Cochlear implant recipients straddle two worlds: the deaf and hearing worlds. When wearing their external sound processor(s), they are part of the hearing world. They build their lives around this world–going to school, work, communicating with friends and family, enjoying TV, movies, the telephone and music. This also includes having awareness of sounds around them for enjoyment and safety. All the things normal hearing people do and experience.

Without their sound processors, they are clinically deaf.

Unable to participate in the hearing world they have built their lives around.

Most people do not realize that there are ongoing, lifetime costs associated with keeping the external sound processors operating in order for cochlear implant recipients to participate in the hearing world. Unfortunately, many insurance companies do not cover these ongoing costs. The average costs of using disposable batteries is $240+ per year, for each ear, and the cost to replace a rechargeable battery is $250+. A typical sound processor repair can cost an average of $750 each. Replacement parts to keep a sound processor functioning can range from $99 to more than $500. A new or upgraded sound processor costs over $6,000.

Joyful Life Cochlear Implant Fund is dedicated to ensuring all cochlear implant recipients have ongoing access to the equipment they need in order to thrive in the hearing world.