Purchasing hearing aids can be a significant investment, but there are several funding options in New Zealand that may help make them more affordable. Here are some options:

1. Enable Hearing Aid Subsidy

• This subsidy is provided by Disability Support Services and is available to adults (over the age of 16) who:

• Have a permanent hearing loss

• Are New Zealand citizens who ordinarily live in New Zealand or permanent residents

• Are not eligible for funding through ACC, Veterans’ Affairs, or the Hearing Aid Funding Scheme, or the Children’s Hearing Aid Funding Scheme

The Hearing Aid Subsidy Scheme provides $1022.22 towards a pair of hearing aids ($511.11 for each ear) every six years.

2. Enable Hearing Aid Funding Scheme

The Hearing Aid Funding Scheme covers the cost of hearing aids (not including assessment or appointment costs) for eligible children and adults who are New Zealand citizens living in New Zealand or who are permanent residents.

This scheme supports:

• Children and young people under 21 (if eligibility criteria are met)
• Adults who have had a significant hearing loss (meeting the eligibility criteria) and have worn hearing aids since childhood
• Adults who have hearing loss and another disability that limits their ability to communicate safely and effectively, for example a significant visual impairment

• Adults who have a Community Services Card AND are:
  • in paid employment for 30 hours per week or more, or
  • a registered job seeker seeking paid employment, or
  • doing voluntary work (more than 20 hours per week), or
  • studying full time, or
  • caring full time for a dependent person

Click here for further information on the Hearing Aid Funding Scheme.   

3. ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation)

ACC funding may be available if your hearing loss is related to an accident or work-related noise exposure. For those with an accepted hearing loss, ACC contributes towards the cost of hearing tests and appointments, hearing aids, ongoing maintenance and repairs, and hearing aid batteries. ACC will provide support for you to replace your hearing aids once every six years.

If you feel that you may be eligible for ACC funding, we recommend booking a Full Diagnostic Hearing Assessment. You audiologist at Bellbird Hearing can provide advice on whether you may be eligible for ACC funding and lodge an application for noise-induced hearing loss on your behalf.

How do I apply for ACC funding for hearing aids?

ACC funding may be available if your hearing loss is related to an accident or work-related noise exposure. For people with an accepted ACC hearing loss claim, ACC can contribute towards the cost of:

• Hearing assessments and appointments
• Hearing aids
• Ongoing maintenance and repairs
• Hearing aid consumables
• Replacement hearing aids (usually every six years)

Bellbird Hearing can guide you through the process, check your eligibility, and help lodge your application.

The basics of covered hearing loss

 The ACC application process

Step 1 - Book a diagnostic hearing assessment

Book a Full Diagnostic Hearing Assessment at Bellbird Hearing. During your appointment, your clinician will discuss your work and noise exposure history alongside your hearing test results to determine whether you may be eligible to apply for ACC funding. If you appear eligible, your audiologist will lodge a claim with ACC on your behalf. Our team will also help you complete the required ACC questionnaire about your work history.

Step 2 - ACC reviews your claim

ACC will assess your application and advise whether your claim has been approved. In some cases, ACC may ask you to see or speak with an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist as part of this process. If your claim is approved, ACC will confirm how much funding they will contribute towards hearing aids.

Step 3 - Choose your hearing aids

Once you receive your approval letter from ACC, contact Bellbird Hearing to book an appointment to discuss your hearing aid options. Your audiologist will guide you through the available solutions to help you find the best fit for your lifestyle, hearing needs, and budget.

What if my claim is not approved?

If your ACC claim is not accepted, we can support you to explore other funding options, including the Enable hearing aid subsidy and other assistance programmes. If your claim is declined, please get in touch with us — our team is happy to talk through alternative options to help you access the hearing care you need.

4. Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand

Funding is available for eligible former service members with hearing loss related to their military service. To start this process, you need to see your GP and contact Veterans’ Affairs. Bellbird Hearing can then complete a Full Diagnostic Hearing Test, provide advice on hearing aid options, and work with Veteran’s Affairs to ensure your needs are met. If your claim is accepted, Veterans’ Affairs provides funding for your hearing assessment, hearing aids and ongoing maintenance and repair costs.

5. Work and Income New Zealand (WINZ)

People on a low income or receiving a benefit may be eligible for additional financial support through WINZ.

6. Charitable organisations and trusts

Some local and national charities and community trusts offer financial assistance for hearing aids.

We’re here to help

Our team atBellbird Hearingcan guide you through the funding options and help with the application process. We can provide the assessments and documentation needed to support your funding applications.

By exploring these options, you may be able to significantly reduce the cost of hearing aids and get the hearing support you need with confidence.

Book now