • https://www.medel.com/in/
Vanshika Rawat

Written By Vanshika Rawat

Vanshika Rawat is an experienced content developer. She is very knowledgeable in the field of science and healthcare and has worked under brilliant scientists during her higher education. Vanshika obtained her degrees in Masters in Science and Bachelors in Science (Microbiology with Hons.) from renowned institutions - Panjab University and University of Delhi.
Dr. Surbhi Suden

Verified By Dr. Surbhi Suden

Dr. Surbhi Suden is one of the founders of Lyfboat and a doctor with a renowned name in the Medical tourism industry. She has been working with international patients since 2008 and is a deeply committed professional with a long term vision of transforming the current healthcare scenarios.

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