Hearing Aid Funding Schemes in NZ
Hearing Aid Funding Schemes in New Zealand
Hearing Aid Funding Schemes Available in NZ
Living with hearing loss and getting hearing aids shouldn't mean financial strain. Fortunately, NZ offers various hearing aid funding options to help you access the vital hearing technology you need. Discover the support available below to empower your journey towards better hearing.
Factors Influencing Hearing Aid Prices in NZ
Navigating the diverse landscape of hearing aid suitability and pricing involves considering several key factors that can influence the overall cost.
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Technology Levels: Hearing aids come in various technology levels, each offering different features and capabilities. Our expert audiologists will help you discern the nuances between basic, mid-range, and premium options, ensuring you select the best fit for your lifestyle.
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Additional Features: Advanced features such as noise reduction, bluetooth connectivity, and rechargeable batteries can contribute to the overall cost of a hearing aid. We'll guide you in discerning which features are essential for your specific needs.
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Explore our blog on hearing aid brands available in NZ, where our expert audiologists break down crucial aspects like technology levels, styles and features, to help you make an informed decision about the best hearing aid to suit your lifestyle and preferences.
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If you are after more specific information about hearing aids in Auckland, schedule a personalised hearing aid consultation at Family Hearing Centre to explore the best hearing aid options tailored to you.
Hearing Aid Funding
Schemes Available in
New Zealand
Living with hearing loss and getting hearing aids shouldn't mean financial strain. Fortunately, NZ offers various hearing aid funding options to help you access the vital hearing technology you need. Discover the support available below to empower your journey towards better hearing.
ACC Hearing Aid Funding in NZ
If your hearing loss is as a result of an injury or is the result of work-related noise exposure, you may be eligible for funding from ACC for your hearing aids. ACC contributes towards the cost of appointments, hearing aids, ongoing maintenance/repairs and consumables such as hearing aid batteries and wax filters. There are different levels of ACC hearing aid funding in NZ. The ACC funding towards the cost of a pair of hearing aids is approximately $3000-$5000, depending on how much of your hearing loss is related to injury or noise exposure at work. This will fully cover a pair of basic - mid level technology hearing aids, with the option of topping up yourself for more advanced - premium hearing aids.
Enable Hearing Aid Funding Scheme
The Ministry of Health’s Hearing Aid Funding Scheme covers the cost of hearing aids for eligible children and adults who are New Zealand citizens living in New Zealand or who are permanent residents. Adults are eligible if they:
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have had a significant hearing loss from childhood, or
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have hearing loss and a significant visual impairment (for example, Deafblind); or hearing loss and an intellectual disability or a physical disability that limits their ability to communicate safely and effectively, or
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have a Community Services Card AND are:
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in paid employment for 30 hours per week or more, or
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a registered job seeker seeking paid employment, or
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doing voluntary work (more than 20 hours per week), or
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studying full time, or
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caring full time for a dependent person
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This hearing aid scheme funding covers only the price of the hearing aid and does not cover any assessment or appointment costs. Get more information about the Hearing Aid Funding Scheme.
Veterans’ Affairs Hearing Aid Funding
If you suffer from service-related hearing loss and/or tinnitus, or receive the Weekly Income Compensation (with hearing loss being the condition stopping you from working), you may be eligible for Veterans’ Affairs hearing aid funding in NZ.
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Veterans’ Affairs funding contributes towards the cost of standard hearing aids. The funding pays up to a maximum amount of $2,415.00 (incl. GST) per hearing aid. This covers basic - mid level technology, however you can top up if you require or prefer more advanced hearing aids. In special cases, Veterans' Affairs may provide more advanced hearing aids if you have complex needs such as a profound hearing loss, poor speech discrimination, asymmetrical hearing loss, medical conditions or work safety conditions requiring higher tech hearing aids.
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Veterans' Affairs can also fund batteries, consumables and repair/ongoing maintenance costs as well as hearing service costs such as hearing assessments, fittings and ear wax removal.
Enable Subsidy Scheme
The most commonly accessed funding option in New Zealand, you are typically eligible for a $1022.22 government subsidy towards a pair of hearing aids if you have a hearing loss that our MNZAS audiologists have diagnosed through a Diagnostic Hearing Assessment. All New Zealand citizens and permanent residents over 16 years of age can apply for the subsidy once every six years. Find out more about the Enable Subsidy Scheme in New Zealand.
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Get more information about the Enable Subsidy Scheme and Enable Hearing Aid Funding Scheme in New Zealand.
Take control of your hearing journey today. Contact Family Hearing Centre to schedule a hearing aid consultation with our expert audiologists. Let us guide you through the funding options available for hearing aids and find the perfect solution for your unique needs.