• Source: 1 NEWS The Government is promising to reduce New Zealand's cochlear implant waitlist with an extra $6 million investment. Young woman with cochlear implant studying at home. Source: istock.com The money will make for 70 additional adult cochlear implants this year, according to Health Minister Andrew Little. “Cochlear implants are life changing for Kiwis who suffer from severe hearing loss. As well as improving an individual’s hearing, they open doors to employment, training and enhanced wellbeing,” Little said. “This investment will have an immediate effect by reducing the historical adult wait list.” The Government says as of December 31, the adult cochlear implant waitlist was 269. It expects the additional 70 implants will be delivered by 30 June.