Download Assessing cover and helping with your

Helping with your hearing loss
The information below tells you more about how ACC can contribute towards your hearing loss costs.
What if I need hearing aids?
You need to visit an audiologist to talk about the
different types of hearing aids available, and what
style best suits you and your lifestyle.
They will also discuss with you whether an aid
worn over the ear is better for you than one that fits
inside the ear canal, and whether you need one aid
or two.
If you decide to trial hearing aids, the audiologist
will arrange for you to be fitted for a trial of at least
two weeks.
How much should it cost to get hearing aids fitted?
Hearing aid costs vary, starting from approximately
$400 per aid. The cost of your hearing aids will
depend on the function and features required to
meet your hearing needs. This might include:
your audiologist what the warranty period is
before purchase.
What happens at the end of the hearing aid trial?
The audiologist will meet with you to talk about
your experiences with the aids. If you are happy
with them, the audiologist will ask you to complete
a Hearing aid trial outcome report, and will
provide you with some batteries and information
about looking after your new aids.
You may however decide to trial different hearing
aids or you may decide not to proceed with hearing
aids at all. If you don’t want hearing aids at that
time you can apply again at a later stage.
Do I need to pay anything towards my hearing aids?

whether you have mild, moderate or severe
hearing loss
If the contributions from ACC and the Ministry of
Health do not cover the full cost of the hearing aids
that you select and the associated services, you may
need to pay the difference.

the types of environments that you need to
communicate in
My claim is approved. How do I claim the contribution
from ACC and/or the Ministry of Health?

whether you have specific needs such as study
or work.
Your approval letter sets out the amount that ACC
will contribute to your hearing aids and fitting fee.
As well as the cost of hearing aids there will be a
fitting fee to cover the cost of the audiology
services. ACC’s contribution towards this fee will
be outlined in the decision letter.
What should I consider when selecting a hearing aid?
You and your audiologist should discuss the
following when considering your choice of hearing
aids:

lifestyle – consider your lifestyle, and whether
the aids meet your needs

fitting – you will have a trial period with your
aids. If the aids that you try are not comfortable
or do not meet your needs please ask your
audiologist to try different ones

warranty period – these differ between
manufacturers. The warranty will usually
indicate when the aids were manufactured. Ask
If you’re eligible for a contribution from the
Ministry of Health this letter will set out the amount
they will pay towards hearing aids.
ACC pays contributions for aids and fittings fees
directly to the audiologist.
ACC may need to contact the Ministry of Health
when assessing your eligibility for a hearing aid
contribution.
How did ACC work out whether my hearing loss is injuryrelated?
ACC has considered the assessments by the
audiologist and/or the Ear, Nose and Throat
specialist as well as the information you have
provided us. This information helps us to determine
the cause(s) of your hearing loss, ACC’s
contribution and whether hearing aids will meet your
injury-related hearing loss needs.
HLSIS05 - This information is a guide only - October 2010
How do I find out where my local audiologist is?
If you do not have an audiologist or don’t know how
to find one please call ACC on 0800 101 996.
ACC will send you batteries for your hearing aids
and details about how to request more as you need
them.
Help from other agencies
When can I next apply for replacement hearing aids?
Ask your audiologist about other funding options
for your circumstances.
Who will pay for repairs and maintenance for my
hearing aids?
ACC will contribute up to $57.50 (incl. GST) twice
a year for minor repairs and maintenance (excluding
neglect) that can be performed by an audiologist.
ACC will contribute up to $230 (incl. GST) once
every two years towards repairs or maintenance
(excluding neglect) performed by the manufacturer
that fall outside the warranty period. ACC will not
pay for any repairs or maintenance covered by the
warranty.
ACC can only contribute towards replacement
hearing aids once every six years. If you require
replacement aids after six years ACC may need to
assess your hearing at that time to determine how
much we can contribute.
Do I need to insure my hearing aids?
You should insure your hearing aids against
damage and loss. ACC’s contribution to hearing
aids is regulated and that’s all we can pay.
Additional information
More information on the regulations that set out the
ACC contributions to hearing aids, fitting fees,
maintenance and repairs can be found on our
website: www.acc.co.nz
We’re happy to answer your questions
If you’d like to know more, please call your Client Service staff member or 0800 101 996. In addition, you
may wish to request the following information:
For information on…
funding options for hearing loss
how we collect and use your information
your rights to receive a high standard of service, and
how we resolve any concerns you may have
See the guide …
Your Guide to Help for Hearing Loss
Collection and Disclosure of Information (INPIS01)
Working together to resolve issues (ACC2393 –
booklet)
Copies are available at any ACC Branch, on our website www.acc.co.nz or by calling 0800 101 996.
HLSIS05 - This information is a guide only - October 2010