MED-EL’s BONEBRIDGE System Receives Reimbursement Approval in Belgium

September 1, 2025 – (Innsbruck, Austria / Brussels, Belgium): MED-EL announces the official approval of reimbursement for the BONEBRIDGE active bone conduction implant system in Belgium. This long-anticipated decision by the Belgian National Institute for Health and Disability Insurance (RIZIV/INAMI) significantly enhances access to advanced hearing solutions for individuals with conductive or mixed hearing loss. BONEBRIDGE is the first active bone conduction implant to receive reimbursement in Belgium, underscoring its pioneering role in hearing technology.

• RIZIV approval enables full reimbursement for unilateral and bilateral BONEBRIDGE implantations starting September 1, 2025
• Patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss – including those with microtia and/or atresia – now have access to advanced bone conduction technology
• MED-EL Belgium will support implant centers with training, patient selection guidance, and reimbursement integration
  

Starting September 1, 2025, BONEBRIDGE will be reimbursed under the conditions defined by RIZIV. The reimbursement applies to both unilateral and bilateral implantation, in accordance with CE regulations. This development enables Belgian otologists and audiologists to offer BONEBRIDGE as a reimbursed alternative to existing passive bone conduction systems. 

"The MED-EL BONEBRIDGE hearing implant offers children and adults with hearing loss natural sound quality and optimal comfort, when a conventional hearing aid is not possible,” says Prof. Vincent Van Rompaey, Otolaryngologist at the Antwerp University Hospital (UZA). “The implant is particularly suitable for chronic ear infections, absence of the ear canal, or a defective ossicular chain. Since 2012, UZA has gained extensive expertise in BONEBRIDGE implantation, enabling us to offer patients a proven and long-lasting solution for direct sound stimulation. The inclusion of BONEBRIDGE in the reimbursement framework is a major step forward for hearing care in Belgium.” 

Strategic Milestone for MED-EL Belgium

The approval also marks a key milestone for MED-EL Belgium, enabling the full market introduction of BONEBRIDGE and reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting clinicians with innovative, evidence-based hearing solutions. “This reimbursement decision reflects the growing recognition of advanced hearing technologies and the importance of equitable access for patients,” says Mireille Van Rompu, Area Manager MED-EL Belgium. “It is the result of years of collaboration with healthcare professionals, policymakers, and patient organizations, and it underscores MED-EL’s long-term commitment to improving hearing healthcare in Belgium. With this, we can now offer a reimbursement solution for all types of hearing loss.”

Support for Clinical Integration

This reimbursement decision is expected to positively impact clinical practice in Belgium, where otologists have long advocated for broader access to active bone conduction technology. MED-EL Belgium will provide comprehensive support to implant centers and audiologists to ensure the smooth integration of BONEBRIDGE into clinical workflows. This includes training, patient selection guidance, and assistance with reimbursement procedures.
Healthcare professionals interested in a detailed overview of the reimbursement conditions are invited to contact MED-EL Belgium directly.

A Clinically Proven, Patient-Centered Solution

BONEBRIDGE is the world’s first active transcutaneous bone conduction implant system. Unlike passive systems, it generates vibrations and transmits them directly to the inner ear via bone conduction, bypassing the outer and middle ear. Its under-the-skin design minimizes skin complications, offers superior cosmetic outcomes, and ensures high patient satisfaction. The system is MRI-compatible up to 1.5 Tesla without the need for surgical magnet removal and has demonstrated strong clinical outcomes in multiple international studies. BONEBRIDGE is particularly suitable for individuals with microtia and/or atresia, offering an effective hearing solution when conventional hearing aids are not an option.

For more information on the reimbursement conditions, please contact Mireille Van Rompu or visit the RIZIV website.

About MED-EL

MED-EL Medical Electronics, a leader in implantable hearing solutions, is driven by a mission to overcome hearing loss as a barrier to communication and quality of life. The Austrian-based, privately owned business was co-founded by industry pioneers Ingeborg and Erwin Hochmair, whose ground-breaking research led to the development of the world’s first micro-electronic multi-channel cochlear implant (CI), which was successfully implanted in 1977 and was the basis for what is known as the modern CI today. This laid the foundation for the successful growth of the company in 1990, when they hired their first employees. To date, MED-EL has more than 3,000 employees from around 90 nations and 30 locations worldwide.
The company offers the widest range of implantable and non-implantable solutions to treat all types of hearing loss, enabling people in 139 countries enjoy the gift of hearing with the help of a MED-EL device. MED-EL’s hearing solutions include cochlear and middle ear implant systems, a combined electric acoustic stimulation hearing implant system, auditory brainstem implants as well as surgical and non-surgical bone conduction devices. www.medel.com 

CEO

Doz. DI Dr DDr med. h.c. Ingeborg Hochmair

Contact

Mireille Van Rompu
Area Manager MED-EL Belgium
Tel +32 2 892 80 25 
Mobile +32 488360640
[email protected]

Press Contact

PR & Corporate Communications
MED-EL Medical Electronics
Fürstenweg 77a
6020 Innsbruck
Austria
T: +43 5 7788
E: [email protected]