NICE recommends cochlear implants in new guidance published
The final NICE guidance regarding cochlear implants has been
published. For those people with severe or profound deafness who do
not receive adequate benefit from acoustic hearing aids, NICE has
recommended:
- Unilateral cochlear implantation as an option for adults and
children
- Simultaneous bilateral cochlear implantation for children
- Simultaneous bilateral implants for adults who are blind or
have other disabilities that increase their reliance on auditory
stimuli as a primary sensory mechanism for spatial awareness
Richard Brook, President of Cochlear Europe said today:
"We welcome the NICE guidance, which will ensure that
eligible patients have access to cochlear implants.
"Cochlear implants open up a new world of sound to people who
otherwise would not hear. Recipients are able to increase their
employment opportunities, enjoy a richer social life, children are
more likely to attain age-appropriate speech and language and
attend mainstream schools. Society also benefits through
significant reductions in costs relating to the welfare and support
that hearing impaired adults without a cochlear implant might
require."
There are currently over 7,000 cochlear implant users throughout
the UK, with numbers increasing by over 700 each year. Global
leader Cochlear Europe manufactures the Nucleus™ Freedom®, the most
advanced, innovative and reliable implant currently available.
It uses cutting edge 'intelligent' digital sound technology
designed to behave in much the same way as natural hearing,
allowing recipients to focus on the sounds that are most important
to them.
Cochlear Europe will be providing appropriate packages and
initiatives for both unilateral and bilateral implantation to
support PCTs in the implementation of the NICE guidance.
Cochlear Europe is also committed to ensuring the best use of
NHS finances and will discuss appropriate discounts directly with
PCTs.
Amanda Whiffin, General Manager of Cochlear UK says: "It's
our mission to bring the sounds of life to the ears of those who
cannot hear. We in the UK provide the tools to hear and the
inspiration to explore the world of sound. Our passion, creativity
and innovation is what enables the Nucleus cochlear implant system
to deliver sound to more than 120,000 people across the globe.
Cochlear's promise - Hear now. And always - articulates
our lifetime commitment."
For further press information, please contact Louise Esplin or
Nicola Brookes at Loud PR. Tel 01235 834277 or email
nicola.brookes@loudgroup.com.
About NICE
The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE)
is the independent organisation responsible for providing national
guidance on the promotion of good health and the prevention and
treatment of ill health. Read more...