Part 3. Research on Analyzing the Current Status and Problems of Implantable Hearing Devices in Patients With Severe Hearing Loss for Hearing Rehabilitation Guidelines in Korea

Background and Objectives This study aims to analyze the trends and economic burden of implantable hearing devices (IHDs) for patients with severe hearing loss in South Korea using the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) data from 2010 to 2020.Subjects and Method We examined NHIS records of 6424491 cases involving cochlear implants, bone conduction implants, and middle ear implants. We analyzed IHD usage across different age groups, genders, and regions. Medical costs associated with IHDs and distribution disparities were also evaluated.Results Cochlear implant procedures increased annually by 3.35%, with bone conduction and middle ear implants showing rapid growth following insurance policy changes. Sensory hearing loss was the most common indication for cochlear implants, accounting for over 70% of cases. Regional disparities were observed, with surgeries concentrated in metropolitan areas, reflecting access inequalities. While initial costs of IHDs are substantial, they demonstrated long-term cost-effectiveness compared to hearing aids.Conclusion The findings highlight the critical role of IHDs in improving hearing rehabilitation and quality of life for patients with severe hearing loss. This study underscores the need for enhanced accessibility to IHDs and provides insights for policy adjustments to promote equitable hearing healthcare access in South Korea.