[Phil46]

Hi,

We are looking to apply for a visa to emigrate to New Zealand and was just getting a little edgy about the hearing test that I believe is included. I am deaf in one ear and slightly deaf in the other due to an operation I had at the age of 17 years. It hasn't held me back in life (I wear an hearing aid) and isn't what I would call a major disability, though Pink Floyd albums no longer have the same impact! However I am concerned that this will count against me and put an end to the dream move for my family and I. Obviously I don't want to start a process and pay out large amounts of money only to find that it was a non starter. If anyone has any experience of issues with hearing and the medical then please let me know. It would be really great to know that it isn't an issue at all and if you have been in a similar position to myself then your story would be a great help.

Many thanks

Phil

[james the mechanic]

Hello and welcome,
I pretty sure our medicals didn’t include a hearing test. I think providing the hearing problem isn’t a progressive medical problem that will curse avoidable burden to the NZ health care system you should be fine.
Others will no doubt be along with further clarification and relevant links.
Best wishes :nice1
James

[Belmont Babes]

No hearing tests for us either. You should be fine

[Rusty]

We had to stand in the room and the Dr whispered something to copy, but it was a little pointless in a small room.
I'd agree with what Jamesthe mechanic said.
You may be able to wear your hearing aid?
Best check with either one of the medical companies or NZIS for peace of mind.

[ourquest]

Our panel doctor ticked off the box for hearing on the medical form without having formally tested our hearing. I guess it was patently obvious to him that we could hear his instructions in general. That having been said, as we are not hearing impaired we would not have needed to declare this, but I think you might have to, and this would then prompt NZIS to investigate further if they felt the need.

Hopefully someone on this forum has (had) the same situation as you and can confirm that it will not represent a significant issue for you. Best of luck.

[migratory birds]

It would be recorded on your medical because all known diagnoses are. I would guess it would not be an issue because it is not a rapidly progressive loss as in Meniere's disease and the potential for resource-demanding services are minimal for the loss you have.

I don't work with NZIS but would feel safe in encouraging you to procede - esp if you'll be applying under the Skilled MIgrant catagory as they seem much more likely to look at the entirety of what the person has to offer the country than deny who looks like a fab candidate for something as minor as hearing loss.

All the less likely if it isn't a hereditary hearing loss that could be passes along to any children you have/may have in the future.