Second Cochlear Implant Now Covered for Adults in the Netherlands
November 3, 2026
Adults with severe to profound hearing loss in both ears who already have a cochlear implant in one ear can now have a second cochlear implant reimbursed from the Dutch basic health package. Zorginstituut Nederland, which defines that package, published its position on 3 November 2026. The position is dated 27 October 2026, and coverage applies from that date. The second implant is placed later, as a sequential procedure, not as two implants at once.
Who qualifies for a second cochlear implant
Until now, a second implant was covered only for adults who are deaf after meningitis and for adults who are both deaf and blind. Adults with severe hearing loss or deafness in both ears usually wear a hearing aid in the other ear, and for some of them that does not work well enough. The new position adds this group. The professional group expects 60 to 100 adults a year to become eligible. Placing a cochlear implant cannot be reversed, and for some people one implant is enough.
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