Cochlear implants are life-changing for those with hearing loss, yet government funding only stretches to one-in-five referrals. Southern Cochlear Implant Programme (SCIP) is one of two cochlear implant providers in New Zealand, caring for patients south of Taupo. The Northern Cochlear Implant Programme cares for patients north of Taupo. SUPPLIED General manager of Southern Cochlear Implant Programme Neil Heslop says said funding should go up by 40 adults to 120 nationally. "We appreciate how life changing a cochlear implant can be," Isbister said.

Source: Stuff December 01, 2019 02:15 UTC