Here is a breakdown of the expenses for cochlear implant surgery, applicable globally:
Cochlear implant device
Surgical charges, including room rent, professional fees, and medications
Speech therapy
Please note that the provided costs cover the low-cost cochlear implant device, room rent, speech therapy, medicines, surgeon fees, and other professional charges. When comparing surgery costs, ensure the quotations encompass all these expenses. If you prefer the cost without speech therapy, deduct 1,00,000 INR or 1,200 USD from the total cost.
Unilateral or Bilateral Surgery's Cost: Major Decision
The decision between unilateral and bilateral cochlear implant surgery is crucial, and the primary cost factor depends on this choice. Additionally, deciding on simultaneous or sequential surgery for both ears impacts the expenses and results.
For reference, here are the estimated costs for low-cost options along with speech therapy:
Low-cost Unilateral Cochlear Implant Surgery: 8,00,000 INR or around 9600 USD
Low-cost Bilateral Simultaneous Cochlear Implant Surgery: 14,50,000 INR or 17,500 USD
Low-cost Bilateral Sequential Cochlear Implant Surgery: 15,50,000 INR or around 18,600 USD (includes two rounds of speech therapy)
While bilateral sequential surgery is more expensive due to additional professional charges, room rent, medications, and speech therapy(additional 50,000 INR), it can be a viable option for those with financial constraints. The timing of the surgery can significantly impact the outcomes, making this a practical solution for managing costs over time.an
Low-cost Cochlear Implant Device
The primary expenditure for this surgery in India will be the cost of the cochlear implant device. The low-cost option for the cochlear implant device is priced at 5,30,000 INR (6,400 USD), while the most advanced and expensive one amounts to 14,00,000 INR (17,000 USD).
Surgery Charges
The surgical charges for cochlear implant surgery will vary based on various factors. It should range from 1,00,000 to 3,00,000 INR (1,200 to 3,600 USD).
These charges include room rent, professional charges, and medicines.
Speech Therapy cost
Speech therapy costs 1,00,000 to 2,00,000 INR (1,200 to 2,400 USD). Speech therapy can be for as long as two years.
Suppose you opt for bilateral sequential cochlear implant surgery. An additional 50,000 INR (600 USD) can be added to the cost.
Is it okay to opt for a low-cost cochlear implant device or an expensive version?
Advanced cochlear implants that cost up to 14,00,000 INR (around 16,800 USD) give additional features like MRI-safe up to three-tesla magnets without affecting the cochlear implants, which are ideal for a lifetime.
But, for either low-cost or high-cost cochlear implants, the results are the same. The ability to hear and talk both the devices give us will be the same.
In fact, for unilateral cochlear implant surgery, the cost with an advanced implant is 17,00,000 INR, and for bilateral cochlear implant surgery with primary implants will cost only 14,50,000 INR. Doctors will never suggest the 17L option. Although you can spare the extra cash, they will ask you to go with cheaper bilateral surgery as the results will be better.
Free Cochlear Implants Surgery under the ADIP scheme
For eligible candidates, the Government of India bears the total expenses of cochlear implant surgery. To know more about the details, please check the below URL.