Audiologists and Hearing Assistive Technology assessors - Enable New Zealand Region

The services of a Professional Advisor – Hearing have been utilised by accessable and Enable New Zealand. This request of the Ministry of Health was made in response to suggestions from Specialised Assessors that both providers have more specialised input into reviewing hearing equipment applications.

A number of aspects related to Hearing and Hearing Assistive Technology have been worked on by both Equipment and Modification Services (EMS) providers. One of these is to improve the information received in applications for funding. The existing generic Complex Equipment applications forms have not been suitable for the specific information required for hearing aid and hearing equipment applications. The purpose of the new form is to enable people to access Ministry of Health EMS funding. The intention is to gain a greater understanding of the needs of the person, and the most appropriate equipment that is recommended and subsequently provided.

A draft Hearing Equipment Application form was sent out last year requesting feedback from Specialised Assessors for Hearing and Hearing Assistive Technology. The New Zealand Audiological Society (NZAS) and Hearing Therapy Services kindly offered to coordinate the dissemination of the form for comment. The latest draft (264.5 Kb, Word) is available and associated explanation (174.8 Kb, PDF) of the form fields.

This form remains in draft to provide the opportunity for further comment and feedback before the final version is created. You may use this draft form to submit applications for EMS funding.

A copy of the audiogram and COSI is to be attached with all future applications to provide a full picture of the person’s needs.

Please note the section on the draft form where the level of technology is to be specified, further information needs to be provided if a high technology instrument is specified. This is in order to meet the Ministry of Health requirement to ensure that cost effective equipment is provided based on the essential needs of the client. This requirement aligns hearing applications with other more high cost EMS funded equipment such as wheelchairs, where much more detailed information is required when more complex / high technology equipment is being requested.

You may be surprised to learn that hearing equipment now makes up approximately 20% of the total EMS spend across equipment, housing modifications and vehicle modifications (based on expenditure figures in 2007/08). This is an increase over previous years and shows a growth in both the number of applications and the average cost of applications.

Where you have any comments about the form, please email david.guest@enable.co.nz . Please ensure the subject line includes “Feedback on Hearing Equipment Application form”. Feedback is due by 30th September 2009.

We look forward to working closely with you to ensure people with hearing impairment have their needs met in and timely and effective manner.