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DOCUMENT 1
Practice Guide – Hearing Supports
Guide for Planners and Local Area Coordinators Refer to Practice Guide – Assisting Communications for information on including Auslan supports in plans for participants who are Deaf, have hearing loss or a hearing impairment.
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Contents
Practice Guide – Hearing Supports ……………………………………………………………………………… 1
- Purpose ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
- To be used by ………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4
- Scope ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4 3.1 Hearing services interface …………………………………………………………………………… 4 3.2 What is hearing loss? …………………………………………………………………………………. 5 3.3 What are the impacts for participants who are Deaf, have a hearing loss or hearing impairment? ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6
- Access ………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
-
Pre-planning................................................................................................................ 7
5.1 Effective communication ……………………………………………………………………………… 7 5.2 Hearing Services Program …………………………………………………………………………… 8 5.3 Participant Hearing Services Program eligibility ……………………………………………… 8 5.4 Planning Process table ……………………………………………………………………………….. 9 5.5 Refer participants aged 7 to 25 and Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander over 50 years to CSO ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10 5.6 Participants aged 26 years or over who are eligible for HSP …………………………… 10 5.7 Identify the participant’s Low Cost AT support needs …………………………………….. 11 5.8 Identify the participant’s level of NDIS Hearing Services ………………………………… 11 5.9 Identify the participant’s NDIS hearing supports ……………………………………………. 12 6. Planning …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 14 6.1 Core Supports …………………………………………………………………………………………. 14 6.2 HSP Repairs, Maintenance and Replacement Devices ………………………………….. 14 6.3 Repairs and Maintenance for NDIS funded Hearing Devices ………………………….. 15 6.4 Capital Supports ………………………………………………………………………………………. 15 6.5 Capacity Building Supports ………………………………………………………………………… 17 6.6 Referrals to TAB ………………………………………………………………………………………. 20 6.7 Notify the Hearing Services Program …………………………………………………………… 20 7. Plan Implementation and Monitoring ………………………………………………………………. 20
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- Plan reviews ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 21 8.1 Reviewing eligibility for participants who turn 26 years of age …………………………. 22 8.2 Case examples ………………………………………………………………………………………… 22
- Funding Responsibilities ………………………………………………………………………………. 27
- Appendices ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 29 10.1 Proposed capacity building for the life expectancy of a hearing aid (generally 5 years) ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 29 10.2 Considerations for Wireless Communication Device/Remote microphone systems compatible with hearing aids/cochlear implant (CI) speech processors …………………….. 32 10.3 Considerations for Cochlear Implant (CI) and Bone Conduction Implantable devices –Speech/Sound Processor upgrades ………………………………………………………. 33
- Glossary …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 35
- Supporting material ……………………………………………………………………………………… 39
- Process owner and approver ………………………………………………………………………… 39
- Feedback …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 39
- Version change control ………………………………………………………………………………… 39
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The content of this document is OFFICIAL.
- Purpose This Practice Guide will assist you to develop and implement plans for participants who have hearing supports in their plan. Note: The age range for the NDIS Pathway Hearing Stream for children younger than 7 newly diagnosed with a hearing loss is not changing. For participants younger than 7 refer to Practice Guide – Early childhood – supports for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- To be used by
• Plan Developers – Planners and NDIS Partners (local area coordinators) • NDIA Plan Delegates. 3. Scope This Practice Guide will provide you with an understanding of support needs and the planning process for participants who identify with the disabilities of Deaf, hearing loss or hearing impairment. This guide explains how to include funded supports in a plan when a participant is eligible or already receiving supports through the Hearing Services Program (HSP), and how to determine Reasonable and Necessary supports when a participant is not eligible for the Hearing Services Program. Note: The term ‘Deaf, hearing loss or hearing impairment’ is used when referring to the NDIS access process and recording of disability and functional impairment in the NDIS Business System (System). We understand this is not the preferred language for many participants in the Deaf or Hard of Hearing communities. This term is used to ensure consistency between this Practice Guide, the NDIS Our Guidelines and the details in the System to support the planning process. You should always check with the participant how they identify and what their preferred terminology is.
3.1 Hearing services interface From 1 July 2020 hearing services in Australia will continue to be funded by both the Hearing Services Program (HSP) and the NDIS. Under a previous in-kind arrangement participants who were not normally eligible for the Hearing Services Program were issued a voucher. This voucher will remain valid until it expires, or, when the participant has a plan review and chooses to cancel their voucher and have all their hearing needs funded in their NDIS plan.
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Plan developers need to understand the participant’s current and future eligibility for the Hearing Services Program to determine how a participant will receive their hearing supports.
Refer to Participant Hearing Services Program eligibility.
If the participant is eligible for the Hearing Services Program they will fund some supports. The NDIS will fund other reasonable and necessary supports the Hearing Services Program does not fund.
If the participant is not eligible for the Hearing Services Program the NDIS will fund all reasonable and necessary supports.
Refer to Funding Responsibilities in this resource for more information about what the Hearing Services Program funds and what the NDIS can fund.
3.2 What is hearing loss?
Hearing loss can be described as:
e congenital (present at birth or soon after birth)
e acquired (occurs or develops during a person’s life and was not present at birth). Types of hearing loss:
e Sensorineural hearing loss is considered permanent affecting the inner ear (cochlea).
e Conductive hearing loss may be considered a temporary condition if, for example, it is associated with a middle ear pathology (for example, ear infections/otitis media). However, a conductive hearing loss would be considered permanent if for example, the child has a malformed ear or there is sufficient medical evidence, for example from an Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) specialist, evidencing that the hearing loss is permanent, or is likely to be permanent and there are no are no known available and appropriate evidenced-based medical treatments that would remedy the hearing loss. For further information refer to s5.4 National Disability Insurance
Scheme (Becoming a Participant) Rules 2016.
e Mixed hearing loss is a combination of a sensorineural (permanent) hearing loss with a conductive overlay.
e Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD) is sometimes called auditory neuropathy or auditory dys-synchrony. It is a “neural” hearing condition which impacts on the ability of the hearing (auditory) nerve to send sounds from the inner ear (cochlear) to the brain.
