Ongoing study - Hearing loss can be dealt with in different ways. Treatment options range from conventional air conduction hearing aids to implantable options, such as bone conduction, middle ear and cochlear implants. The NIHDI (National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance) sets conditions as to who is eligible for reimbursement of the different options. Technology however evolves rapidly and this raised the question whether the current conditions are still up-to-date.
>For this study, we summarise scientific literature on effectiveness and cost-effectiveness for the different hearing aids. We interview stakeholders (mainly ENT specialists, audiologists, hearing care professionals, sickness funds, patient associations and manufacturers) and we examine reimbursement rules abroad. Based on these elements, we formulate possible reimbursement improvements.
