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New gap-free cochlear implant service for HBF policyholders launches at Joondalup Private Hospital
Aug 16, 2021
In a WA first, an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist is offering adult HBF patients the opportunity to receive cochlear implants at Joondalup Private Hospital (JPH) with no out-of-pocket expenses.
CAPS: Adult and paediatric ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist Dr Peter Friedland.
Dr Peter Friedland, an adult and paediatric ENT specialist, has partnered with HBF and JPH to provide the procedure gap-free.
“Cochlear implants can be an effective procedure in the correctly assessed and selected patient,” Dr Friedland said.
“But it is estimated only 10 per cent of people requiring cochlear implants, actually receive them. 1
“This is concerning, because research shows hearing improvement delays the onset of dementia and decreases social isolation and depression.” 2
Dr Friedland said by making cochlear implants more affordable, it was hoped more Western Australians would have access to the potentially life-changing procedure.
“We have negotiated for every aspect of the cochlear implant journey, from the GP referral to the follow-up consultations, to be covered by the normal healthcare provider schedule and Medicare,” Dr Friedland said.
The no-gap model for cochlear implants had been used in NSW. If successful, Dr Friedland hopes it will be adopted throughout WA.
1 Listen Hear! The economic impact and cost of hearing loss in Australia (Feb 2006).
Sorkin, D. L., and C. A. Buchman. 2016. Cochlear Implant Access in Six Developed Countries. Otology & Neurotology 37 (2): e161–164. doi:10. 1097/MAO.0000000000000946 - Countries included were: Australia, Austria, USA, Germany, Sweden, UK.
2 Jayakody DMP, Friedland PL, Martins RN, Sohrabi, H. (2017). Impact of cochlear implantation on cognitive functions of older adults. Pilot results. Otology and Neurotology [journal article]
Jayakody DMP, Friedland PL, Martins RN, Sohrabi HR. (2018). Impact of aging on the auditory system and cognitive functions: A narrative review. Frontiers in Neuroscience [journal article]
Dementia prevention, intervention and care. Gill Livingston, et al.