Classification of a Hearing Loss
Hearing Severity Level Decibel Range
Normal Hearing 0-20dBHL
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Hearing Severity Level Decibel Range
Mild Hearing Loss 21 — 40dBHL Moderate Hearing Loss 41 -— 60dBHL Severe Hearing Loss 61 — 80dBHL
Severe or Profound Hearing Loss 81 — 90dBHL Profound Hearing Loss >90dBHL
3.3 What are the impacts for participants who are Deaf, have a hearing loss or hearing impairment?
Deaf, hearing loss or hearing impairment may impact the participant’s ability to hear conversational speech and environmental sounds, therefore affecting their ability to communicate, learn and socially interact. The impacts of Deaf, hearing loss or hearing impairment will vary considerably between individuals depending on a range of factors including:
age of onset
e severity
e type of hearing loss
e early intervention support received, and
e other factors affecting the person such as whether they also have a secondary
disability.
- Access
Access to the NDIS for participants who identify as Deaf, hearing loss or hearing impaired is assessed under /Vational Disability Insurance Scheme Act 2013 (NDIS Act 2013). Information about the Hearing Services Program eligibility is explained in the Applying to the NDIS Our Guideline Do you meet the disability requirements? (external).
Information about access for participants aged 0 — 25 is located in the Applying to the NDIS Our Guideline Do you need early intervention? (external).
When a participant turns 26 and met eligibility via the early intervention requirements, their eligibility is assessed under the Applying to the NDIS Our Guideline Do you meet the disability requirements? (external).
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- Pre-planning During pre-planning you will have meaningful conversations with the participant and/or their nominee to create a high quality, personalised plan to support the participant to pursue their goals.
5.1 Effective communication The NDIA must make sure assistance is provided to a participant to support their interaction and/or communication with the Agency, our staff and partners. Participants who identify with the disabilities of Deaf, hearing loss or hearing impairment may use a variety of communication methods to communicate such as: • lip reading • hearing aids • Auslan • Remote Captioning • other assistive technology. The participant may find it difficult to hear at times, even when wearing a hearing device. In all your conversations it is important you: • speak clearly • don’t shout • where necessary, speak slightly slower than usual and make sure you face the participant • position yourself so there is no background glare from windows. This will help the participant to watch your face for extra visual cues, for example lip reading, and help them understand what you are saying • have the conversation in a well-lit, quiet room, with no unnecessary background noise • rephrase what you are saying if the participant asks you to repeat yourself and don’t repeat the same sentence again • check-in with the participant to understand they have understood • use gestural cues and visual resources where possible. Participants who are deafblind may communicate using tactile, hand-over-hand or visual frame. Refer to the Deafblind Disability and Deafness and Hearing Impairment Snapshots for further information.
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5.1.1 Meeting preparation The participant’s preferred method of communication needs to be established before the planning meeting and arrangements made to ensure the participant can participate in the meeting. Before booking a planning meeting with the participant:
- Check the System to confirm the participant’s communication needs and their preferred contact method. This may vary from email, SMS or phone via TTY (Text Telephone/Teletype Terminal). Note: If the participant’s preferred method is phone via TTY, you need to use the National Relay Service (external) to call the participant to book the appointment and find out how you can best meet their communication needs during the planning meeting.
- Understand and respect communication barriers for example, the participant may require an interpreter (Auslan or live captioning).
- Make appropriate adjustments for the planning meeting. For example, a quiet room with no background noise, noisy air conditioners, busy roads or background music. Refer to Practice Guide – Assisting Communication.
5.2 Hearing Services Program The NDIS interfaces with the Hearing Services Program (external) for participants when they are: • under the age of 26, or • aged 26 years and over and meet the Hearing Services Program eligibility criteria. The Hearing Services Program has two components:
-
Voucher (Voucher program) delivers general hearing services and devices to eligible people (external).
-
Community Service Obligations (CSO program) deliver Specialist Hearing Services and devices to eligible people (external). The Community Services Obligations program is solely delivered by Hearing Australia.
5.3 Participant Hearing Services Program eligibility To check if the participant is eligible or confirm the participant is still eligible for the Hearing Services Program (HSP), refer to Standard Operating Procedure – Include hearing supports in a plan.
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5.4 Planning Process table
The following table lists the seven participant groups and the type of funding the participant
may be eligible for.
You will need to identify which group the participant is in and follow the relevant planning process in the Standard Operating Procedure — Include hearing supports in a plan.
Group Funding
Participant aged 7 to 25*.
Hearing services provided by the Community Services Obligation program.
NDIS funding for reasonable and necessary supports which the Community Services Obligation program does not fund.
Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander over 50 years.
Hearing services provided by the Community Services Obligation program.
NDIS funding for reasonable and necessary supports which the Community Services Obligation program does not fund.
Current NDIS participant aged 26 and above who is eligible for the Hearing Services Program with a current HSP voucher.
Hearing services provided by the Hearing Services Program™.
NDIS funding for reasonable and necessary supports which the Hearing Services Program does not fund.
Current NDIS participant aged 26 and above not eligible for the Hearing Services Program but with a current HSP voucher provided under the previous in-kind arrangement*** who would like to have NDIS fund all Hearing Supports.
NDIS funding for reasonable and necessary hearing supports.
Current NDIS participant aged 26 and above not eligible for the Hearing Services Program but with a current HSP voucher provided under the previous in-kind arrangement*** who would like to
Hearing services provided by the Hearing Services Program until the participant’s HSP voucher expires.
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Group Funding
remain with Hearing Services Program while the | NDIS funding for reasonable and voucher is valid. necessary supports which the Hearing Services Program does not fund.
Hearing services provided by Hearing
Services Program. New NDIS participant aged 26 and above, HSP
eligible. NDIS funding for reasonable and
necessary supports which the Hearing Services Program does not fund.
New NDIS participant aged 26 and above, not NDIS funding for reasonable and HSP eligible. necessary hearing supports.
- If a person is turning 26 during the duration of a plan, consider their future hearing needs.
*“The participant’s eligibility to the Hearing Services Program may change and should be checked at each scheduled or unscheduled plan review.
***HSP vouchers are valid for 3 years from the date of issue.
5.5 Refer participants aged 7 to 25 and Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander over 50 years to CSO
Participants aged 7 to 25 and Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander over 50 years will receive their audiology assessments, fittings, devices and upgrades and replacements (including Cochlear Implant speech processor for people aged 7 to 25) through the Community Services Obligation program. Funding does not need to be included in the participant’s NDIS plan for these hearing supports.
Participants aged 7 to 25 years of age with cochlear implants may also be supported by their local Cochlear Implant Clinic. The plan developer should consider capacity building funding in the participant’s NDIS plan. Refer to Capacity Building Supports.
