The hearing protocol describes how hearing aids should be provided in the Netherlands as implementation of the Health Insurance Act to persons who have 35 dB or more of hearing loss in one or both ears, severe tinnitus, limitations in listening or use of communication devices, or to persons who have less than 35 dB of loss but require special care. The hearing aid protocol should ensure that every client receives a quality hearing solution. Quality is considered from a professional perspective and from a client perspective (can the client function well with the hearing solution provided?). In addition, the protocol should lead to an effective hearing solution. If the hearing solutions offered in the indicated category are not sufficient, the protocol provides alternatives to achieve an adequate solution through the additional care demand.
The protocol is endorsed by all insurers affiliated with Zorgverzekeraars Nederland, all hearing aid companies affiliated with the industry associations NVAB and Kwaliteitsaudiciens and CVZA, audiologists united in the NVKF and the relevant patient associations represented by Stichting Hoormij. The protocol describes the steps to be followed by the hearing care professional when selecting and evaluating hearing aids for adult clients aged 18 and older. The protocol is not intended for use with children nor for a subset of adults who, according to the indications of the current Field norm and associated NOAH protocol, should be referred to an audiological center. The Dutch Society for Clinical Physics (NVKF) has established separate guidelines for these referred clients.
This protocol replaces the “Protocol t.b.v. providing hearing aids under the Health Insurance Act”, which was introduced by Zorgverzekeraars Nederland in 2013. Protocol hearing aids 2.0 will apply from January 1, 2019.
