Our public programme is funded through the Ministry of Social Development to provide cochlear implant services to children and adults.  

 

For children 

All children (those aged under 19) are eligible for publicly funded cochlear implant procedures and follow-up services and programmes, provided they meet the prescribed audiological guidelines or are classified as a special case, such as meningitis or Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD).  

 

Clients must also be New Zealand citizens or hold a residency class visa in order to qualify for public funding. 

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We also provide a private service to those children who do not meet publicly funded criteria. 

 

For adults 

Adults are eligible for one publicly funded cochlear implant.   

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Clients must be New Zealand citizens or residents (and must actively live in New Zealand for a minimum of 187 days a year). 

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Current funding criteria means that suitability for implantation is not the same as eligibility for public funding.  

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If clients meet the implantation criteria but not the public referral criteria, they can be seen privately for assessment and information. 

 

Donations and bequests 

Demand often exceeds our public funding, so we rely on donations and bequests to help fund the support for those in need. It means we can fund operational shortfalls and special projects such as our repair fund, our mobile hearing van, outreach services and infrastructure/equipment.  

 

Generosity from trusts, foundations and donors enables us to continue to deliver our life-changing programmes and services, and meet our general operating costs. 

 

There are many more people in our communities who could benefit from a cochlear implant, and we remain committed to continue advocacy for Government criteria to be drawn into line with global thinking and supported by funding to allow the demand to be met. 

 

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