Refer the participant to their local Hearing Australia provider. Refer to Standard Operating Procedure — Make a referral.
5.6 Participants aged 26 years or over who are eligible for HSP
HSP eligible NDIS participants will receive their audiology assessments, fittings, devices and upgrades (not Cochlear Implant speech processor) through the Hearing Services Program. Do not include funding for hearing supports that the Hearing Services Program funds.
Explain to the participant why they are receiving hearing supports from the Hearing Services Program.
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Example Script “Before we look at what reasonable and necessary supports the NDIS can fund we will look at what other supports you are currently receiving, or what supports can be provided by another organisation. From what we have spoken about and by checking the Hearing Services Program eligibility criteria you are eligible for the Hearing Services Program. The Hearing Services Program supports eligible people by giving them access to hearing services. This includes funding for hearing assessments, management, advice and support, and the fitting of a hearing device where needed. This means you will receive some supports from the Hearing Services Program and we will look at funding reasonable and necessary supports that the Hearing Services Program does not provide.” For an example on planning for a participant aged 26 years or over who is eligible for Hearing Services Program refer to case example – Alison.
5.7 Identify the participant’s Low Cost AT support needs Low Cost AT is not covered by the Hearing Services Program. All participants need to have their Low Cost AT support needs considered. Examples include batteries and hearing aid consumables. The below questions will help you to better understand the participant’s Low Cost AT needs: • What assistive technology supports are you currently using to support your communication needs? How long have you had this AT? • Do you have any safety concerns around your home? For example, are you able to hear the phone, doorbell, TV or smoke alarm? • Do you require Assistive Listening Devices (Level 1or 2 AT) to help alert you to everyday activities around the home? You don’t need to ask the participant these questions at every plan review. Refer to Plan Review section for further information about Low Cost AT expected life. Refer to: • Our Guidelines – Assistive technology • Standard Operating Procedure – Add low cost assistive technology supports in a plan
5.8 Identify the participant’s level of NDIS Hearing Services
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The participant’s individual circumstances will determine the level of hearing services from an audiologist or an audiometrist to support them to pursue their NDIS goals. Refer to table of NDIS Hearing Services in the Capacity Building budget. There are two categories for NDIS Hearing Services: • Hearing Services is recommended for the delivery of audiometry and audiological services that are not covered by Hearing Services Program. • Specialised Hearing Services is recommended for the delivery of specialist audiological services for participants deemed to have a profound hearing loss and/or an implantable device or additional communication needs, when not covered by the Hearing Services Program. NDIS participants are likely to require Specialised Hearing Services when: • the participant has a profound hearing loss - Three-frequency average of 80dB or worse in the better ear • the participant uses an implantable device • the participant has hearing loss and severe communication impairment which: prevents the person from communicating effectively in his or her daily environment such as significant visual impairment, or is caused or aggravated by significant physical, intellectual, mental, emotional or social disability or mobility issues such as after a stroke. Note: When the plan developer assesses the NDIS participant as requiring Standard Hearing Services the participant can choose to purchase hearing services from audiologists or audiometrists from the registration group Hearing Services. When the plan developer assesses the NDIS participant as requiring Specialised Hearing Services the participant will purchase hearing services from audiologists from the registration group Specialised Hearing Services.
5.9 Identify the participant’s NDIS hearing supports During your planning conversation you will gather information to confirm what NDIS hearing supports to include such as: • assessments, fittings and devices where they are not available through the Hearing Services Program • assistive technology, other than Low Cost AT, for example vibrating alerting systems or smoke alarms • Auslan interpreting services and training • repairs, maintenance and consumables for hearing devices
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• capacity building supports. For detailed information refer to funding responsibilities. Below are example questions which may assist you to better understand if a participant’s current hearing device is meeting their needs. • How old is your current hearing device? • Do you have any concerns with your current hearing device? The NDIS will fund a new hearing device if: • the participant is not eligible for the Community Services Obligation or Voucher program and the current device is more than 5 years old, OR there is clinical evidence from a suitably qualified professional (Audiologist or Audiometrist) to demonstrate that the current hearing device is no longer meeting the participant’s needs. For example: it can no longer be adjusted, the participant can no longer use the device due to significant deterioration in health, dexterity or cognitive ability or there is evidence the device has a repeat repair history and is now unreliable. If the participant has not reported any difficulties with their current hearing device there is no need to include funding in their plan for a new hearing device. To help you determine the hearing supports needs for the participant it may be reasonable and necessary to include funding for a provider (audiologist or audiometrist) to complete an assessment and the Hearing Devices and Hearing Technology assessment template when: • the participant’s hearing device is not meeting their hearing needs, or • the device is coming to the end of its expected life. Refer to the Hearing Devices and Hearing Technology Assessment Template and the section below. 5.9.1 Hearing Devices and Hearing Technology assessment template Plan developers can use the Hearing Devices and Hearing Technology assessment template to help determine reasonable and necessary devices or technology. This assessment template is a guide for assessors and is not mandatory for them to complete. Plan developers should guide the assessor (audiologist or audiometrist) to complete the Hearing Devices and Hearing Technology assessment template when the: • NDIS is funding a hearing device for the first time • current device is no longer meeting the participant’s needs
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• participant is not eligible for the Hearing Services Program and is requesting a hearing device above their assessed level in the lifestyle consideration and outcome table*; or • participant is eligible for the Hearing Services Program, or, an existing Hearing Services Program client requesting a hearing device that is above the level of device provided fully subsidised by the Hearing Services Program*. *Mandatory TAB referral, refer to Referrals to TAB section 6. Planning By this stage you have an understanding of the participant’s individual circumstances and their goals. You can now determine what reasonable and necessary funded supports to include in the plan to enable the participant to pursue their goals. For example, planning scenarios refer to case examples.
6.1 Core Supports Include funding for core supports that relate to the participant’s disability where these are reasonable and necessary such as: • Low Cost AT • HSP maintenance contribution • Auslan interpreting • Auslan tutoring • Auslan in the home. Note: National Auslan Booking Services (NABS) is not a free service for NDIS participants. Include funding for interpreting services if it is considered reasonable and necessary. Participants have choice and control over who provides their preferred communication support. To help you determine what is reasonable and necessary refer to Practice Guide – Assisting Communication for information on including interpreting in plans.
