This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Official Information request 'Procedure for submitting claim for tinnitus caused by exposure to loud noise'.

 
Clients with Tinnitus &/or Hyperacusis Service Page [ Histor-
ical ] v15.1
Summary
Hearing Loss Service Types and Codes
Auditory symptoms and mild TBI
Objective
A Service Page that covers the services available for clients 
with tinnitus with or without hyperacusis
2.0 Assessing the medical evidence
Background
A specialist medical opinion is required in order to estab-
Tinnitus is a condition where sufferers experience a ringing, 
lish the most likely cause of a client’s complaint of tin-
buzzing, hissing, or pulsating noise in the absence of an exter-
nitus. The medical evidence must show that the most 
nal sound. It is a common complaint associated with hearing 
likely cause of the tinnitus is the injury-related covered 
diseases, brain disorders and other causes such as ear infec-
condition (normally hearing loss but occasionally TBI). 
tions, certain medications, general ill health, age-related hearing 
Specialists can only recommend that ACC fund an inter-
loss, head and neck conditions (such as cervical disc lesion or 
vention for tinnitus based on the client’s need if they can 
impacted molars) as well as noise-induced hearing loss. A client 
confidently relate the tinnitus symptoms to the covered 
with a related covered injury, may ask ACC to help lessen the 
injury (hearing loss or TBI).
effects of tinnitus.
Acoustic shock disorder is a condition which may be 
Hyperacusis is over-reaction to loud sounds, and is often found 
associated with hyperacusis and tinnitus, and for which 
in people with tinnitus as a result of TBI. Many aspects of treat-
cover is available if the client has been exposed to in-
ment are similar to treatment for tinnitus.
tense sound which is threatening, unavoidable and 
uncontrollable.
Owner
out of scope
Expert
out of scope
3.0 Medical Advisor delegation
Procedure
Consult the medical advisor regarding any requests for 
assistance related to tinnitus.
1.0 Tinnitus and personal injury
Tinnitus isn't a personal injury so cover can't be approved 
for tinnitus alone. However, it may be a symptom of a 
covered personal injury, eg hearing loss or traumatic 
brain injury (TBI), which can result in significant diffi-
culties for a client in their everyday life or employment 
activities. A client may be eligible for rehabilitation assis-
tance if injury-related tinnitus significantly interferes with 
their ability to function in everyday life or employment 
activities.
The first therapeutic option, if there's hearing loss, is to 
provide hearing aids. You should not normally consider 
alternative options for tinnitus before this option is trialled.
Hearing devices with tinnitus programmes can also be 
provided for clients with tinnitus following TBI, whether or 
not there is hearing loss. These hearing devices would 
not normally be replaced in the normal way because tin-
nitus from TBI would be expected to have resolved over 
time.
Funding for hearing devices is limited to the hearing 
regulations for those with hearing loss, and can be pro-
vided using the TBI codes: Hearing aids for clients with 
cover for traumatic brain injury (TBI) and insignificant 
pure tone hearing loss. Note that hearing devices pro-
vided for clients with tinnitus following TBI would not nor-
mally have these replaced ie the need for treatment of 
tinnitus as a consequence of TBI is not expected to pers-
ist over the time-frame for hearing aid replacement.
Recommended interventions such as tinnitus counselling 
or tinnitus habituation devices or apps must be neces-
sary, appropriate, cost-effective, and meet all other 
rehabilitation criteria. Not all Audiology providers are able 
to provide these services. MFP identifies audiologists 
with skills in tinnitus therapy, with tinnitus listed as a sub-
specialty under audiologist classification.
Clients suffering from hyperacusis may have ear plugs 
recommended for them for short-term use, while re-
ceiving tinnitus counselling support. Note that normal ear-
plugs are counter-productive and may be harmful. Ear-
plugs or electronic devices that suppress only high inten-
sity sounds can be used.
ACC > Claims Management > Manage Claims > Service Pages > Other Services > Hearing Loss > Clients with Tinnitus &/or Hyperacusis Service Page
Uncontrolled Copy Only : Version 15.1 : Last Edited Wednesday, 18 December 2024 4:13 pm : Printed Wednesday, 22 January 2025 8:54 am
Page 1 of 1