Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2024N00985:clause:1_16:p1
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2024N00985
Segment Type: clause
Provision Reference: sch 1 cl 16 (pt 1/3)
Character Range: 36925–40579

16  Requirements for Applying the Eligibility Criteria for Refitting
 1.    The eligibility criteria for refitting (ECR) provide guidance for providers of the program when deciding whether to refit a client. The ECR outline the situations where a client's current hearing device is no longer suitable due to a significant change in the client's circumstances since their last fitting. The client therefore requires a new hearing device and must be refitted.
 2.    Before applying the ECR the client's current device must be evaluated and found to be unsuitable before a new device is discussed with the client.
 3.    Before refitting the provider must check that a refitting service is available on the client's current voucher.
 4.    Clients with a 3FAHL less than 23.3dB in any ear must meet both MHLT exemption criteria before a refitting can occur.
 5.    Providers may request a Revalidated Service if an assessment or refitting is not available on the current voucher and the client requires:
        1.    an additional assessment due to the client's thresholds permanently deteriorated by 15dB or more at two or more frequencies between 500Hz and 4000Hz in at least one ear; or
        2.    a refitting and meets one of the ECR.
 1.    If a hearing device is lost or damaged beyond repair (DBR), and it is still available on a Schedule of Approved Devices, the replacement must be the same hearing device. If the client meets an ECR then a refitting must be provided.
 2.    The required ECR evidence must be documented on file (see table below).
 3.    Before proceeding with a refitting of any client, practitioners must consider and document:
        1.    the client's current device usage, attitude, motivation and hearing goals; and
        2.    alternatives to refitting to address the client's issues (e.g. counselling, assistance from family members, remote control, adjustment to current device settings etc); and
        3.     the nature and configuration of the changed hearing loss and likely future changes; and
        4.    the degree of deterioration of the client's health or the physical change in ear health.
 1.    Eligibility Criteria for Refitting
Any program refitting must meet one of the following criteria and the client file must include notes referencing the criterion used to support the refitting and the evidence listed under the evidence requirements for that criterion.

Eligibility Criteria                                                                                                                                                                                                           Evidence Requirements
(1) The current hearing aid is unsuitable because they can no longer be optimised by adjustments or any other modifications to meet current gain requirements.                                                                    * Documented evidence on file details that the current hearing aid is established to be in optimal working order through manufacturer service/repair, mould/shell modification or replacement
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 And
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  * After adjustment/modification has been made to the current hearing aid to accommodate changes in thresholds, Real Ear