Supports Advocacy Campaign for Improved Reimbursement Levels
Englewood, CO - Cochlear Corporation and the Deafness Research Foundation are teaming up to support the efforts of the foundation's National Campaign for Hearing Health. Through a $100,000 donation and a pledge to make resources available to support the drive, Cochlear Corporation is joining forces with the Deafness Research Foundation to advocate for higher reimbursement levels for cochlear implants and hearing aids.
'Inadequate reimbursement levels for cochlear implants are problematic for implant centers and the families of those affected by hearing loss,' says Ron West, President, Cochlear Corporation. 'We are delighted to support the National Campaign for Hearing Health and its goal of ensuring that any child who needs a cochlear implant or hearing aid, as well as the support services needed to use these devices effectively, will be able to afford one through an improvement in reimbursement.'
Insufficient reimbursement levels for cochlear implants is an accelerating problem because the increased number of newborn screening tests is creating a larger population of children who would benefit from a cochlear implant. Currently thirty-two states have passed legislation supporting newborn hearing screening tests. Detection and adoption of the appropriate medical device at an early age provides children with the opportunity to develop hearing and speech abilities at higher levels than does detection in later years.
Denver-based Cochlear Corporation is the U.S. headquarters for Cochlear Limited, the world leader in cochlear implant technology. For more information call the Cochlear Implant Information Center, 800/458-4999 (Voice), or 800/483-3123 (TDD) or visit their website at www.cochlear.com.
The National Campaign for Hearing Health is fueled by the strength and expertise of concerned community members, health care professionals, advocacy groups, associations, parents, researchers, national, state and local policymakers, and business leaders. Hear US, the grassroots advocacy arm of the Campaign, provides a voice for these Americans who are affected by or concerned about hearing loss, so that it is no longer a silent problem. Based in Washington, DC, the Deafness Research Foundation sponsors the National Campaign for Hearing Health and the National Hearing Research Grant Center. For more information visit their website at www.hearinghealth.net.
Source:
Cochlear Corporation
www.Cochlear.com
