WASHINGTON, D.C. - November 8, 2001 - The Deafness Research Foundation (DRF)
announced today that Cochlear Corporation, manufacturer of the Nucleus®
cochlear implant systems, has renewed its sponsorship of the National
Campaign for Hearing Health (The Campaign), a public outreach and advocacy
initiative sponsored by DRF. Cochlear's $100,000 donation will support
programs that heighten awareness of cochlear implant technology among
legislators and policy-makers, and address the lack of access to this
life-changing technology due to insufficient insurance coverage.
"We are so grateful for Cochlear Corporation's continued support of our
efforts, as we advocate for insurance reimbursement for all assistive
hearing technology," said Elizabeth E. Thorp, Director of the National
Campaign for Hearing Health. "Their commitment is invaluable to the
success of our mission - to make a lifetime of hearing possible for all."
Hearing loss is the number one birth defect in the United States,
affecting more than 12,000 newborns each year. Through legislation passed
in 34 states requiring universal newborn hearing screening, more children
than ever are being diagnosed with hearing loss at an early age.
In addition, technological advances have
made it possible for infants as young as 12 months of age and adults with
more residual hearing to benefit from cochlear implant technology,
increasing the number of people eligible for implantation. However,
individuals are often unable to take advantage of cochlear implant
technology because it is not covered by their insurance policies. The
Campaign and Cochlear Corporation recognize the need for educational
efforts leading to increased coverage from insurance companies and are
working together to provide it.
"One of the goals of the National Campaign for Hearing Health is to
increase accessibility to cochlear implants for all those who can benefit
from the technology," said Jim Miller, president, Cochlear Corporation.
"The development of legislation that provides universal insurance coverage
of the technology and follow up therapy required is essential to this
cause. Cochlear is pleased to partner with The Campaign in their advocacy
efforts to increase awareness of the need for improved reimbursement
levels."
About Cochlear Corporation
Denver-based Cochlear Corporation is the U.S. headquarters for Cochlear
Limited, the world leader in cochlear implant technology. Cochlear is a
winner of the 2001 Medical Design Excellence Awards for its design of the
Nucleus® 24 Contour™ cochlear implant and the FDA Commissioner's Special
Citation for the development and commercialization of the Nucleus® 24
Multichannel Auditory Brainstem Implant. For more information about
Cochlear's products, call the Nucleus Hotline at 800/458-4999 (Voice), or
800/483-3123 (TDD) or visit their Web site at
http://www.cochlear.com.
About the National Campaign for Hearing Health
The National Campaign for Hearing Health, sponsored by the Deafness
Research Foundation, is committed to putting hearing health on the
national agenda. The Campaign is working to raise awareness of hearing
issues, improve options for those living with hearing loss, and to protect
those at risk. By advocating for detection, prevention, intervention and
research, the Campaign promotes hearing health for all. For more
information visit
http://www.hearinghealth.net.
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