At Hearing Auckland, we believe everyone deserves quality hearing care.
So, through our charitable arm, we offer free or subsidised hearing screenings and education about hearing and hearing loss within the community. Hearing Auckland has been serving the community for over 90 years. Our long history of advocacy and support reflects our dedication to improving hearing health across the region.
By providing accessible hearing care, we help people stay connected with their whānau, friends, and communities.
If you’re looking for expert guidance, affordable hearing care, or support for a loved one, we’re here to help. Get in touch to find out how we can support you or your whānau.
Hearing aid funding to help kaumātua and vulnerable communities across Auckland stay connected and supported
- Subsidised hearing aid funding for Māori and Pasifika elders
- Free hearing screening at our clinic or in the community
- Community outreach and support to educate about hearing loss and treatment options
Pathfinder Programme for Māori and Pasifika kaumātua (elders)
Our Pathfinder Programme is designed to help Māori and Pasifika kaumātua (elders) over the age of 60 and on low incomes access hearing care.The Pathfinder Programme is funded by us although, sometimes, iwi funds or medical insurance can also help to pay for services. We can also apply on our client’s behalf for Ministry of Social Development, Disability Support Services (MSD, DSS) or ACC funds that will pay some of the costs of hearing aids.
Better hearing improves confidence, strengthens relationships, and enhances overall well-being. If you or a loved one could benefit from this support, our team is here to help.
Free hearing screenings for local communities
Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it easy to overlook the early signs. A free hearing screening can help identify potential issues before they become more serious.
We offer these screenings to at-risk individuals, ensuring that those who need further testing or treatment can take action early.
As well as screenings at our Remuera hearing clinic, we also undertake screening sessions in our local communities. This helps us to reach people who may not be able to travel to our clinic due to transport, income or health issues.
Education and outreach helps reduce the stigma around hearing loss
Many people delay seeking hearing support due to a lack of awareness or stigma around hearing loss. Education plays a vital role in breaking down these barriers. That’s why we focus on raising awareness about the importance of early detection and proper hearing care.
Our outreach efforts include informational sessions at marae, community centres, and retirement villages. These sessions help people understand the signs of hearing loss, the benefits of seeking help early, and the options available for treatment and support. By spreading knowledge, we empower individuals to take control of their hearing health.
Collaboration is key to making hearing care more accessible. We work closely with iwi, local organisations, and healthcare providers to ensure that hearing services reach those who need them most. These partnerships allow us to provide mobile hearing support, educational workshops, and advocacy for better hearing care policies.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Several funding options are available to help you purchase hearing aids. We’ll work with you to find what funding you qualify for and make applications for you:
Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health provides two funding streams for New Zealand adult residents: Hearing Aid Funding and the Hearing Aid Subsidy. Hearing Aid Funding pays the cost of hearing aids, but it does not pay any amount towards tests or fitting fees. We can determine your eligibility. The Hearing Aid Subsidy of $511.11 (incl. GST) per hearing aid is available no more than once every six years to New Zealand adult residents who do not qualify for Hearing Aid Funding, or funding from the ACC or funding from Veterans’ Affairs. More information is available here.
Veterans’ Affairs NZ
If you have served in the New Zealand Defence Forces and have noise-induced hearing loss related to your service, funding may be available. More information is available here.
ACC Funding
The process for applying to the ACC to cover work-related noise-induced hearing loss is relatively complex. If you think you may have acquired hearing loss from working in a noisy environment, please make an appointment to see a clinician to learn about this. If the ACC provides cover and entitlements for a noise-induced hearing loss you will receive a letter from the ACC explaining the benefits you’ll receive, including the amount of money they’ll contribute towards the costs of hearing aids and associated fees. Depending on your hearing needs, we can provide hearing aids within the amounts paid by the ACC.
Work and Income
If you are on a low income or benefit, help for costs related to hearing loss may be available from WINZ. Contact your local WINZ office.
Health Insurance
Your hearing aids and/or some of the professional fees for testing hearing and fitting hearing aids may be covered by your private health insurance policy. Hearing Auckland is experienced in working with all major insurance companies.
Iwi funding
Contact your local iwi as some iwi (for example Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei) offer subsidies and health insurance that includes some funding for hearing aids and fees.
If your audiologist or audiometrist is accessing funding they must give you a written quote showing the full cost of your hearing aids including any fees and any non-refundable portion. They must show the amount and source of funding they are claiming on your behalf. The quote must include at least two options which will cost different amounts, and they must explain the different results you can expect with each option.