Download HLSIS05 Helping with your hearing loss

All about
Getting help with your hearing aids
This information sheet explains how ACC can help if you need hearing aids.
What help can I get if I need hearing aids?
Now that some or all of your hearing loss has been accepted as injury-related, the next step is to visit
an audiologist to talk about your needs and the different types of hearing aids available. If you don’t
have an audiologist, you can find a list of NZ Audiological Society members at www.audiology.org.nz,
or you can call us on 0800 101 996 and we’ll send you a list of local audiologists.
How do I claim the contributions from ACC and the Ministry of Health?
We’ve determined the percentage of hearing loss resulting from your covered injury and the
contribution we can make to the cost of your hearing aids. Your cover decision letter explains the
percentage and the amounts we’ll contribute to your hearing aids and fitting fee.
Your cover decision letter also includes the amount the Ministry of Health will pay towards your
hearing aids.
All contributions will be paid directly to your audiologist. The amounts added together make up the
total contribution you will receive towards the cost of your hearing aids.
Do I need to pay anything towards my hearing aids?
The level of ACC’s contribution is set by government regulation. If contributions paid by us and the
Ministry of Health don’t cover the full cost of your hearing aids, fitting fee and associated services,
you’ll need to pay the difference.
Hearing aid costs vary depending on the function and features required. These are determined by the
severity of your hearing loss, your lifestyle, specific needs and preferences. There’s a wide range of
hearing aids available to suit most needs and budgets. Your audiologist will work with you to identify
your hearing needs and suggest hearing aids for you. If cost is an issue you should discuss this with
your audiologist. We recommend that you consider getting quotes from another audiologist for
comparison, especially if the aids recommended for you require a significant payment by you.
What should I consider when selecting a hearing aid?
When you select your hearing aids you may want to consider:




your lifestyle – the types of environments you need to communicate in and whether you have
specific situations that cause difficulty
the style of hearing aid – do you need one or two hearing aids and would an aid worn over the ear
suit you better than one that fits inside your ear canal? If you wear glasses we suggest taking
them with you to the appointment
the warranty period – manufacturers have different warranties. We recommend asking your
audiologist what the warranty period is before you buy your hearing aids
the amount you have to pay after the ACC and Ministry of Health contributions have been
deducted.
You’re welcome to take a friend or family member with you when you visit the audiologist.
HLSIS05 - November 2013
This information may change and should only be used as a guide
Page 1 of 2
Help from ACC with your hearing aids, Continued…
Can I trial my new hearing aids?
Your audiologist will arrange a trial of at least two weeks for you, after that time they’ll meet with you
to talk about your experience with the aids, and adjust the settings if necessary. If you’re happy with
the aids, the audiologist will get you to complete a Hearing aid trial outcome report and give you extra
batteries and more information about caring for your new aids. If the aids aren’t comfortable, or don’t
meet your needs, you can ask to try a different type. You may trial several different hearing aids or
decide to try hearing aids at a later stage.
Who will pay for repairs and maintenance for my hearing aids?
We’ll contribute up to:


$57.50, incl GST, twice a year for minor repairs and maintenance performed by an audiologist
$230, incl GST, once every two years towards repairs or maintenance performed by the
manufacturer, if outside the warranty period
We’re unable to pay for offsite repairs, ear moulds or maintenance during the warranty period.
Your audiologist will request batteries for your hearing aids from our supplier, who will then send them
to you and tell you how to request more when you need them.
When can I next apply for replacement hearing aids?
We can contribute towards replacement hearing aids after six years. If you need replacement hearing
aids, we’ll need to assess your hearing loss. Visit your audiologist when you need replacement
hearing aids. We also recommend that you insure your hearing aids against damage and loss under
your home and contents insurance.
Additional information
More information on the regulations that set out ACC’s contributions to hearing aids, fitting fees,
maintenance and repairs can be found in the booklet, Your guide to help for hearing loss, available
from our website: www.acc.co.nz\publications or we can send you a copy.
We’re happy to answer your questions
If you have any language or cultural needs, let us know so we can help. If you’d like to know
more about our services, please call your client service staff member directly or phone
0800 101 996. You may also find the following information helpful.
For information about…
See the guide…
help we can provide
ACC2399 Getting help after an injury (booklet)
How we collect and use your information
INPIS01 Collection and disclosure of information
your rights to receive a high standard of service,
and how we resolve any concerns you may have
ACC2393 Working together to resolve issues
(booklet)
Copies are available at any ACC Branch, on our website acc.co.nz or by calling 0800 101 996.
HLSIS05 -November 2013
This information may change and should only be used as a guide
Page 2 of 2