Time running out for ACC hearing loss claims

People with damaged hearing have just four months to claim compensation before strict changes to ACC cover, the Hearing Association says.

Claims for hearing loss of less than six per cent would be rejected from July 1, Association spokesman John Harwood said.

"Instead of medical professionals making a decision on merit, the threshold means people with total hearing damage of less than six per cent will be rejected regardless of their needs," he said.

Claims accepted by ACC before July 1 would be treated under current legislation.

"We've got four months, but the reality is that taking into account the time ACC will take to process these claims, the time will be much shorter," he said.

"If people have damaged hearing from noise, drugs - like antibiotics - or other reasons, they need to get to their audiologist now, and get a claim into ACC."

Mr Harwood said the law also excluded age-related hearing loss.

People who suffered hearing loss due to noisy work environments were being let down by ACC, he said.

"This is a money exercise that is going to have a significant impact on people's lives."

- NZPA