Auditory Brainstem Implant

This policy covers unilateral auditory brainstem implantation (surface‑electrode ABI) to restore some hearing in patients aged ≥12 with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) who are deaf following bilateral resection of neurofibromas of the auditory nerve, consistent with FDA approval for unilateral implantation at tumor removal. Use is limited to this NF2 population (age ≥12); bilateral ABIs, penetrating‑electrode ABIs (PABI), and non‑NF2 indications are considered experimental/investigational, and available evidence is limited and based mainly on observational series with variable speech outcomes.

"Unilateral auditory brainstem implant using surface electrodes on the cochlear nuclei for patients age ≥12 with a diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) who have been rendered deaf due to bila..."

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