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Hearing aid funding and subsidy

Last updated on 07 March 2023

Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People-funded hearing aid services

Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People 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 Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People 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 2020, 25,000 children and adults received 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 Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People-funded hearing services
  • registered on the Ministry of Health Accreditation Framework.

How to register on the Ministry of Health Accreditation Framework

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

Whaikaha - Ministry of Disabled People criteria for hearing aid services

Visit the Whaikaha website for more information.

Deaf or hearing loss equipment for adults (external website)

Deaf or hearing loss equipment for children  (external website)

Finding an audiologist

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

Find your nearest audiologist or audiometrist (external website)

Enquiries about our hearing aid services

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

Contact Enable New Zealand