6.2 HSP Repairs, Maintenance and Replacement Devices You will use the following information in this section when you are planning for: • Participants aged 7 to 25. • Current NDIS participant aged 26 and above who is eligible for the Hearing Services Program with a current HSP voucher. • Current NDIS participant aged 26 and above not HSP eligible but with a current HSP voucher who would like to remain with the Hearing Services Program while voucher is valid.
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e NewNbDIS participant aged 26 and above, HSP eligible. e Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander over 50 years.
The NDIS will fund the co-payment towards the annual maintenance fee and the administration fee for replacement of lost or damaged beyond repair device. The annual maintenance fee for repairs and replacing a lost or damaged device includes:
e batteries
e repairs
e spare parts
e replacing a lost or damaged device.
Include at least one unit ($100.00) of Low Cost AT for Hearing Related AT Core — Consumables per year to cover the cost of these supports.
Additional fees will apply if the participant has chosen their hearing device from the partially subsidised category. The hearing services provider will advise if any additional fees apply to the participant. Refer to Glossary for definition of partially and fully subsidised.
6.3 Repairs and Maintenance for NDIS funded Hearing Devices
Refer to Our Guidelines — Assistive technology and Standard Operating Procedure — Add funding for repairs, maintenance, rental and trial of assistive technology supports.
6.4 Capital Supports
These items are for hearing devices funded by NDIS and cannot be funded if the participant has a HSP voucher:
e bone conducting hearing devices, or e cochlear implants speech processors, or e hearing aids, or
e other devices that may not fall into the Standard, Intermediate or Advanced hearing device categories.
A quote is required for the non-standard hearing device item.
6.4.1 The following table outlines the levels of hearing devices in the Capital Budget
Support Item Support Item Number Support Item Description
Name
Standard level 05_502206417_0122_1_2 | An electronic instrument that provides
hearing device amplification to individuals with a hearing loss (OSPL90 >= 128 dBSPL) IEC RTF 1600 Hz. Includes 10+ channels, feedback
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Support Item Name
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Support Item Number
Support Item Description
management, adaptive noise control, option to add telecoil, directional microphone, and minimum bandwidth of 8kHz.
Intermediate level hearing device
05_502206418_0122 1 2
An electronic instrument that provides amplification to individuals with a hearing loss and provides increased functions over and above what can be met with standard level devices. May include speech enhancement, sound management, ear to ear technology, and volume controls.
Advanced level hearing device
05_502206419 0122 1 2
An electronic instrument that provides amplification to individuals with a hearing loss and provides increased functions over and above what can be met with intermediate level devices. May include one or more of the following features; 24+ channels, tinnitus reduction, smartphone connectivity, automatic programming, wireless, compatibility with accessories, remote programming.
Non-Standard Hearing device
05_502206419 0122 1 2
A device that offers specific technology to meet a particular functional requirement, which cannot be met by a Standard, Intermediate or Advanced hearing device.
External speech processor and accessories for implanted hearing devices
05_220621211_0122 12
The external part of an implantable device which picks up speech and processes sound.
Speech Processor repair
05_502206151_0122 1 2
Repairs to the external part of an implantable device.
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6.5 Capacity Building Supports
Participants aged 26 years and over with Cochlear implants will require capacity building funding to support them to access their local Cochlear Implant Clinic.
The NDIS does not fund audiology assessments for participants who are eligible for the Hearing Services Program.
6.5.1 Table of NDIS Hearing Services in the Capacity Building budget
Capacity Building Support ltem Number Support litem Support Item Description
Name Specialised 15_501_0119_1_3 Audiologist Hearing services not Hearing Services hearing covered under the Medical services Benefit Scheme (MBS)
performed by a suitably qualified audiologist.
Hearing Services 15_502_0134_1_3 Audiologist Hearing services not hearing covered under the Medical services Benefit Scheme performed
by a qualified audiologist.
Note the participant can also access their hearing services from a suitably qualified audiometrist.
Hearing Services 15_503_0134_1_3 Audiometrist | Hearing services not hearing covered under the Medical services Benefit Scheme performed
by a suitably qualified audiometrist.
For further information refer to proposed capacity building for the life expectancy of a hearing aid (generally 5 years).
6.5.2 Determine the reasonable and necessary hearing device
If an assessor is able to provide enough information for the plan developer to make a reasonable and necessary decision the Hearing Devices and Hearing Technology assessment template will not need to be completed.
Once you have assessed the information the following table will support to guide your reasonable and necessary decision making about an NDIS funded hearing device.
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Also refer to Appendix:
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e 10.2 Wireless Communication Device/remote microphone systems compatible with
hearing aids/cochlear implant (Cl) speech processors
e 10.3 Cochlear implant (Cl) and bone conduction implantable devices — speech/sound processor upgrades
e Funding Responsibilities of this resource for further information about what the Hearing Services Program funds and what the NDIS can fund.
Note: it is best practice to encourage participants to trial a wireless communication device.
Lifestyle
Active/demanding listening environments
Consideration
Does the participant spend most of their time in demanding listening environments such as:
e the workplace
e traveling frequently
e attending large social or work functions
e dining out often
e going to concerts or live shows
e giving presentations at meetings
e frequently driving.
Outcome
A participant who meets this criteria is likely to benefit from a Standard Hearing Device paired with a Wireless Communication Device (WCD).
IMPORTANT: An Intermediate or Advanced level hearing device should only be considered where there is sufficient evidence in
the Hearing Devices and Hearing Technology
assessment template. This evidence should demonstrate that the Standard Hearing Device and Intermediate paired with a Wireless Communication Device has been trialled and the participant has little or no functional gain from the lower cost alternatives. If this is being requested you may need to seek more information before you make a decision.
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Lifestyle
Casual/moderate listening environments
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Consideration
Does the participant spend most of their time in moderate listening environments such as:
e shopping
e attending religious or social gatherings
e golfing, walking or biking with a friend
e attending meetings
e having lunch with a small group of friends in a quiet locale
e = driving infrequently
e watching TV occasionally.
Outcome
A participant who meets this criteria is likely to benefit from a Standard Hearing Device paired with a Wireless Communication Device.
IMPORTANT: An Intermediate level hearing device should only be considered where there is sufficient evidence in the
Hearing Devices and Hearing Technology
assessment template. This evidence should demonstrate that the Standard Hearing Device paired with a Wireless Communication Device has been trialled and the participant has little or no functional gain from the lower cost alternative.
Quiet/listening environments
Does the participant spend most of their time in quiet listening environments such as:
e doing activities at home
e watching TV
e playing cards with friends
e reading a book ora newspaper
e having casual conversations
A participant who meets this criteria is likely to benefit from a Standard Hearing Device or a Standard Hearing Device paired with a Wireless Communication Device.
