1.0 General
Policy 25-007 – Prostheses, Orthoses, and Assistive Devices provides authority for WorkSafeNB to provide hearing aids and hearing aid batteries when:
2.0 Hearing Aids and Batteries Damaged at Work
WorkSafeNB repairs or replaces pre-accident hearing aids and batteries, one time only, when damaged in a compensable workplace injury. The replacement value is equal to a hearing aid and/or battery of similar type and quality to the one that was damaged.
WorkSafeNB is not responsible for on-going maintenance or subsequent repair or replacement.
3.0 Hearing Aids Provided to Treat a Compensable Injury
WorkSafeNB only provides hearing aids to treat a compensable workplace injury when prescribed by a licensed audiologist or hearing instrument specialist.
In most cases, WorkSafeNB pays the standard rate negotiated with the manufacturers. In exceptional circumstances, and when approved by a WorkSafeNB audiologist consultant, WorkSafeNB may pay the higher negotiated rate.
Should an injured worker prefer a hearing aid other than the one prescribed at the negotiated rate, the client pays the cost difference between WorkSafeNB’s negotiated hearing aid rate and their preferred hearing aid.
In very rare instances, WorkSafeNB may approve payments outside the negotiated rate, on the approval of a WorkSafeNB audiologist consultant.
WorkSafeNB will pay the approved service provider the rate established through a Request for Qualification for fitting and upkeep.
3.1 Repair and Replacement
Injured workers are responsible for the day-to-day care of their hearing aids. When repairs are required because of normal wear and tear, beyond the warranty period, repairs will be managed by approved service providers. WorkSafeNB will pay the approved service provider the rate established through a Request for Qualification.
WorkSafeNB pays for the replacement of an injured worker’s hearing aids when the current hearing aids are determined, by a licensed audiologist or hearing instrument specialist, to be no longer appropriate for treating the compensable injury. WorkSafeNB will limit replacement to once every five years, unless medically necessary as determined by WorkSafeNB.
3.2 Batteries
Approved hearing aid providers will provide batteries directly to the injured worker, either on an annual or biannual basis based on injured worker’s preference. WorkSafeNB will pay the approved service provider the rate established through a Request for Qualification.
WorkSafeNB – means the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission or "the Commission" as defined by the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission and Workers’ Compensation Appeals Tribunal Act.