How to Apply for a Hearing Impairment Certificate in Taiwan - Otolaryngology

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To apply for a Hearing Impairment Certificate (聽障手冊) in Taiwan, you will need to follow a specific process that involves medical evaluation and documentation. Given your situation, where you had a hearing assessment ten years ago and are now residing in Chiayi, here’s a detailed guide on how to proceed.


Step 1: Medical Evaluation
1. Find a Local Medical Facility: Since you are currently in Chiayi, you should visit a local hospital or clinic that has an ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) department. It’s important to choose a facility that is recognized for conducting hearing assessments.

2. Hearing Tests: You will need to undergo a series of hearing tests. These typically include:
- Pure Tone Audiometry: This test measures your ability to hear sounds at different pitches and volumes.

- Speech Audiometry: This assesses how well you can understand speech at various levels of loudness.

- Impedance Audiometry: This test evaluates the function of the middle ear and can help identify issues that might affect hearing.

If you have difficulty with standard hearing tests, you may also request an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test, which can provide information about the auditory pathways in the brain.

3. Obtain a Medical Certificate: After the tests, the ENT specialist will provide a medical certificate that outlines your hearing impairment. This document is crucial for your application.


Step 2: Application Process
1. Gather Required Documents: Along with the medical certificate, you will need to prepare the following documents:
- A copy of your identification (e.g., National ID card).

- Any previous medical records related to your hearing impairment, if available.

- A completed application form for the Hearing Impairment Certificate, which you can obtain from the local social welfare office or their website.

2. Submit Your Application: You will need to submit your application to the social welfare department in your registered household area. Since you mentioned that you are currently working in Chiayi, you can apply at the local social welfare office there, as long as you have your household registration documents.


Step 3: Follow-Up
1. Processing Time: After submitting your application, there will be a processing period during which the authorities will review your documents and medical evaluation. This can take several weeks, so be patient.

2. Possible Re-evaluation: If your application is approved, you may be issued a Hearing Impairment Certificate. However, if there are any discrepancies or if additional information is needed, you may be asked to undergo further evaluations.


Additional Considerations
- Frequency of Re-evaluation: Generally, if you have a stable hearing impairment, you may not need to undergo frequent re-evaluations. However, if your condition changes or if you feel that your hearing has deteriorated, it is advisable to get re-evaluated. The specific time frame for re-evaluation can vary, but many institutions recommend every 1-2 years.

- Support and Resources: Once you obtain your Hearing Impairment Certificate, you may be eligible for various support services, including subsidies for hearing aids and access to special educational resources if needed.

In summary, to apply for a Hearing Impairment Certificate in Taiwan, you need to undergo a thorough medical evaluation at a local facility, gather the necessary documentation, and submit your application to the appropriate social welfare office. Given your history of hearing impairment, this process should help you secure the support you need. If you have any further questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to local health services or social welfare offices for guidance.