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Lifestyle Consideration Outcome
e visiting friends in their homes.
6.6 Referrals to TAB
The following supports are mandatory TAB referrals and must be referred to TAB for advice:
e hearing aid requests above the participant’s level determined in the “assessment hearing device level
e bone conduction Hearing aid e Bone Anchored Hearing Aid (BAHA) devices e Cochlear Speech sound processors when request prior to end of service life.
All requests for hearing devices above the participant’s assessed level must be referred to TAB. If the participant is a client of the Hearing Services Program requesting NDIS to fund a hearing device above the level the Hearing Services Program will fund, you should ask for evidence as to why the Hearing Services Program has declined their request for a higher level hearing device to support your TAB referral.
If you need TAB advice regarding equipment you must wait for their advice before the item is included in a participant’s plan. Do not include the line item in the plan until you have received TAB advice and made the reasonable and necessary decision to approve the item.
Refer to the TAB intranet page requesting advice for further information.
6.7 Notify the Hearing Services Program
You should only notify the Hearing Services Program if the participant has a HSP voucher, is not eligible for the Hearing Services Program and wants to receive all their hearing support
from the NDIS. Refer to the Standard Operating Procedure — Include hearing supports in a plan for how to do this.
- Plan Implementation and Monitoring
You will work alongside the participant to make sure they understand their plan, and how they can access their supports either through the Hearing Services Program or the NDIS to pursue their goals.
Refer to Our Guideline — Your plan and Standard Operating Procedure — Complete the Implement the Plan task for plan implementation guidance.
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- Plan reviews
By now the participant has implemented one or more NDIS plans. They are likely to know what worked well and may have thought about areas they would like to change. During the plan review, you will work with the participant to identify progress and outcomes over the plan period.
For a participant with hearing supports, there are three additional tasks required at plan review:
e decide if a referral should be made for National Access to consider whether the participant’s eligibility should be reassessed. Participants who turn 26 years of age during their previous plan and met access under Early Intervention must be referred for reassessment
e review the participant’s eligibility for the Hearing Services Program
e review AT that has been funded in the last 5 years to see if any supports have reached their lifespan and require replacement.
For example, the average lifespan for Assistive Listening Devices (low cost AT) is between 3 to 5 years. It may not be reasonable and necessary to fund low cost AT at every plan review for a participant with hearing related AT.
Low Cost AT Life Expectancy
Smoke alarm alerting system 3 to 5 years Door chime altering system 3 to 5 years Baby cry alerting system 3 to 5 years TV listening device 5 years Music devices 3 years Personal amplifier 5 years Remote control for hearing device 4 to 5 years Adapted landline telephone 3 to 5 years Mini mic 5 years
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8.1 Reviewing eligibility for participants who turn 26 years of age If the participant identifies with the primary disabilities of Deaf, hearing loss or hearing impairment, met access to the Scheme under Early Intervention and is now 26 years or older, the plan developer will need to decide if a referral should be made for National Access to consider whether the participant’s eligibility should be reassessed. Refer to Standard Operating Procedure – Refer or Eligibility Reassessment (ER) or Access Status Change.
8.2 Case examples 8.2.1 Meet Jose (26 years and over and not HSP eligible) Jose is a 29 year old man who lives with a bilateral profound hearing loss. He lives with his wife and has an active lifestyle. Jose works full time and has difficulty hearing in the workplace when giving presentations. He is frequently driving and traveling for work and struggles to hear when dining out with friends and family. Jose is not eligible for the Hearing Services Program. Jose is a new NDIS participant and is meeting with his plan developer today. Jose uses a hearing device that is 5 years old as an Assistive Technology Support. Plan discussion During the discussion with his plan developer, Jose spoke about his communication and NDIS goals. Jose feels that his speech has been impacted by his hearing loss. Jose was not diagnosed with a profound hearing loss until later in life. Jose has NDIS goals and aspirations around his communication, and he would like to be able to hear better in group meetings at work and would like to work on improving his speech. Jose’s current hearing device is 5 years old. He has a written report from an audiologist that outlines that his current hearing device no longer meets his hearing goals, and it is at the end of its life expectancy (5years). The completed Hearing Devices and Hearing Technology assessment template outlines that Jose has severe communication difficulties and demonstrates that he has trialled both the standard level hearing device and the intermediate level hearing device. The report clearly outlines the functional gains for Jose when trialling the intermediate hearing device. Jose has also requested the NDIS to fund a smoke alarm and a Wireless Communication Device to boost the performance of the intermediate hearing device in his workplace. Jose has also requested the NDIS to fund a support worker to help him around the home and in the community. Reasonable and necessary supports Core supports: • funding repairs and maintenance of Jose’s hearing device • smoke alarm. Capacity Building supports:
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• funding for Specialist Hearing Services • funding for Speech Therapy. Capital supports: • funding for the intermediate hearing device. The NDIS can fund these supports, as they allow Jose to continue living independently without the need for additional funded supports. These supports are considered reasonable and necessary under s34 of the NDIS Act 2013 as they assist Jose to pursue his goals of improving his speech and being able to hear clearly in the workplace and feel safe at home and are value for money, in comparison to other supports. The NDIS is not able to fund the Wireless Communication Device and the support worker. The Wireless Communication Device is available to Jose through Job Access and did not meet section 34 of the NDIS Act 2013 as it is most appropriately funded by another service system. Funding for a support worker did not meet section 34 of the NDIS Act 2013 as it will not assist Jose to facilitate social and economic participation as he is able to complete tasks independently. This decision was guided by the Practice Guide –Hearing Supports. Supporting material Practice Guide – Hearing Supports. 8.2.2 Meet Young (under the age of 26, CSO eligible) Young is a 17 year old boy who lives with a bilateral profound hearing loss. Young is a client of Hearing Australia under the Community Services Obligation program. Young is an Auslan user, lives at home with his parents and is at school. Young uses a hearing aid and speech processor as Assistive Technology Supports. Young has been an NDIS participant for two years and he and his family are meeting with the plan developer today for his scheduled review. Plan discussion During his discussion with the plan developer, Young explains he is in year 11. Young’s parents have reported that he spends a lot of time at home studying. Young has explained that he would like the NDIS to fund a new communication device to help him participate in educational activities. He has also requested the NDIS fund a smoke alarm for when he is at home by himself. Young has reported that his hearing aid is 3 years old and his speech processor is 2 years old. Young discussed with the plan developer that he likes to communicate in Auslan and wants to teach this language to others when he is older. Young explains it is sometimes hard to communicate in Auslan because he does not always have someone to interpret for him. Reasonable and necessary supports
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Core supports: • funding for the HSP annual maintenance client contribution • funding for Auslan interpreting • smoke alarm. Capacity Building supports • funding for Therapy supports not available through Health or the Hearing Services Program. These supports are considered reasonable and necessary under section 34 of the NDIS Act 2013 as they assist Young to pursue his communication and NDIS goals and are value for money, in comparison with other supports. The NDIS is not able to fund the new communication device as it did not meet section 34 of the NDIS Act 2013. A communication device for educational purposes is available to Young through the Department of Education and does not meet section 34 of the NDIS Act 2013, as it is most appropriately funded by another service system. This decision was guided by the Practice Guide –Hearing Supports. Supporting material Practice Guide – Hearing Supports. 8.2.3 Meet Alison (26 years and over, eligible for the HSP) Alison is a 37 year old woman who lives with a bilateral moderate hearing loss and a mild intellectually disability. Alison has been an NDIS participant for 3 years and is a current client of the Hearing Services Program. Alison meets the eligibility criteria for the Hearing Services Program. She lives at home with her husband and two young children. Alison uses a hearing device that is 2 years old as an Assistive Technology Support. Alison is meeting with her plan developer today for a scheduled plan review. Plan discussion During her discussion with the plan developer, Alison explains she has difficulty hearing the TV and hearing her friends in their home. Alison has requested the NDIS fund a Wireless Communication Device to boost the performance of her current hearing device. Reasonable and necessary supports Core supports • funding for the HSP annual maintenance client contribution. Capital supports
• funding for the Wireless Communication Device.
