Economic evaluation of the cochlear implant.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the economic efficiency of current cochlear implant technology under Australian conditions in profoundly deaf adults, partially deafened adults, and children.


METHODS
Cost-utility study, with weights based on judgments from persons experienced with the technology, and cost data from Australian sources.


RESULTS
Quality-of-life improvements due to functional consequences of hearing improvement were greater than those due to amelioration of hearing disability. Costs in Australian dollars per QALY (15-year assessment) ranged from $5,070-$11,100 for children, $11,790-$38,150 for profoundly deaf adults, and $14,410-$41,000 for partially deaf adults.


CONCLUSIONS
Results suggest cochlear implantation is acceptable value for money when compared with other health programs to which resources are committed in Australia.
Carter
R
R
Hailey
D
D
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D019929:Cochlear Implantation / Q000191:economics* / Q000592:standards*; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003638:Deafness / Q000601:surgery*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006309:Hearing; D006801:Humans