Audiological Society ensures hearing aid consumers protected
Auckland, June 24, 2015: The New Zealand Audiological Society (NZAS) through their code of ethics and robust complaints process, strives to
ensure people are well served when they seek audiological services, purchase hearing instruments and support from their
members.
The NZAS was incorporated in 1976 and it is a self-governing body representing more than 300 Audiologists in New
Zealand. The Society has a Constitution, an elected Executive Council, a Code of Ethics, and an independent complaints
procedure. Members of the Society are required to uphold the Society’s Code of Ethics.
The NZAS is concerned about the recent media coverage which indicated that War Veterans and older New Zealanders may be
at risk of purchasing hearing devices and services that are neither required nor suitable. The NZAS considers the
conduct described in the media as unacceptable and asks that the people mentioned in the article contact them as soon as
possible so that a formal enquiry can take place.
The public needs to be aware that in New Zealand there is no restriction on who may sell hearing aids. Therefore some
complaints are not about audiological services received from a member of the NZAS, but about a person who is not a
member of the society.
The NZAS urges members of the public seeking audiological services to always ask their audiological provider if they are
a member of the New Zealand Audiological Society. The NZAS publishes on their website (www.audiology.org.nz) details of all their current practicing members. Public can also look for the qualification “MNZAS CCC” after their
name.
The public is also protected through the Health and Disability Act and can take a complaint to the Health and Disability
Commissioner at any time.
The NZAS has sought registration of the profession of audiology a number of times since 1974. The NZAS has and will
continue to lobby the Ministry of Health to restrict the sale of hearing aids, which are classed as medical devices, to
ensure that only qualified and appropriately credentialled professionals may sell them as is the case in other
countries. The Society would welcome the public’s support in this effort.
ENDS