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The plan developer referred the request for a Wireless Communication Device to TAB. The advice was that Wireless Communication Device paired with Alison’s current hearing device would assist Alison to hear better in a range of settings, including watching the TV and meeting with friends, meeting her communication goals of wanting to hear the TV clearly and communicate with her friends when they are at her home. The Wireless Communication Device is not available to Alison through the Hearing Services Program. These supports are considered reasonable and necessary under s34 of the NDIS Act 2013 as they assist Alison to pursue her communication and NDIS goals, and are value for money, in comparison with other supports. This decision was guided by the Practice Guide –Hearing Supports. 8.2.4 Meet Paul (26 years and over, is a valid HSP voucher holder and not eligible for the Hearing Services Program) Paul is a 57 year old man who lives with a moderate to profound hearing loss. Paul has been an NDIS participant for two years. Paul does not meet the eligibility criteria for the Hearing Services Program but holds a valid HSP voucher that will expire in June 2021. He lives at home with his mother and does voluntary work for Meals on Wheels two days per week and at his local community centre three days per week. Paul will be meeting with his plan developer for his scheduled review today. Paul uses a hearing device as an Assistive Technology support. Plan discussion During his discussion with his plan developer, Paul explains that while he is generally able to live independently, he requires the use of his hearing device to enable him to actively participate in everyday life. Paul has also reported that voluntary work is very important to him, and he would one day like to return to the workforce. Paul’s NDIS and communication goals are to be able to hear clearly in crowded places and continue to actively participate in community activities. Paul understands that he no longer meets the eligibility criteria for the Hearing Services Program and now has the option to cancel his HSP voucher and have his hearing supports funded by the NDIS. Paul has reported that he would like to have his hearing supports funded by the NDIS. He has a written report from his service provider that outlines that Paul has trialled a wireless communication device and the completed AT assessment template demonstrates the functional gains for Paul when using the wireless communication device with his current hearing device. Paul was able to hear clearly in the car, speak to passengers and sit at the back of the room in the community centre and still hear the guest speaker clearly. Paul does not meet the criteria for Specialist Hearing services. Reasonable and necessary supports
The plan developer reviews Paul’s current and future needs along with available evidence. The plan developer funds the following reasonable and necessary supports:
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Core supports: • funding for repairs and maintenance on his AT. Capacity Building • standard Hearing Services. Capital supports • funding for the Wireless Communication Device. The NDIS can fund these supports, as they allow Paul to continue living independently without the need for additional funded supports. These supports are considered reasonable and necessary under s34 of the NDIS Act 2013 as they assist Paul to pursue his goal of continuing to actively participate in community activities. The funded supports also help him to pursue his communication goals, are value for money, in comparison to other supports, effective and beneficial and the support is not funded by another service system. The plan developer has notified the Hearing Services Program that Paul’s hearing supports are now being met by the NDIS. The Hearing Services Program will cancel his voucher and Paul now needs to purchase his hearing supports from his NDIS plan. Supporting material • Practice Guide – Hearing Supports.
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- Funding Responsibilities
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This table of responsibilities is a guide for decision makers in determining reasonable and necessary funded supports and identifying the responsibility of other government and broader systems of support services.
Type of support Supports generally funded by the NDIS Supports general funded by OTHER PARTIES Assessment fittings and devices Provided by the NDIS when the participant | Provided under the Hearing Services Program is not eligible for the Hearing Services (external) for participants under the age of 26 or Program. HSP eligible participants aged 26 years or over Speech Processor upgrades Participants 26 years and over speech Speech processor upgrades are generally provided
processor upgrades (excluding the initial
speech processor) may be funded under the NDIS upon meeting the reasonable and necessary criteria based on TAB advice.
under the Community Services Obligation component of the Hearing Services Program for participants under 26 years of age.
Remote Microphone systems Provided by the NDIS when the participant is not eligible for the Community Services Obligation component of the Hearing Services Program.
Provided under the Community Services Obligation component of the Hearing Services Program.
Waterproof covers for cochlear It would be deemed reasonable and implants necessary to fund waterproof accessories where there is evidence the participant participates in water activities. The Cochlear
Not applicable.
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Type of support
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Supports generally funded by the NDIS
Aqua Accessory is a lower cost alternative to the Cochlear Aqua Plus Accessory.
Supports general funded by OTHER PARTIES
Work related modifications or assistive technology
Hearing Devices and supports related to daily living that a person would require irrespective of the activity they are undertaking.
Work specific, equipment for example specialised phones, amplified stethoscopes, and multimedia hub for example interactive whiteboards. Employment Assistance Fund (external) via Job Access (external) funds workplace modification, access to communication support e.g. Auslan interpreter or live captioning, Deaf Awareness Training etc.
