Contributions from cost units
When purchasing new hearing aids, the question of affordability arises for most of our customers. It is important for you to know the potential cost bearers and the amount of the expected lump-sum contributions. The decisive factor in deciding whether or not you are entitled to contributions is the ENT medical expertise. Cost contributions can only be invoiced if you have a corresponding cost approval from the cost bearer. Below is a brief overview of the procedure:
- You come to us for a hearing consultation with hearing test
- You will be referred by us to an ENT practice of your choice
- They will check whether you meet the audiological indicators
- The ENT practice submits the expertise to the cost bearer
- The cost bearer issues a cost approval or rejection
- You can claim the flat-rate contribution after purchasing a hearing system
IV Contributions
The IV contributions to hearing aid fittings are paid at a flat rate. In the case of a one-sided fitting, this contribution is CHF 840 (monaural) and in the case of a double-sided CHF 1'650 (binaural). Under the following conditions, these amounts are paid out by the IV to insured persons, regardless of the price of the purchase.
Conditions for a cost approval:
- You are still professionally active and do not yet receive an AHV retirement pension.
- You have a medically proven hearing impairment
- By using a hearing aid you achieve a clearly better understanding with the environment
- The total hearing loss is at least 20%
- You purchase your hearing aid through a qualified provider (for example, HZ)
- The above amounts can be claimed every 6 years if the old device is no longer sufficient
- The above amounts may be claimed before the end of the period if a recognized otolaryngologist determines that a significant change in hearing has occurred (premature reprovision)
For minors, the flat rate for reimbursement is CHF 2'830 (monaural supply) and CHF 4'170 (binaural fitting).
AHV contributions
The lump-sum contributions for AHV in the case of a monaural pension are CHF 630 and with bilateral treatment for CHF 1'237,50. Under the following conditions, these amounts are paid out by the AHV to insured persons, regardless of the price of the purchase.
Conditions for a cost approval:
- You already receive an AHV retirement pension or supplementary benefits.
- The first purchase of a hearing system took place or is taking place only at the AHV reference age (practically after retirement age)
- You have a medically proven hearing impairment
- Your hearing loss is at least 31 % (total hearing loss)
- By using a hearing aid you achieve a clearly better understanding with the environment
- You purchase your hearing instrument through a qualified provider (for example, HZ)
- You have a permanent residence in Switzerland
- The above amounts can be claimed every 5 years if the old device is no longer sufficient
- The above amounts may be claimed before the end of the period if a recognized otolaryngologist determines that a significant change in hearing has occurred (premature reprovision)
The point of contact for claiming benefits in both of the above cases is the IV office. It is best to come to us, we are familiar with the formalities and will be happy to help you:
- When filling out the corresponding AHV and IV forms
- When looking for an expert doctor in otolaryngology (ENT doctor).
- Regarding a preliminary examination (hearing test) to assess your hearing problem
You now have the option of completing your IV/AHV registration completely online. Please use the following link: Registration and info.
SUVA / MV contributions
SUVA or military insurance may also cover the cost of hearing aids, provided that a medical certificate confirms the connection between hearing loss and work or military service. This certificate is used to classify the complexity of the hearing loss, which has different flat-rate reimbursements.
Complex hearing care: monaural: CHF 2'016.05 I binaural: CHF 3'212.75 I Standard supply: monaural: CHF 1'397.75 I binaural: 2'183.60.
A contribution can be applied for every six years. SUVA/MV will pay the full repair costs. Battery costs can be claimed in accordance with the IV tariff. In comparison to the IV/AHV, an expert opinion 2 is required, in which your ENT doctor certifies to the cost bearer that the adjustment of the hearing systems guarantees the minimum prescribed improvement in speech comprehension.
Hardship
In the case of complex hearing loss, a hardship application can be made in addition to the IV lump sum. For hardship hearing care, the hearing loss must meet certain audiological criteria. In addition to these criteria, you must either be employed or be able to provide a high percentage of care for family members (children, people in need of care).
The amount of the contributions depends on the purchase cost of the hearing aid required. If the application is approved, the DI pays the difference between the flat-rate contribution and the price of the hearing aid. A hardship case assessment process usually takes 3-6 months. A good overview of the step-by-step procedure and the audiological criteria can be found here: Hardship case brochure Pro Audito.
We will guide you through this process step by step, help you find the right hearing system and contribute to your application with our expert report.