ACC Noise Induced Hearing Loss- Equity of Access For Compensation
Authors List
Haines, M., Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Tokerau, Whangārei, New Zealand
Thomson, B., Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
MacFater, W., Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Te Whatu Ora Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
Introduction
Hearing loss has a profound impact on both a personal and societal level, affecting an individual’s ability to communicate, work and interact socially. In Aotearoa, Māori are overrepresented in industries with high noise exposure such as manufacturing, mining and construction. Occupational hearing loss is covered by the Accident Compensation Act (2001) and compensation can be allocated. However, assessment of NIHL under ACC is complex and research has shown that Māori have found funding systems and support difficult to understand and navigate, leading to underutilisation of funding (Cunningham et al., 2002).
Aims
This study aimed to evaluate those who are successful and unsuccessful in obtaining compensation for NIHL under ACC with a particular focus in equity of access by; ethnicity, rurality, socioeconomic status, occupation, age & gender.
Methods
This study was a retrospective database review performed in accordance with STROBE statement. New applications for compensation for NIHL between 2018-2022 through the ACC scheme were assessed. Descriptive results were produced and statistical analyses were performed to examine the associations between socio-demographic factors and the likelihood of claim acceptance under ACC.
Results
A total of 36, 471 ACC applications were reviewed. A total of 4,288 claims were made by Māori. Of those, 2120 (49.4%) were accepted. There were 32, 453 claims were made by non- Māori, with 18, 454 (56.9%) of these being accepted. Statistically significant differences were demonstrated across parameters assessed.
Conclusions
Preliminary results suggest there is a difference in the rate of acceptance for NIHL claims under ACC based on ethnicity, rurality and socioeconomic deprivation.
References
Cunningham, C., Durie, M., Fergusson, D., Fitzgerald, E., Hong, B., Horwood, L. J., Jensen, J., Rochford, M. W., Stevenson, B., & Ministry of Social Development. (2002). Living standards of older Māori. The Ministry of Social Development Te Manata Whakahiato Ora.
Haines, M., Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Te Whatu Ora Te Tai Tokerau, Whangārei, New Zealand
Thomson, B., Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Te Whatu Ora Waitaha Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
MacFater, W., Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Te Whatu Ora Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand
Introduction
Hearing loss has a profound impact on both a personal and societal level, affecting an individual’s ability to communicate, work and interact socially. In Aotearoa, Māori are overrepresented in industries with high noise exposure such as manufacturing, mining and construction. Occupational hearing loss is covered by the Accident Compensation Act (2001) and compensation can be allocated. However, assessment of NIHL under ACC is complex and research has shown that Māori have found funding systems and support difficult to understand and navigate, leading to underutilisation of funding (Cunningham et al., 2002).
Aims
This study aimed to evaluate those who are successful and unsuccessful in obtaining compensation for NIHL under ACC with a particular focus in equity of access by; ethnicity, rurality, socioeconomic status, occupation, age & gender.
Methods
This study was a retrospective database review performed in accordance with STROBE statement. New applications for compensation for NIHL between 2018-2022 through the ACC scheme were assessed. Descriptive results were produced and statistical analyses were performed to examine the associations between socio-demographic factors and the likelihood of claim acceptance under ACC.
Results
A total of 36, 471 ACC applications were reviewed. A total of 4,288 claims were made by Māori. Of those, 2120 (49.4%) were accepted. There were 32, 453 claims were made by non- Māori, with 18, 454 (56.9%) of these being accepted. Statistically significant differences were demonstrated across parameters assessed.
Conclusions
Preliminary results suggest there is a difference in the rate of acceptance for NIHL claims under ACC based on ethnicity, rurality and socioeconomic deprivation.
References
Cunningham, C., Durie, M., Fergusson, D., Fitzgerald, E., Hong, B., Horwood, L. J., Jensen, J., Rochford, M. W., Stevenson, B., & Ministry of Social Development. (2002). Living standards of older Māori. The Ministry of Social Development Te Manata Whakahiato Ora.
