Understanding ACC Cover for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss 

Have you spent years working around machinery, tools, engines, tractors, chainsaws or other loud equipment?

Perhaps hearing protection wasn't always available when you started your career, or maybe you didn't realise at the time just how much those years around noise could affect your hearing.

Now you're noticing that conversations are harder to follow, particularly when there is background noise.

Could your hearing loss be related to your working life? 

For some New Zealanders, occupational noise-induced hearing loss may be covered by ACC.

At Bellbird Hearing, we can assess your hearing, discuss your history of noise exposure and help you understand whether an ACC claim may be appropriate.

What is noise-induced hearing loss? 

Noise-induced hearing loss occurs when exposure to loud noise damages the delicate structures of the inner ear.

It can happen following a very loud noise, but more commonly develops gradually after repeated or prolonged exposure. This means you may not notice a problem until many years later. 

Workplaces where people can be exposed to high levels of noise include: 

• Farming and agricultural environments 

• Building and construction sites 

• Engineering and manufacturing 

• Workshops 

• Forestry and logging 

• Transport and heavy machinery 

• Quarrying and mining 

• Airports and other industrial environments 

Noise-induced hearing loss often affects the ability to hear higher-pitched sounds first. You may notice that people seem to be mumbling, speech isn't as clear as it used to be, or you can hear someone talking but struggle to understand what they're saying. 

Background noise can make the problem particularly noticeable.

Could ACC cover my hearing loss?

ACC can provide support for hearing loss caused by an injury, including work-related noise exposure. ACC's current guidance says it can support the injury-related portion of hearing loss, provided the claim meets its criteria. 

This doesn't mean that everyone who has worked in a noisy environment will automatically qualify.

ACC considers your hearing results alongside your history of occupational noise exposure and other factors that may have contributed to your hearing loss. Work-related hearing loss can be a more complex claim because hearing loss often has more than one possible cause.

What if I'm older and have some age-related hearing loss too?

This is very common. 

Hearing loss doesn't always have one single cause. You may have experienced significant noise exposure during your working life while also experiencing changes in hearing associated with getting older. 

That doesn't necessarily mean you can't make an ACC claim.

The important question is whether there is an injury-related component to your hearing loss that meets ACC's requirements. ACC notes that it can only fund the portion of hearing loss related to the covered injury, while other funding options may be available for non-injury-related hearing loss.

What happens if I think my hearing loss is from workplace noise?

The first step is a comprehensive hearing assessment.

At Bellbird Hearing, we'll talk with you about your hearing, your previous work environments and the types of noise you have been exposed to. We'll also assess your hearing to determine the type and degree of hearing loss.

If your results and history indicate that an occupational noise-induced hearing loss claim may be appropriate, we can lodge the claim with ACC and provide the relevant audiological information. Audiologists are now able to lodge occupational noise-induced hearing loss claims directly with ACC (no GP visit needed).

ACC will then assess the claim. Some work-related hearing loss claims require further investigation before a decision can be made.

Importantly, having an ACC claim lodged does not guarantee that it will be accepted. ACC makes the final decision about cover.

What support could ACC provide? 

If your hearing loss is accepted as being covered by ACC, ACC may provide support for hearing-related treatment and devices.

This can include hearing aids where they are required as a result of the covered injury. ACC says that the support available depends on the needs associated with the injury.

If you choose hearing aids that are more expensive than the level approved by ACC, you may need to contribute towards the additional cost.

Don't write off your hearing loss as "just getting older"

If you've spent years working in noisy environments, it may be worth investigating whether your hearing loss could be work-related.

You don't have to know exactly when your hearing started to deteriorate, and you don't need to work out the ACC process by yourself.

A hearing assessment can help you understand what is happening with your hearing and what your options may be.

At Bellbird Hearing, we're happy to talk through your history, assess your hearing and explain the next steps.

ACC criteria and funding policies may change. Eligibility is determined by ACC on a case-by-case basis.  ACC - Home