Organizations Advocate For Cochlear Implant Reimbursement
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Deafness Research Foundation (DRF) announced today that Cochlear Corporation, manufacturer of the Nucleus® cochlear implant systems, has renewed its sponsorship of the National Campaign for Hearing Health (The Campaign), a public outreach and advocacy initiative sponsored by DRF. Cochlear's $100,000 donation will support programs that heighten awareness of cochlear implant technology among legislators and policy-makers, and address the lack of access to this life-changing technology due to insufficient insurance coverage.
''We are so grateful for Cochlear Corporation's continued support of our efforts, as we advocate for insurance reimbursement for all assistive hearing technology,'' said Elizabeth E. Thorp, Director of the National Campaign for Hearing Health. ''Their commitment is invaluable to the success of our mission - to make a lifetime of hearing possible for all.''
Hearing loss is the number one birth defect in the United States, affecting more than 12,000 newborns each year. Through legislation passed in 34 states requiring universal newborn hearing screening, more children than ever are being diagnosed with hearing loss at an early age.
In addition, technological advances have made it possible for infants as young as 12 months of age and adults with more residual hearing to benefit from cochlear implant technology, increasing the number of people eligible for implantation. However, individuals are often unable to take advantage of cochlear implant technology because it is not covered by their insurance policies. The Campaign and Cochlear Corporation recognize the need for educational efforts leading to increased coverage from insurance companies and are working together to provide it.
''One of the goals of the National Campaign for Hearing Health is to increase accessibility to cochlear implants for all those who can benefit from the technology,'' said Jim Miller, president, Cochlear Corporation. ''The development of legislation that provides universal insurance coverage of the technology and follow up therapy required is essential to this cause. Cochlear is pleased to partner with The Campaign in their advocacy efforts to increase awareness of the need for improved reimbursement levels.''
About Cochlear Corporation
Denver-based Cochlear Corporation is the U.S. headquarters for Cochlear Limited, the world leader in cochlear implant technology. Cochlear is a winner of the 2001 Medical Design Excellence Awards for its design of the Nucleus® 24 Contour™ cochlear implant and the FDA Commissioner's Special Citation for the development and commercialization of the Nucleus® 24 Multichannel Auditory Brainstem Implant. For more information about Cochlear's products, call the Nucleus Hotline at 800/458-4999 (Voice), or 800/483-3123 (TDD) or visit their Web site at www.cochlear.com.
About the National Campaign for Hearing Health
The National Campaign for Hearing Health, sponsored by the Deafness Research Foundation, is committed to putting hearing health on the national agenda. The Campaign is working to raise awareness of hearing issues, improve options for those living with hearing loss, and to protect those at risk. By advocating for detection, prevention, intervention and research, the Campaign promotes hearing health for all. For more information visit www.hearinghealth.net.
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