162. The Minister reimburses the cost of replacing a hearing device before the time indicated in section 160 has elapsed if the Minister has previously authorized the purchase and if(1) the hearing condition of the person who is a victim shows a new neurosensory hearing loss of at least 20 dB HL at at least 2 frequencies between 500 Hz and 4,000 Hz in the same ear since the audiogram provided for in section 160 was made and if the adjustment of the hearing device cannot compensate for the hearing loss;
(2) the person who is a victim is affected by a new medical condition that prevents them from using their hearing device, even with the assistance of a remote control;
(3) the hearing device has deteriorated to the point where it can no longer be used, repaired or cleaned, in particular because of the acidic perspiration of the person who is a victim or the excessive toxic vapours or pollution, such as dust, to which the hearing device is exposed; or
(4) the prosthesis was damaged due to the commission of the criminal offence.
In the case provided for in subparagraph 1 of the first paragraph, a written document from a hearing aid practitioner explaining why the prosthesis cannot be adjusted to compensate for the hearing condition of the person who is a victim and an attestation from a health professional referred to in one of subparagraphs 1 to 4 of the first paragraph of section 17 or an audiological evaluation showing the hearing loss of the person who is a victim must be provided to the Minister.
In the case provided for in subparagraph 2 of the first paragraph, an attestation from a health professional referred to in one of subparagraphs 1 to 4 of the first paragraph of section 17 that specifies the condition that prevents the person who is a victim from using their hearing device must be provided to the Minister.
In the case provided for in subparagraph 3 of the first paragraph, a written document from a hearing aid practitioner explaining the deterioration of the prosthesis and the reason for the deterioration must be provided to the Minister. The hearing aid practitioner must keep the results of the electroacoustic examination and provide it to the Minister on request.
In the case provided for in subparagraph 4 of the first paragraph, the person who is a victim must explain, in writing, the circumstances in which the prosthesis was damaged, and the hearing aid practitioner must provide a written document showing that the manufacturer cannot repair the prosthesis.
When 2 hearing devices must be replaced in a case referred to in subparagraph 1, 3 or 4 of the first paragraph, a written document from a hearing aid practitioner or a hearing aid manufacturer explaining why both hearing aids need to be replaced must be provided to the Minister.
The application must be submitted using the form prescribed by the Minister.
1266-2021O.C. 1266-2021, s. 162.