Education related assistive technology and Auslan interpreting
Hearing Devices and supports related to daily living that a person would require irrespective of the activity they are undertaking.
Educational specific, equipment for example amplified stethoscopes, and multimedia hub for example interactive whiteboards, modification, access to communication support e.g. Auslan interpreter or live captioning, Deaf Awareness Training etc.
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- Appendices
10.1 Proposed capacity building for the life expectancy of a hearing aid (generally 5 years)
The following table may be helpful in identifying supports for participants with hearing needs funded by the NDIS.
A participant who has a profound hearing loss and/or implantable devices does not generally require more clinical time than participants eligible for standard hearing services. However, participants with additional communication needs require substantially more clinical time to provide appropriate assessment and training in device management and communication strategies.
Type of support
Hearing aid replacement: Assessment undertaken by suitably qualified professional, considering hearing aid options for example style of hearing aid, minimum features required.
Standard Hearing Services
Up to 90 minutes
Specialised Hearing Services
Group A:
Profound loss and/or implantable device
Up to 90 minutes
Specialised Hearing Services Group B:
Additional communication needs
Up to 150 minutes
Audiological case management: Subsequent to a first assessment, services performed only by a Qualified Practitioner (Audiologist). Consists of advice to a Qualified Practitioner (Audiometrist) to enable the completion of the Audiometrist’s assessment of a non-routine client, required to achieve the Hearing Rehabilitation Outcome.
Up to 30 minutes
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Type of support
Hearing aid fitting: Fitting of hearing aids that are clinically suitable to the participant’s needs, including device trials and training in device
maintenance.
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Standard Hearing Services
Up to 150 minutes
Specialised Hearing Services
Group A:
Profound loss and/or implantable device
Up to 150 minutes
Specialised Hearing Services Group B:
Additional communication needs
Up to 240 minutes
Aural Rehabilitation/Habilitation: It is recommended that aural rehabilitation/habilitation be included in every 5 year plan. Changes in hearing levels, health, and personal circumstances can impact on successful communication outcomes. A change in device style and accessories, as well as technological advances may necessitate a change in communication strategies. This service is provided to assist participants to acquire and apply skills to maximise their communication abilities and better manage their hearing loss. The service can include, but is not limited to: Auditory training, speech reading training, counselling, training in communication strategies, and training of formal and informal supports.
Up to 7 hours Up to 7 hours Up to 10 hours
Clinical Maintenance: ADHOC clinical services including ear mould and Up to 4 x 45 Up to4 x 45 Up to 4 x 60 any other attachments necessary for the operation of the device. minutes minutes minutes
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Type of support
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Standard Hearing
Specialised Hearing Services
Specialised Hearing Services
Group B:
Additional communication needs
Services Group A:
Profound loss and/or implantable device
Review: Review of participant’s needs where the participant is experiencing less than optimal benefit or satisfaction with their device, and it is more than 12 months from the date of fitting or last participant review.
The aim of this service is to give the practitioner greater flexibility in Upto4x1hour| Upto4xthour | Up to4x 1.5 hours providing appropriate services in a timely and efficient manner and to extend the life of the current fitting. This item is not intended to be used to rectify a poor fitting by the practitioner.
Total 18.5 hours 18 hours 26.5 hours
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10.2 Considerations for Wireless Communication Device/Remote microphone systems compatible with hearing aids/cochlear implant (Cl) speech processors
Circumstance Consideration
Hearing aids — all participants | Hearing aids improve hearing in the near field, however in noisy situations (further than 1.5 m away) the benefits of hearing aids are limited, especially in the presence of background noise. Research indicates remote microphones significantly help people wearing hearing aids understand more speech in noise and over distance.
Participant aged 7 to 25 (or Participants eligible to receive hearing supports and services funded under the Community Services under 26) Obligation component of the Hearing Services Program will be eligible to receive a Wireless Communication Device/remote microphone system consisting of one transmitter and one receiver. This is considered ‘the minimum necessary or standard level of support required’. Approving NDIS funding for additional Wireless Communication Device/remote microphone systems (including a second receiver) may not meet the reasonable and necessary criteria.
Participant aged 26 years or Participants eligible to receive hearing supports and services under the Voucher component of the
over — Voucher eligible Hearing Services Program are not eligible to receive a Wireless Communication Device/Remote microphone system under the Hearing Services Program. Recommendations for Wireless Communication Device/remote microphone systems may be deemed reasonable and necessary if there is sufficient clinical evidence that it meets the reasonable and necessary criteria.
Participant aged 26 years or Participants eligible to receive hearing supports and services funded under the Community Services over — CSO eligible Obligation component of the Hearing Services Program will be eligible to receive a Wireless Communication Device/remote microphone system consisting of one transmitter and one receiver. This is considered ‘the minimum necessary or standard level of support required’. Approving NDIS funding
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Circumstance
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Consideration
for additional Wireless Communication Device/remote microphone systems (including a second receiver) may not meet the reasonable and necessary criteria.
Participants aged 26 years or over NDIS funded Hearing Supports
There are a variety of Wireless Communication Device/Remote microphone systems compatible with Standard, Intermediate and Advanced level hearing devices available under the NDIS. The option of fitting a participant with a Standard Hearing device and a compatible Wireless Communication Device/remote microphone system is likely to represent increased ‘value for money’, improving communication outcomes for the participant, at a substantially lower cost than the cost of Intermediate or Advanced level hearing devices.
Requests for assistive technology solely for use at work
Requests for assistive technology solely for use at work (for example specialised phones, amplified stethoscopes, multimedia hub for interactive whiteboard) would generally not meet the reasonable and necessary criteria as these items are more appropriately funded by Job Access (external) through the Employment Assistance Fund (external). However, the Employment Assistance Fund (external) does not cover the cost of hearing aids or cochlear implants.
10.3 Considerations for Cochlear Implant (Cl) and Bone Conduction Implantable devices -—Speech/Sound
Processor upgrades
Circumstance
Consideration
Participant aged 7 to 25
Participants aged 7 to 25 years of age are eligible to receive Cochlear Implant speech processor upgrades funded through the Community Services Obligation if they meet Hearing Australia’s
eligibility criteria soeech processor upgrade criteria (external).
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Circumstance
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Consideration
Children and young adults requesting NDIS funding for speech processor upgrades should be referred to Hearing Australia. Approving NDIS funding for speech processor upgrades for participants aged 7 to 25 years of age will generally not meet the reasonable and necessary criteria.
