Comprehensive guide to hearing aids for seniors aged 65+. Compare prices, providers, technology levels, and government subsidies. Make an informed decision with our expert comparisons of Bay Audiology, Dilworth Hearing, Life Unlimited, and other leading NZ providers.
Eligible seniors can receive $511.11 per hearing aid through the Ministry of Health subsidy scheme. Super Gold Card holders and Community Services Card holders may qualify.
Hearing aid costs vary significantly based on technology level, features, and provider. Here's what you can expect to pay in New Zealand:
Don't automatically choose the most expensive option. Mid-range hearing aids ($3,000-$5,000) offer excellent performance for most seniors and include modern features like Bluetooth and rechargeable batteries.
With the government subsidy of $511.11 per aid ($1,022.22 per pair), your out-of-pocket cost for mid-range aids drops to approximately $1,978-$3,978 per pair.
Understanding the different styles helps you choose the right fit for your lifestyle, hearing loss severity, and dexterity level.
The most common type in New Zealand. All electronics housed in a case behind the ear, connected to an ear mold via a tube.
Similar to BTE but smaller, with the speaker/receiver sitting in the ear canal. Connected by a thin wire rather than a tube.
Custom-molded to fit your ear. ITE fills the outer ear bowl, while ITC sits partly in the canal. Both are one-piece devices.
The smallest and most discreet options, sitting deep in the ear canal. Nearly invisible when worn.
Compare the leading hearing aid providers across New Zealand. All providers listed accept the Ministry of Health subsidy.
New Zealand's largest hearing healthcare provider with over 60 clinics. Owned by Sonova Group (makers of Phonak). Offers comprehensive hearing services including free hearing tests, 90-day trial periods, and ongoing support.
New Zealand-owned and operated since 1987. Known for personalized service and supporting the Dilworth Trust's education programs. Strong focus on senior care with patient education and ongoing support.
Part of the Blind Foundation, Life Unlimited provides hearing services with a charitable focus. Offers additional support for seniors with both vision and hearing challenges. Not-for-profit model means competitive pricing.
Independent provider with experienced audiologists. Known for transparent pricing and taking time with senior clients. Accepts Veterans' Affairs funding and works with ACC claims.
The New Zealand government provides financial assistance for hearing aids through the Ministry of Health Hearing Aid Subsidy Scheme. Here's exactly how it works:
War veterans and those with accepted service-related hearing loss may qualify for 100% funding through Veterans' Affairs.
Contact Veterans' Affairs: 0800 483 8372 or visit veteransaffairs.mil.nz
If your hearing loss resulted from an accident (including workplace noise), ACC may cover full cost of hearing aids plus ongoing care.
Contact ACC: 0800 101 996 or discuss with your audiologist
Follow this proven process to ensure you get the right hearing aids at the best price with proper support.
Common signs you might need hearing aids:
Book a comprehensive hearing assessment with a registered audiologist. Most providers offer free tests.
Your audiologist will recommend hearing aids based on your hearing loss, lifestyle, budget, and dexterity.
Your hearing aid provider will handle the subsidy application on your behalf. The $511.11 per aid is deducted from the purchase price.
Automatically eligible. Provider will verify your card and process the subsidy.
Bring your card to the appointment. Provider will process subsidy claim.
Once you've chosen your hearing aids, the provider will order them (custom models require ear molds) and schedule your fitting appointment.
Use your hearing aids in ALL situations during the 60-90 day trial period. This is your safety net.
Expect multiple follow-up appointments for fine-tuning. This is normal and included in your purchase.
Proper care extends the life of your hearing aids and ensures optimal performance.
Hearing aid prices in New Zealand range from $1,500 to $8,000+ per pair depending on technology level:
Government subsidies can reduce costs by $511.11 per aid ($1,022.22 per pair) for eligible seniors with Super Gold Cards or Community Services Cards.
Hearing aids are not completely free, but NZ Super Gold Card holders and those with Community Services Cards can access subsidies of $511.11 per hearing aid through the Ministry of Health Hearing Aid Subsidy Scheme.
War veterans may qualify for full funding through Veterans' Affairs if their hearing loss is service-related. Some DHBs also provide additional assistance for low-income seniors.
With the subsidy, basic hearing aids can cost as little as $1,478 per pair out-of-pocket ($2,500 - $1,022 subsidy).
Leading hearing aid brands in New Zealand include Phonak, Oticon, Widex, Signia, ReSound, and Starkey. The "best" brand depends on your specific hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget.
Most major NZ providers like Bay Audiology and Dilworth Hearing offer multiple premium brands. It's recommended to trial different brands before purchasing.
Hearing aids typically last 5-7 years with proper care and maintenance. Premium models often last longer than basic models.
Factors affecting lifespan:
Regular professional cleaning and servicing can extend the life of your hearing aids. After 5-7 years, it's often worth upgrading to benefit from new technology rather than continuing to repair older models.
💡 Tip: Many providers offer upgrade programs after 3-4 years, allowing you to trade in old aids for credit toward new technology.
Yes, ACC may cover hearing aids if your hearing loss resulted from an accident they've accepted. This includes:
ACC typically provides full or partial funding for hearing aids and ongoing support including batteries, repairs, and replacements.
Contact: ACC on 0800 101 996 or discuss with your audiologist who can help with the claim process.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids sit behind the ear with a tube connecting to an ear mold in the ear canal:
In-the-ear (ITE) devices fit inside the ear canal as one-piece custom-molded units:
💡 Recommendation: BTEs are typically better for seniors due to easier handling, longer battery life, and suitability for all hearing loss levels. However, if discretion is your priority and you have mild-moderate loss with good dexterity, ITEs are excellent.
If you have hearing loss in both ears (bilateral hearing loss), two hearing aids are strongly recommended. Most seniors have bilateral loss.
While one hearing aid costs less initially ($750-$4,000 vs. $1,500-$8,000 for two), the significant improvement in hearing quality makes bilateral fitting worthwhile for most people.
💡 Note: The government subsidy applies to each hearing aid ($511.11 × 2 = $1,022.22 for a pair), helping offset the cost of bilateral fitting.
You can get a hearing test from:
Recommended frequency: Seniors aged 65+ should have hearing tested every 2-3 years, or sooner if experiencing hearing difficulties.
Getting used to hearing aids takes time. Here's what to expect and how to succeed:
Check battery, clean wax filter, increase volume, or book tuning appointment
Re-insert properly, check for wax in ear canal, or ear mold may need remake
Clean wax filter, check microphone port, may need professional cleaning
Ear mold may need adjustment - book fitting appointment (usually free)
Don't let hearing loss hold you back from enjoying life. Book a free hearing test today and explore your options with no obligation.