Adults who are deaf or severely hearing-impaired in both ears are now eligible for reimbursement of a second cochlear implant, the Zorginstituut Nederland announced. Previously, adults generally qualified for two implants only if they had become deaf through meningitis or were both deaf and blind. The reimbursement has applied since 27 October 2026 and is assessed case by case; the remaining hearing in the other ear must be sufficiently poor. The institute expects 60 to 100 patients a year to qualify.

The change followed an assessment of scientific studies that found a second implant could help people distinguish sounds in noisy environments, become more independent and feel less tired. Alonda van Toor, who has one implant and limited hearing in her other ear, said she hopes to receive a second one. The Ear Fund welcomed the expanded reimbursement.