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 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.
b 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
a Consult the medical advisor regarding any requests for
assistance related to tinnitus.
1.0 Tinnitus and personal injury
a 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.
b 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.
c 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.
d 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.
e 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.
f 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
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