Under the Hearing Services Program maintenance agreement all spare parts and repairs and/or replacements of speech processors are covered.
Participant aged 26 years or over
If the participant is 26 years and over, speech processor upgrades may be funded under the NDIS if there is sufficient evidence the speech processor requires replacement. The plan developer will need to consider factors including the age and model of the current speech processor if it is damaged beyond repair or has been lost.
If it is determined funding for a Cochlear Implant speech processor upgrade is reasonable and necessary the appropriate support item can be included in the NDIS plan (External speech processor and accessories for implanted hearing devices).
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- Glossary
Term Definition
Audiometrist Audiometrists have met the relevant membership and clinical competency requirements for audiometrists set by the Australian Practitioner Professional Bodies. Audiometrists are: Full/Ordinary members of ACAud with a Hearing Rehabilitation Specialist (HRS) competency, and/or Full members of HAASA, undertaken at least the equivalent of an Australian Diploma-level Technical and Further Education (TAFE) vocational qualification in audiometry or a Bachelor of Audiometry from an Australian university. Visit audiology australia (external) for further information.
Auslan Auslan is the recognised language of the Australian Deaf Community.
Audiologist Audiologists have met the relevant membership and clinical competency requirements set by the Australian Practitioner Professional Bodies. This means that audiologists are: Full members of Audiology Australia with a Certificate of Clinical Practice (CCP), and/or Full/Ordinary members of the Australian College of Audiology (ACAud) with Hearing Rehabilitation Specialist (HRS) and Diagnostic Rehabilitation Specialist (DRS) competencies. Audiologists must have completed at least the equivalent of an Australian university Masters level degree in clinical audiology. Visit audiology australia (external) for further information.
Cochlear Implant A surgically implanted device which enables the person to experience sounds by sending signals to the nerve endings in the inner ear (cochlea).
Community Service The Community Services Obligation enable Hearing Australia to provide specialist hearing services to eligible Obligation (CSO) participants.
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Term Definition
Deaf (Hard of Hearing, | A person who has problems with their ability to hear or cannot hear. When referring to individuals in general, it Hearing Impaired and is considered appropriate to use the term ‘deaf’. However, an individual is referred to as ‘Deaf if they are Hearing Loss) involved in the signing community. Sometimes signing individuals are referred to as ‘culturally Deaf’.
For additional information on this topic, see National Association of the Deaf (external) website and International Federation of Hard of Hearing People (external) website.
Fully Subsidised Fully subsidised devices are free to NDIS participants receiving hearing supports through the Hearing Services Hearing Device Program. Hearing Australia Hearing Australia is the contracted provider who receives government funding (Community Services
Obligation) to deliver specialist hearing services to children and young adults under the age of 26.
Hearing supports Supports that assist with a participant’s functional hearing loss.
Hearing Services The program is administered by the Department of Health. The program provides access to hearing services to Program (HSP) people eligible for Hearing Services Program.
Mild hearing loss A person with a mild hearing loss may have difficulties hearing soft speech sounds.
Moderate hearing loss__| A person with a moderate hearing loss will have difficulties understanding conversational speech, particularly in the presence of background noise.
NABS National Auslan Interpreter Booking and Payment Service. NDIS funded Hearing The reasonable and necessary supports funding under the NDIS that are not available to a participant through Supports the Hearing Services Program.
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Term Definition
NDIS Specialist Hearing Services
The delivery of specialist audiological services for participants deemed to have a profound hearing loss and/or an implantable device or additional communication needs to participants with NDIS funded Hearing Supports.
NDIS Standard Hearing Services
The delivery of audiometry and audiological services to participants with NDIS funded Hearing Supports.
Non-standard device
An NDIS funded device that offers specific technology to meet a particular functional requirement, which cannot be met by a Standard, Intermediate or Advanced hearing device.
Partially Subsidised Hearing Device
The NDIS participant has opted to purchase a partially subsidised hearing device through the Hearing Services Program, which may have more technological features to suit individual lifestyle choices. In this case, the Hearing Services Program contributes the amount that would have been paid for a fully subsidised hearing device to the service provider, and the participant has paid the additional amount quoted for the hearing device for example the ‘gap’.
Severe/Profound hearing loss
A person with a Severe/Profound hearing loss cannot hear normal conversational speech. Many people with a profound hearing loss are now fitted with a Cochlear Implant.
Speech Processor
The part of a cochlear implant that converts speech sound into electrical impulses to stimulate the auditory nerve, allowing a person to understand sound and speech.
Unilateral hearing loss
A person with a unilateral hearing loss has their hearing in one ear only affected.
Voucher
An authority (issued in paper or electronic form) issued to eligible clients of the Hearing Services Program enabling them to have their hearing tested and devices reviewed.
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Term Definition
A voucher is valid for 3 years from date of issue.
Voucher Holder A person who has been issued a valid voucher from the Hearing Services Program.
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- Supporting material
NDIS Act 2013
NDIS Rules
e NDIS Operational Guidelines (external
Practice Guide — Assisting Communication
- Process owner and approver
General Manager, Participant Experience and Design.
- Feedback
If you have any feedback about this Practice Guide, please complete our Feedback form.
- Version change control
Version Amended No by
Brief description of change
Class 2
Updated guidance around: Hearing Services Program (HSP) eligibility. You should refer to HSP for
14.0 Cwo0032 | &ligibility information. Cochlear APPROVED | 2020-07-30 Implant Speech Processor and Coil
- Non CSO line item replaced with External speech processor and accessories for implanted hearing device.
Class 1 approved. technology guidance.
Class 2 approval. 16.0 JC0075 Section 6.3 — Participant HSP APPROVED | 2021-01-14 eligibility:
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Version No
Amended by
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Brief description of change
-
Updated to link out to the SOP for the procedure to check eligibility.
-
Removed the example support description for mainstream supports. This has been added to the SOP — Hearing Supports.
Section 6.7 — Notify the HSP: -Updated to refer to the SOP —
Hearing Supports for the procedure.
Also minor updates to wording for plain English.
Class 2 approval
Dept of Health and Aged Care
17.0 CS0074 advised new website for Hearing APPROVED | 2023-05-29 Services Program (HSP). Links to HSP website updated Class 1 approved. EMN960 . . 18.0 Updated to align with the early APPROVED | 2023-06-20 LJO007 childhood age range change from 1
July 2023.
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