Government funding for a second cochlear implant for under 18-year-olds will save each family up to $50,000, says the National Foundation for the Deaf.
Children and young people with profound hearing loss would now have both implants funded rather than just one, Health Minister Tony Ryall said.
"Budget 2014 is
providing an extra $6.3 million over four years for a bilateral cochlear implants programme for children."
Under the current policy, children with severe to profound hearing loss in both ears receive one funded cochlear implant. The new funding would mean that from July 1 those children would receive two implants.
The foundation's chief executive Louise Carroll said the announcement would save families between $30,000 and $50,000.
