Monday, February 2, 2009

Implants get Boost in UK

Cochlear implants are getting a thumbs up from England’s National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (or NICE). The agency suggests children get implants for both ears. The recommendation means the UK’s National Health Services will pay for the procedure, paving the way for thousands of deaf children and adults who do not get sufficient benefit from hearing aids to receive cochlear implants. The UK's first cochlear implant went to Michael Batt with funds from The Ear Foundation 20 years ago.