Sound processor replacement

Sound processor replacement

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Effective 10 October 2025

Here’s an overview of what’s covered and how to claim for replacement sound processors.

What’s included in your cover?

If you’re covered for Implantation of hearing devices and have served the 12-month waiting period, we’ll pay benefits for:

  1. Initial cochlear implant and sound processor
  2. Medically required sound processor replacement outside the warranty period.

We won’t pay benefits if:

  • You’re replacing the sound processor solely due to the warranty period expiring
  • You’re upgrading to improved technology (e.g. newer models with enhanced features)
  • You’re claiming for complementary products or accessories (e.g. TV streamers, microphones)
  • Implantation of hearing devices is excluded or restricted on your Hospital cover
  • You haven’t been with Nurses & Midwives Health for at least 12 months or served the relevant waiting period.

A summary of sound processor replacement guidelines

SERVICE ELIGIBILITY CLAIMING INFO WHAT WE PAY
Initial cochlear implant & sound processor
(inpatient service)		 12-month waiting period on hospital cover that includes Implantation of hearing devices   • 100% of cochlear implant and sound processor cost
• Hospital and specialist doctor fees (as per your hospital cover)
Replacement sound processor – within manufacturer warranty period
(outpatient service)		   Contact your service provider. Replacement will be covered under manufacturer warranty. • No benefit payable
Replacement sound processor – within 12 months of manufacturer warranty period expiring
(outpatient service)		 Hospital cover that includes Implantation of hearing devices for a minimum of 12 months Ask your service provider to:
• Complete an AHSA Sound Processor Replacement Application Form
• Provide documentation/letter from treating audiologist/consultant
• Submit form and documents to us via secure link		 • Prorated (adjusted) benefit for sound processor. We’ll advise if there’s an out-of-pocket cost.
• No benefits payable for facility or doctor’s fees (outpatient services aren’t covered)
Replacement sound processor – more than 12 months after manufacturer warranty period expiring
(outpatient service)		 Hospital cover that includes Implantation of hearing devices for a minimum of 12 months Ask your service provider to:
• Complete an AHSA Sound Processor Replacement Application Form
• Provide documentation/letter from treating audiologist/consultant
• Submit form and documents to us via secure link		 • 100% of sound processor cost
• No benefits payable for facility or doctor’s fees (outpatient services aren’t covered)

These guidelines are current as at 10 October 2025 and subject to change. Please contact us to discuss your specific circumstances.

Your questions answered

What’s a cochlear implant?

A cochlear implant is a medical device that helps people with severe to profound hearing loss. Unlike hearing aids, which amplify sound, cochlear implants bypass damaged parts of the inner ear and send electrical signals to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound.

What’s a sound processor?

A sound processor is the external part of the cochlear implant. It’s a small device that’s worn on or near the ear to capture sounds, process them and send them to the cochlear implant. They usually last 5-7 years, based on the use, care and advancements in technology. Newer upgraded models that enhance sound quality, noise filtering and wireless connectivity, are released regularly. Warranty periods for sound processors can vary between 3 to 10 years.

I’m about to get a cochlear implant – can I claim for this?

Yes, if you’ve had Top Hospital (Gold), Mid Classic (Silver Plus) or Mid Hospital (Basic Plus) for at least 12 months (or previously had an equivalent level of cover with another fund) you can claim for the initial cochlear implant and sound processor.

If you have Basic Hospital (Basic Plus) or StarterPak (Basic Plus), your cover is restricted and out of pocket costs will apply.

Can I claim for a sound processor replacement?

Yes, if you’ve had Top Hospital (Gold), Mid Classic (Silver Plus) and Mid Hospital (Basic Plus) for at least 12 months with Nurses & Midwives Health. Please see the guidelines summary for more details on whether you can claim.

What will the prorated (adjusted) benefit be?

Here’s how we’ll calculate that: 

Cost of replacement sound processor / (warranty period +1) x age of current sound processor (in years)  

For example, if you request a $9,500 replacement sound processor with a 3-year warranty period, and the current the device is 3.5 years old, a prorated benefit will apply.

So, $9,500/(3+1) x 3.5 = $8,312.50 prorated benefit we pay. The difference (or $1,187.50) will be the out-of-pocket cost.

How do I claim for a sound processor replacement?

It will depend on a few things like whether the sound processor is still under warranty. In most cases, the service provider has to complete an application form and send it to us with the required supporting documents.

We’ll then review the claim and notify the service provider of the outcome within 10 business days via email. For a step-by-step guide on how to claim, please see the guidelines summary.

How will you pay my benefit?

We’ll pay your service provider directly, after confirming the replacement sound processor has been fitted.