Did You Know? Hearing Aids Can Be Funded by the NZ Government!

If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss, don’t let cost be a barrier. There are several government funding options available in New Zealand — including partial and even full funding for hearing aids!

Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s available and who’s eligible:

Hearing Aid Subsidy (Ministry of Health)

• $511.11 per hearing aid ($1,022.22 for a pair)

  Available once every 6 years

• You must be:

  • A New Zealand resident/or holds a permanent resident visa aged 16 or older

• No Community Services Card required — ideal for most people

  
  

  How to apply: Your audiologist (like us at Eastern Hearing) will apply for you through Enable New Zealand.

  
  

  Fully Funded Hearing Aids (Enable Funding Scheme)

• Covers the full cost of hearing aids (fitting and consultation fees may still apply)

• You may be eligible if:

  • You had significant hearing loss since childhood

  • You have hearing loss plus another disability (e.g. visual, intellectual, or physical)

  • You hold a Community Services Card and are either:

    • Working 30+ hours/week

    • Studying full-time

    • Volunteering 20+ hours/week

    • Actively job-seeking

    • A full-time carer for someone under 14 or with a disability

      
      

  ACC Hearing Aid Funding

• For hearing loss resulting from workplace noise or injury — typically applies to those who have worked in a noisy environment in New Zealand for over 10 years

• ACC may cover a good portion or all of the cost of hearing aids — sometimes up to $4,900 for a pair

• Your audiologist can assess you and help lodge a claim with ACC if eligible

  
  

  Veterans’ Affairs Hearing Aid Support

• If your hearing loss is due to qualifying military service, you may be eligible for:

  • Up to $2,100 per hearing aid

  • Plus funding for ear moulds, fittings, batteries, and ongoing support

    
    

  Extra Help: WINZ & Charitable Grants

• Work & Income may offer repayable advances or loans for hearing aid costs

• There are also charity grants available through various local organisations