New process to simplify some GP-lodged hearing loss claims
From 14 September 2026, we’re simplifying the information audiologists need to provide for some hearing loss claims lodged by GPs.
What is changing
Audiologists will not need to complete an ACC612 Hearing Loss Report or ACC724 Work History Questionnaire if the client has already had a recent hearing assessment that meets our requirements.
The assessment must have been completed within the last three months if the client is currently exposed to occupational noise. For clients who are retired or no longer exposed to occupational noise, the assessment must have been completed within the last six months.
In both cases, the following criteria must be met:
- the assessment confirms their total, or age-adjusted hearing loss, is below the 5% threshold
- the client later lodges a hearing loss claim through their GP
- we contact you for information about the claim.
Instead, we will require you to:
- send us a copy of the existing audiogram
- confirm that the 5% threshold was not met.
We will review the audiogram and information provided before making the cover decision.
Why we’re making this change
We want to remove the need for additional reporting and work history questionnaires when an existing assessment has already confirmed that the client is below the threshold.
This change aims to improve the process for you and our clients. It allows us to assess these claims using the information already available so we can make a cover decision sooner.
When the existing process still applies
The change does not apply if the client:
- has not had a hearing assessment; or
- has only had a basic assessment that does not provide enough information for us to assess their claim.
If we ask you to complete a suitable hearing assessment to support a cover decision, existing reporting and funding arrangements continue to apply.