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Updated: Jul 1, 2025
Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Costs analysis of cochlear implantation in children
M Benifla1, N Martelli2, E Brenet1
1Service d'Otorhinolaryngologie et Chirurgie Cervico-Faciale, Hôpital Robert Debré, Université de Médecine Reims Champagne Ardenne, Reims, France.
Insights
The direct medical costs for pediatric cochlear implantation, from diagnosis to 3 years post-surgery, averaged €64,675. Costs did not significantly differ between children with congenital versus progressive hearing loss.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Health Economics
- Medical Technology Assessment
Background:
- Bilateral severe to profound hearing loss affects children's development.
- Cochlear implantation is a key intervention for pediatric hearing loss.
- Understanding the economic impact of cochlear implantation is crucial for healthcare planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the direct medical costs of the pediatric cochlear implantation pathway.
- To compare costs between congenital and progressive deafness populations.
- To analyze costs from diagnosis through 3 years of follow-up.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cost analysis of 56 children undergoing cochlear implantation.
- Inclusion criteria: severe to profound hearing loss, implanted before age 10.
- Cost calculation across three phases: pre-implantation, surgery/hospitalization, and 3-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- Mean total direct medical cost was €64,675 per child (range €38,709-€113,954).
- Mean costs for congenital deafness (€65,420) and progressive deafness (€63,930) were not significantly different (P=0.7).
Conclusions:
- The overall direct medical cost for pediatric cochlear implantation is substantial.
- Hearing loss etiology (congenital vs. progressive) does not significantly impact total medical costs.
- This data informs healthcare payers on the economic burden of pediatric cochlear implantation.
Objectives:
The study assessed the direct medical costs of the cochlear implantation pathway from the healthcare payer's perspective, in children with bilateral severe to profound hearing loss, from diagnosis to 3 years' follow-up after first implantation. We also compared costs between two populations: congenital and progressive deafness.
Material And Methods:
A retrospective costs analysis was performed for 56 children who received a cochlear implant in one French pediatric ENT center. The children had severe to profound hearing loss, and were implanted before the age of 10 years. We calculated direct medical costs in 3 phases: diagnosis to pre-implantation assessment, surgical and hospital management of implantation, and 3 years' follow-up.
Results:
Mean costs were €64,675 (range, €38,709-113,954) per child from diagnosis to 3 years after first implantation. Mean costs in congenital deafness detected on neonatal screening and on progressive deafness were respectively €65,420 and €63,930 (P=0.7).
Conclusion:
The global cost was €64,675 per child from diagnosis to 3 years after first implantation. There was no difference in cost according to congenital versus progressive hearing loss.
