ACC Funding Scheme
You may be eligible for funding towards hearing aids through the ACC scheme if your hearing loss is the result of prolonged occupational noise exposure in New Zealand, or due to a sudden trauma that has damaged your hearing. Funding may be available if exposure occurred before the introduction of the ACC scheme in 1972. Kinau will first assess your eligibility by conducting a hearing test. Generally, hearing loss due to noise exposure will produces a certain pattern of hearing loss on paper (the Audiogram generally shows a particular type of graph) that Kinau can identify. She will then recommend that your GP initiates an ACC claim on your behalf. ACC will arrange for you to be seen by an Ear Nose and Throat specialist (ENT Specialist), who is the only person able to formally diagnose noise-induced hearing loss.
If an ACC claim is approved, some funding is provided towards the cost of hearing aids. The funding can range from just over $3000 to just under $5000 for a pair of hearing aids. At Hearing by Design, you will be able to obtain a pair of hearing aids fully funded by ACC, even if you received the minimum amount of funding from ACC. Some patients choose to top up their funding which allows them to obtain hearing aids with more advanced features and technology, to meet their specific needs. If you think you or a family member may have occupational noise induced hearing loss, you are encouraged to lodge a claim sooner rather than later, even if you do not feel you need hearing aids just yet. If it is left too late in life, it may become more difficult to prove that the hearing loss was caused by noise exposure alone, rather than a natural deterioration of your hearing over time due to aging.
ACC also provides all your hearing aid batteries, and they will contribute towards the costs for servicing and repairs of your hearing aids.
The process can seem daunting and lengthy, but you can rest assured that Kinau will guide you through it with ease.
You can find more information on their website.