Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

A parliamentary committee has been told that a proposal for to introduce a 6% hearing loss threshold before the condition is covered by ACC is callous and a breach of faith with older people.

The transport and industrial relations select committee is hearing submissions on Accident Compensation Corporation legislation.

ACC estimates the introduction of the threshold will save between $3 million and $4 million a year.

MPs were told a person with a 6% hearing loss doesn't hear certain consonants, birds singing or other high registers - such as a child's voice.

Hearing Association national spokesperson John Harwood's hearing has been damaged by his lifetime occupations - at a time when ear protection was not available.

He told the committee says it is callous and a travesty of justice to introduce a 6% threshold when people have paid into the scheme to get coverage from injuries.

Mr Harwood said he depends on his hearing aid, without which he would be a recluse.

ACC turns down 42% of claims for hearing aids every year. The corporation considers age-related hearing loss in its claims.

MPs were told that introducing the threshold would be premature, because a voluntary accord in the audiology sector to reduce costs has already saved $10 million in the past 18 months.

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