Hearing aid funding and subsidy

Ministry of Health-funded hearing aid services

The Ministry of Health funds hearing aids and devices for eligible children and adults. Enable New Zealand administers the funding for the Hearing Aid Subsidy and the Hearing Aid Scheme.

We do the following:

• Process applications from approved assessors for hearing aid services.
• Check the person is eligible and meets Ministry of Health access criteria.
• Provide advice, education and support to approved assessors for hearing aid services.
• Manage the annual budget allocated for hearing aid services.
• Monitor the demand for hearing aid services.

In 2016/2017:

• 21,047 children and adults received hearing aid services
• twenty per cent (20%) of applications were fully-funded
• 345 audiologists or audiometrists are registered as approved assessors for hearing aid services
• 98 suppliers provided hearing aid services.

Approved assessors may apply for hearing aid services

Before we can consider funding for hearing aids, the person must have a hearing needs assessment with an audiologist or audiometrist.

The audiologist or audiometrist must be:

• an approved assessor for Ministry of Health-funded hearing services
• registered on the Ministry of Health Accreditation Framework.

Visit our Disability Funding Information website for more information.

How to register on the Ministry of Health Accreditation Framework

How to apply for hearing aid funding or claim hearing aid subsidy

Ministry of Health criteria for hearing aid services

Visit the Ministry of Health website for more information.

Who can get subsidised hearing aids

Who can get fully-funded hearing aids

Finding an audiologist

Visit the New Zealand Audiological Society website to find registered members of the Society.

Find your nearest audiologist or audiometrist

Enquiries about our hearing aid services

Please contact the Service Manager, Professional Services at our Head Office, Palmerston North.

Contact Enable New Zealand