Modern hearing aids are sophisticated electronic devices that, when fitted by a
qualified Audiologist, can assist with many of the hearing needs caused by
hearing loss.
There are over 300 types and models of hearing aids available in New Zealand.
Hearing Advantage has access to the full range and will provide the best advice
as to what style of hearing aid best suits your hearing needs and budget.
The MNZAS Audiologists at Hearing Advantage are approved service providers and
can access funding through the ACC, Environmental Support Services, Government
Subsidies, Work and Income NZ and War Pensions to help fund the cost of your
hearing aids.
The cost of purchasing hearing aids depends on a variety of factors including:
-
the degree and type of hearing loss
-
the complexities of the listening environment in which hearing aids will be
used
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the wearers personal cosmetic preferences
-
the need for one or two hearing aids
Hearing aid costs have also been affected by developments in technology over
the last decade. In general hearing aids can be classified according to cost as
follows:
Basic Digital or Analogue: $1200-$2000 per pair of hearing aids.
Aids in this category generally perform well in quiet situations. These aids do
not offer maximum assistance in group conversations, crowds, or meetings. These
aids generally offer options such as manual volume, different listening
programs for different sound environments, telecoil compatibility (in some
models) and use of a remote control to change volume and other features (in
some models).
Middle Range Digital: $2400-$5000 per pair of hearing aids.
These instruments offer a greater range of features than the basic models.
Additional features include reduction of non-speech noise and directional
microphones to reduce the interference background noise.
Advanced Digital: $5000-$7000+ per pair of hearing aids.
In addition to the above features advanced hearing aids use the latest
technology and are better able to cope with changes in the listening
environment. This results in better speech understanding in a greater range of
situations including the presence of background noise. Many user options are
available that make them easy to use, and some aids within this category are
adjustable via a remote control. They also provide your Audiologist with the
greatest flexibility to optimize the devices for your hearing.
Hearing aids fitted to children under the age of 18 (or under 21 years of age
while in fulltime education) are funded at no cost to their families through a
provision in the health system known as the "Special Aid Fund". Funding is
available for both new and replacement hearing aids. There is also funding
available for hearing aid repairs and batteries.
Individuals may be eligible for funding of hearing aids through the ACC scheme
if their hearing loss is the result of prolonged occupational noise exposure or
a sudden trauma that has damaged hearing. Funding is available if occupational
noise exposure occurred before the introduction of the ACC scheme in 1972.
However, funding is not typically available if a sudden trauma occurred prior
to 1972 that caused hearing loss.
Assessment for ACC eligibility begins with a hearing test. Noise exposure
produces a pattern of hearing loss that a qualified Audiologist is trained to
identify. If a noise induced hearing loss is found which is consistent with the
history of occupational noise exposure the Audiologist will recommend that an
ACC claim be initiated. An ACC claim must be lodged through a General
Practitioner or other Registered Medical Specialist. After lodging a claim, a
patient must be examined by an Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT)
surgeon). If an ACC claim is approved, the cost of appropriate hearing aids is
met by the ACC scheme. Lump sum compensation payments are not available.
If an individual believes they may have a hearing loss associated with noise
exposure they are encouraged to act now, even if they do not feel they need
hearing aids. If left too late (after retirement, for example) then it may be
difficult to prove that the hearing loss was caused by noise exposure alone,
rather than a natural deterioration over time with age.
Visit the ACC Website for
additional information on the ACC claims process.
The Accessible NZ (North Island) and Enable NZ (South Island) provide partial
funding of hearing aids for people who are in full-time study, employment, or
who are unemployed but registered as seeking work. Funding may also be
available to allow people to remain independent within their own homes. The
eligibility criteria for funding varies by health region. For example, some
health regions provide hearing aid funds for individuals who are primary
caregivers of young children; other health regions may not.
Individuals who were exposed to noise through high-powered rifle or artillery
fire while serving in the armed services (during war or peace time) may be
eligible for funding for hearing aids. Eligibility depends on a number of
factors, including whether the person receives a War Pension, and the degree of
any assessed disability. Individuals who believe they may be eligible for a
hearing aid through the War Pension system should have their hearing assessed
at Hearing Advantage.
All adult patients who purchase a hearing aid and do not receive funding through
the ACC, Environment Support Services or War Pensions are eligible for a
Universal Hearing Aid Subsidy. The subsidy is currently set at $198 per hearing
aid and is available to individuals every 5 years. The subsidy is applied to
each hearing aid purchased and so a total subsidy of $396 is applied to the
purchase of two hearing aids.
Anyone who receives a benefit from Work and Income NZ can apply for a loan of up
to $1000- to help with the purchase of hearing aids. The loan is deducted
gradually from future benefit payments.
Visit the WINZ Website
for further information about eligibility for financial assistance.
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