For many New Zealanders, hearing aids are more than just devices — they’re a way to stay connected, safe, and confident in everyday life. The good news is that permanent residents and citizens may be eligible for government support to make hearing aids more affordable.
The Ministry of Health offers two main pathways:
• The Hearing Aid Subsidy Scheme contributes $511.11 per ear for adults who don’t qualify for full funding. It’s a helpful option if your hearing needs are more straightforward.
• The Hearing Aid Funding Scheme can cover the full cost of hearing aids for people who need extra support. To qualify, you’ll need a Community Services Card, and one of the following must apply:
– you’re working full-time
– you’re studying full-time or looking for full-time work
– you’re volunteering regularly with a registered charity
– you’re caring full-time for someone who depends on you
Children and young people under 21 in full-time study, as well as adults with complex needs (such as combined hearing and vision challenges), may also be eligible. At hear. we will guide you through the assessment and application process step by step, so you don’t have to worry about the details. This scheme is designed to make sure cost isn’t a barrier to staying connected.
Other funding options include:
• ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) may fund hearing aids if your hearing loss is linked to injury or noise exposure. There are strict criteria – for instance, with noise-induced hearing loss, the audiogram must show evidence of noise damage, which must be consistent with a history of paid employment in NZ where repeated prolonged exposure to loud noise was unavoidable. A person’s medical history is also taken into account. The role of the audiologist is establish eligibility and to apply on your behalf. ACC will review the application and notify you directly, usually within 2-4 weeks. ACC uses a tiered funding system, which means that in some cases a person with ACC funding will still need to contribute to the cost of hearing aids themselves, while in other cases the ACC contribution will be enough to fully cover all costs involved
• Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand provides support for former service personnel when hearing loss or tinnitus is connected to qualifying military service. Veterans’ Affairs have a useful tool on their website for establishing eligibility. If eligible then you can apply online. Once you have a case manager you can then meet with an audiology to assess your hearing. The audiologist will submit the assessment results to your case manager who will need to approve the application. The next step is to see your audiologist again who will explain options for you so that you can trial hearing devices that best suit you.
At hear. we will help you understand which pathway fits your situation and take care of the paperwork with you. These supports are here to keep hearing care accessible, so you can stay independent, safe, and close to the people and moments that matter most.