66 Cochlear Implantation Surgeries Performed with Compulsory Health Insurance

66 Cochlear Implantation Surgeries Performed with Compulsory Health Insurance
Compulsory health insurance covers the costs of the implant and speech processor during cochlear implantation surgery

Cochlear implantation is one of the most modern and effective medical methods used to restore hearing in individuals with hearing loss. The operation is performed on children with severe congenital bilateral hearing loss and individuals with severe bilateral hearing loss who do not benefit from hearing aids.

For children, the age limit is 5 years (without speech ability), and for adults, this limit is set at 65 years. In the first half of 2025, cochlear implantation surgery was performed on 66 people at the expense of compulsory health insurance to restore hearing ability.

To determine the diagnosis, patients must first apply to state medical institutions under TABIB or relevant research institutes under the Ministry of Health. For the purpose of diagnosis, Bera test, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance tomography (MRT), and audiometry examinations are performed at the expense of compulsory health insurance. After the diagnosis is confirmed, the operation is provided based on a referral in medical institutions (private and those under relevant state bodies) that have a contract with the State Agency for Compulsory Health Insurance. The operation is carried out on a queuing principle according to medical indications and the degree of danger.

Medications and medical supplies used during the operation, the internal device (implant system), and the external device (speech processor) provided 1 month after the device's placement are covered by compulsory health insurance. For information, the speech processor is installed only during the implantation operation and is covered by compulsory health insurance at that time. Cases of speech processor failure or replacement with a new one in post-operative periods are not included in compulsory health insurance coverage.

After the operation, patients are involved in a 12-month rehabilitation period within the framework of compulsory health insurance. During this period, sound adjustment is provided 3 times in the device, as well as 36 sessions of speech therapist and 36 sessions of psychologist services are carried out. Speech therapists and psychologists mainly work with children who lack speech ability. During this time, speech therapists and psychologists develop children's auditory perception and speech, and work is carried out to strengthen their behavioral, cognitive, and communication skills.

Thanks to cochlear implantation surgery and rehabilitation, individuals with hearing and speech impairments can actively join social life and expand their personal development opportunities.