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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