Hearing service providers

Hearing service providers can provide hearing aids (and rehabilitation) to workers with hearing loss as a result of noise in the workplace.

Hearing service providers are able to provide and replace hearing aids as recommended by an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist who is an approved assessor of permanent impairment (hearing).

Providing hearing aids

The Hearing Aid Fees Order contains information on providing hearing aids. The order includes information on:

medical support for the provision of hearing aids
selection of hearing aid
insurer approval
fitting and supply of hearing aid
review of hearing aid
additional batteries and minor maintenance.

See also the 2017 Hearing Aid Fees Order.

Replacing hearing aids

Hearing aids can be replaced when the hearing aid:

has been lost or damaged and is not covered by warranty or other insurance, or
the worker can no longer communicate effectively using the current hearing aid.

You need to complete a request a replacement hearing aid form when requesting a replacement.

Assessment of need

The nominated treating doctor (NTD) is to make a referral to an ENT specialist who has undertaken training in the relevant chapters of the guidelines for the evaluation of permanent impairment and is listed on our website as a trained assessor of permanent impairment (hearing) for assessment.

The ENT specialist will determine:

the level of binaural hearing loss, and
the proportion of the hearing loss that is attributable to workplace noise, and
whether the worker would benefit from provision of hearing aids.

Forms you might need:

Publications you might need:

Fees and invoicing

Get treatment approval first

If the insurer denies liability, or declines a treatment request because it does not meet 'reasonably necessary' criteria, your patient is personally responsible for payment of accounts.

So before treating your patient please confirm they have submitted a workers compensation claim, and that you have approval from the insurer to start treatment.

All fees you can charge are listed in the Hearing Aid Fees Order. You can't exceed the maximum fees stated in the Fees Order.

When invoicing, we have a payment system that requires itemised invoices. This system enables consistent data collection from service providers and insurers and ensures accurate payments.

What your invoices will need to include

worker's first and last name, and claim number
payee details
ABN
name of the medical practitioner or service provider who provided the service
SIRA workers compensation approval number or medical practitioner's Health Insurance Commission provider number (where applicable)
date of service
SIRA workers compensation payment classification code or AMA item number where applicable. Refer to either the claims technical manual for:
- self and specialised insurers, or
- nominal insurer
service cost for each SIRA workers compensation payment classification code or AMA item number and service duration (if applicable)
date of invoice (must be on the day of or after last date of service listed on the invoice)

To prevent delays in payment, these details will need to be provided on all invoices.

Invoices must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the service being provided.

Send your invoices to the injured worker’s insurer.

Do I need a SIRA provider number?

Yes. If you're a hearing service provider you must have a SIRA provider number to provide hearing services to workers in the NSW workers compensation system.

How do I become approved?

If you are a contracted hearing service provider with the Office of Hearing Services you can apply for a SIRA provider number.

First review the guideline for approval of treating allied health practitioners and then complete the application form.

Submit it to compliance.info@sira.nsw.gov.au.

Approval of hearing service providers

Any contracted hearing service provider with the Office of Hearing Services is eligible to apply for SIRA approval as a hearing service provider.

To apply, fill out the hearing service provider application form and submit to compliance.info@sira.nsw.gov.au.

You can email compliance.info@sira.nsw.gov.au or call 13 10 50 for more information.

Further information

The guidelines for claiming workers compensation provide additional information on how the claims process works, and what type of payments and expenses may be available.

Provider/assessor search

You can find a workers compensation provider/assessor here.