Facts and Figures

Deafness is America’s leading birth defect.

Source: World Council on Hearing Health

Approximately 28 million Americans have experienced some degree of hearing loss, including 17 of every 1,000 children under age 18. 

Source: National Institute on Deafness & Other Communication Disorders

At least 1 million American children are deaf or hearing impaired.

Source: National Institutes of Health

In the U.S. alone, at least 12,000 babies are born each year with some degree of hearing loss; 90% of these births are to hearing parents.

Source: National Institute on Deafness & Other Communication Disorders

Despite the fact that 1 out of 10 people are impacted by hearing loss, hearing studies attract less than 1% of medical research dollars.

Source: National Institutes of Health

To date, it is estimated that only 59,000 people world-wide have received the implant.

Source: National Institute on Deafness & Other Communication Disorders

Less than half of the children who qualify actually receive an implant.

Source: Cochlear Implant Center


*See article by Donna L. Sorkin 
 Hearing Loss: The Journal of Self Help for Hard of Hearing People
 January/February, 2003

Issues and Barriers

Cochlear implants are significantly underutilized. 

In fact, according to a policy briefing published by Project HOPE in staff in 1999, there are between 500,000 and 750,000 individuals with severe to profound hearing loss in the U.S. alone who could benefit from the cochlear implant. 

Yet, the National Institute on Deafness & Other Communication Disorders indicates that only about 59,000 individuals world-wide have become implant recipients.  

Reasons for underutilization are varied, but generally include:

Escalating Costs for Providers

Despite the fact that the implant has been FDA-approved since the mid-80’s, relatively few centers perform the procedure.

Doctors point to inadequate payments from public and private insurance plans as part of the problem.  Often forced to “write-off” part or all of the cost, hospitals say they are unable to afford more procedures.

Shortage of Specialists

Speech and language specialists who are critical to ultimate success with the implant may be hours away from where a family lives. 

Family Burden

The expense of the procedure and intensity of the required follow-up is significant.  Even families with insurance coverage may find the financial burden difficult.  Children who undergo the procedure may require years of speech, language and developmental therapy.

Peer Opposition

Finally, there are mixed opinions on use of the implant among members of the Deaf community. It is not unusual for families to be told that implants are unnatural or a threat to the Deaf culture. 

Lack of support from friends, colleagues and family members can make choosing implantation very difficult.