Auditory Brainstem Hearing Implant Cost and Financing

An auditory brainstem implant (ABI) restores hearing to people with hearing loss who can’t benefit from a hearing aid or cochlear implant. The auditory brainstem implant directly stimulates the hearing pathways in the brainstem, bypassing the inner ear and damaged auditory nerve.¹ An auditory brainstem implant has two parts — an external processor worn on the ear and a surgically implanted receiver. An auditory brainstem implant can provide stimulation to sound where there would otherwise be no natural hearing. While results vary, after having the ABI implant procedure many patients achieve improved sound awareness and lip reading ability. Some even achieve sound, word and sentence recognition. Below we dive into the cost of an auditory brainstem hearing implant, if insurance covers the procedure and how financing can help.

How much does an auditory brainstem implant cost?

Similar to a cochlear implant, without insurance the costs of an auditory brainstem implant surgery averages between $30,000 to $50,000.²

What does an auditory brainstem implant cost with insurance?

Auditory brainstem implants are recognized as standard treatment for severe-to-profound nerve deafness and as a result the hearing implants procedure is covered by most private medical insurance as well as Medicare, Medicaid, the Veteran's Administration and other public health care plans. Specific benefits may vary depending on your plan and coverage.³

How can I pay for an auditory brainstem implant?

If you are looking to pay for an auditory brainstem implant and don’t have insurance or if you need a way to pay for co-pays, deductibles or other out-of-pocket costs there are several payment options you can consider. If you have the funds readily available, of course you can tap into your savings. You may also be able to use a tax-free Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) to pay for the procedure. If you are interested in paying over time, it’s important to know very few providers extend credit to patients through their practice where patients would receive bills from, and pay the provider directly. Almost all accept general purpose credit cards and many accept the CareCredit credit card, which may be a convenient way to pay for the procedure.

Can I use my CareCredit credit card to pay for an auditory brainstem implant?

Yes. If approved, you can use your CareCredit credit card at locations within the CareCredit network to finance fees associated with an auditory brainstem implant. The benefit of using a CareCredit credit card is the opportunity to use promotional financing.* If approved, you can pay for the care you need immediately. You can also use your CareCredit card again and again to pay for other health, wellness and hearing care needs. Use the Acceptance Locator or download the CareCredit Mobile App to find a nearby audiologist that accepts the CareCredit credit card.