the terms of their administration are among the most favorable for patients

The availability of cochlear implants for hearing-impaired patients in Lithuania is much better than in other countries, as the conditions for their appointment are one of the most favorable for patients, according to a review conducted by the State Health Insurance Fund.

“(…) For example, the hearing threshold determined by audiometry for Lithuanian residents must reach 55 dB, and for patients from Austria, Belgium, Japan, Spain, the USA and many other countries – at least 70 dB. In addition, many countries have restrictions on the age of implantation, apply additional criteria for determining the level of assisted speech perception and sound intensity. These criteria are generally not applied in Lithuania. Thus, we find ourselves among such advanced and strong countries as Australia, Germany, and Italy”, says Gediminas Toleikis, adviser to the Department of Centrally Paid Medicines of the State Sick Fund under the Ministry of Health (VLK).

100% with the funds of the Compulsory Health Insurance Fund (PSDF). three types of hearing implants are reimbursed: cochlear implants, BAHA screw-in bone implants, middle ear hearing systems, and back-up processors for these devices. The most expensive currently reimbursed hearing implants are the first type of cochlear implants for children. Their unit base price is almost 25.5 thousand. euros, the report says.

Last year, VLK reimbursed as many as 100 hearing implants and processors for 87 patients, more than half of whom were children. It took 1.4 million. EUR from PSDF. Spending in this area has been steadily increasing for the past four years. Compared to 2019, they increased by 11 percent.