Cochlear implantation (CI) is a standard technology for the management of children with sensorineural hearing loss. In the Republic of Kazakhstan (RK), CI was introduced in 2007. In 2012, a report for the Ministry of Health (MoH) of the RK considered the effectiveness of CI, age of implantation, use of clinical protocols, and availability of audiological screening and rehabilitation services. We assessed the influence of the report findings on the provision of medical care in the RK for children with sensorineural hearing loss.

Information was collected in a survey of all RK health regions on issues related to CI, audiological screening and rehabilitation. Administrative data relevant to the provision of CI in the RK were obtained from the MoH. Data obtained were compared with those available for preparation of the 2012 report.

The proportion of medical organizations with equipment to provide audiological screening had improved, from 29 percent in 2012 to 90 percent in 2018. The proportion of children under two receiving CI increased from 12 percent to 36 percent, while that for children over five years decreased from 48 percent to 17 percent. A clinical protocol for CI in children was developed by a center in the MoH. Progress with post-CI rehabilitation of children was limited by a lack of specialists in the health regions. The proportion of school-age children with implants who have attended general schools remains low.

The findings of the HTA report had a positive influence on availability of screening services and a protocol for CI. The average age of children receiving an implant has decreased, though it is still higher than in other countries. The need for improvements in post-CI rehabilitation and placement of children with implants in general schools is recognized but these await further resources.