Our processes for audiometrists, audiologists and on behalf users claiming Disability Support Services (formally funded under Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People) hearing aid services.
Our Disability Support Services (DSS) hearing services cover:
Hearing aid subsidy scheme claims including genuine and exceptional circumstances claims.
Hearing aid funding scheme applications including:
Repairs and parts
Purchase of hearing aids
Purchase of hearing aid accessories
Purchase of remote microphone systems
Insurance excess reimbursement
Replacement hearing aids
Genuine and exceptional claims.
Disability Support Services funding guidelines
Your request is reviewed against the DSS funding guidelines.
Average price targets for funded hearing aids
DSS has set an average price target for each hearing aid funded through the hearing aid funding scheme:
Adults: $1,300 excl. GST
Children: $1,300 excl. GST
The average price target includes the value of the hearing aid, any operational parts (including earmoulds) and essential accessories.
The average price target does not include applications for remote microphone systems or bone anchored hearing aids.
Our hearing aid products and prices
View our hearing aid list with pricing
Forms
You can find the forms you need in our 'tools and resources' section.
Making service requests
Use the Enable Hearing App to make subsidy claims and funding applications.
See our guide to making hearing service requests
Adult funding requests
You must attach a completed DSS Priority for Access to Funding Form to your request.
Child funding and subsidy requests
It is optional to complete the Priority for Access to Funding Form form for child funding and subsidy requests.
Hearing aid repair requests
Apply for funding for ongoing repairs of hearing aids purchased under the funding scheme:
Create a ‘hearing aid repairs including parts’ service request.
If repair under $235 (excl GST), please attach a clinic invoice (excludes administration/courier charges).
If repair over $235 (excl GST), please attach a manufacturer's quote.
Hearing aid insurance reimbursement requests
To request payment of insurance excess where hearing aids have been replaced under insurance:
Create a ‘hearing aid insurance replacement’ service request and attach:
your written statement
a letter of acceptance of claim from the insurer.
Replacement hearing aid requests
To request replacement of hearing aids (standard or early access):
Option 1: Re-apply for hearing aid funding once every 6 years: Create a 'purchase of hearing aids' application.
Option 2: Apply for early access to funding: Create a ‘genuine and exceptional circumstances’ request.