Hearing Aid Funding Options

  Only Full members of the New Zealand Audiology Society (MNZAS) can access Government funding. All Independent clinics owners are full members of the NZAS.
 
  When you attend an Independent clinic you will have all funding options explained to you fully.

Hearing Aid Government Subsidies

  The Government hearing aid subsidy has increased to $1000 for a pair of hearing aids every 6 years.

  Talk to an NZiAud audiologist to find out if you qualify.

Hearing Aid Funding from the Ministry of Health.

  Some people with a Community Services Card and a dual disability (including hearing loss) may  qualify for hearing aids which are fully funded by the Ministry of Health. However, this does not  include any fitting fees and follow-up fees, and these vary from clinic to clinic.

  Talk to an NZiAud audiologist to find out if you qualify.

ACC Funding.

  Since January 1st 2011, hearing aid funding rules for ACC have changed. Now, hearing aids will only be partially funded, depending on the percentage of hearing loss that ACC-specialists deem  to be due to noise exposure. 
  For new claimants, the percentage hearing loss due to noise exposure must be 6% or above. Many  people going through ACC, and who are deemed to be eligible for cover and compensation, may  receive more than the usual government $1,000 subsidy.
  ACC and the Ministry of Health will together contribute to a percentage of the hearing aid and fitting costs; the remainder is the responsibility of the client.

Veteran’s Affairs.

  Anyone receiving a War Pension is eligible for fully-funded hearing aids. Veteran’s can also have their hearing tests and fitting fees or hearing aid-tuning fees paid by Veteran’s affairs. A hearing aid battery allowance will be added to their pension once the hearing aid fitting is successful.

Children's hearing aids.

  Hearing aids for children are funded by the Ministry of Health.

Work and Income.

  Talk to your independent audiologist about this. If you meet certain criteria Work and Income may be able to offer you a loan to purchase hearing aids. Work and Income will pay the cl inc, then you repay them gradually out of your benefit.

Hearing Bank (NZAS)

  The New Zealand Audiological Society NZAS has a 'hearing aid bank'. If you meet their criteria you may be able to get hearing aids via the bank, or qualify for a small grant in addition to the Ministry of Health Subsidy.

 

Workbridge

If you are working or seeking work, and need equipment to help you to hear in the workplace, 'Workbridge' may be able to help.

 

To find out more about your funding options contact your Independent Audiologist for honest professional advice.