Rotorua will be hit hard if the Government goes ahead with proposed "draconian" changes to ACC funding for the hearing impaired, a Rotorua audiologist says.
Kristy Gerlach said Rotorua had a high concentration of men with hearing loss because of the number of people who worked in industries like forestry and
reduced ACC cover would have a big impact.
Previously, those who suffered hearing loss were able to seek full ACC cover which gave them free hearing checks, repairs and hearing aids.
Under the proposed changes, check-ups and repairs would no longer be free, and people would receive only part funding towards the cost of hearing aids.
With hearing aids ranging in price from $2000 to $8000, Mrs Gerlach was concerned labourers would not be able to afford them.
She is encouraging those affected by hearing loss to speak out tomorrow on Be Heard Day organised by the National Deaf Foundation and launches Deaf Awareness Week from September 20 to 26.
Mrs Gerlach said those who would be affected by the proposed ACC changes should speak to their MPs, who have been asked by the National Deaf Foundation to be available at their electorate offices tomorrow.
Rotorua MP Todd McClay and Labour list MP Steve Chadwick will have their office doors open tomorrow.
Foundation chief executive Louise Carroll said people with hearing disabilities faced a raft of issues, ranging from ACC cover and hearing aid funding to education and isolation.
"The hearing impaired and deaf have taken a number of hits from government decisions over the past year and we believe part of the reason is that MPs just don't understand hearing loss and the impact of their decisions," she said.
Research showed about 450,000 New Zealanders had a hearing loss and nearly 290,000 of them regarded it as disabling.
"Just because it's invisible doesn't mean it should be ignored," Mrs Carroll said.
- Mr McClay's office on Amohau St will be open on Saturday from 9am to 11.30am, while Mrs Chadwick will be at the Kirsty Gerlach Audiology office at 1071 Hinemoa St from 11am.
