Extra funding has allowed 29 infants and children with profound hearing loss to receive cochlear implants, including those in the Bay of Plenty.

'Cochlear implants are life changing,” says Health Minister Jonathan Coleman.

Some 29 infants and children have received cochlear implants.

'They significantly improve children's hearing and learning ability. The earlier they are fitted the better.”

Budget 2014 provided an extra $6.3 million over four years for a bilateral cochlear implants programme.

'A single implant had been the standard treatment for children with profound hearing loss,” adds Jonathan.

'In line with a chance in international best practice, from July 2014 children assessed as clinically suitable now receive two implants. As a result, 29 children have to date received two cochlear implants.

'There is no waiting list for newborns and children.”

Around $2.1 million has also been set aside to provide a second implant to children under six who have already received a single implant through the programme.

Funding for the cochlear programme has almost doubled over the last five years to $8.4 million a year.

Around 86 people receive cochlear implants each year. Up to 16 are infants, 30 are aged 2-18 years, and 40 are adults.