- In New Zealand, hearing aids can range from $1,000 to $12,000 depending on their features — generally, it’s the technology that drives up the price.
- Beyond technological features, other factors such as brand, design, materials, and warranty/aftercare services can also influence prices.
- Typically, people with hearing loss need more advanced hearing aids, which can cost anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000.
- Buying hearing aids outright can be expensive, especially when considering the short lifespan of these devices and their additional servicing costs.
- Hearing aid subscriptions are quickly becoming the more popular option for people with hearing loss, providing an affordable way to get premium hearing care.
- Resonate’s Unlimited subscription gives you hearing aids worth $10,000 for just $90 per month. There are no extra costs; everything else related to your hearing aids is included, and you'll receive new, upgraded technology every three years.
- Have more questions? Feel free to enquire online or get in touch via 0800 737 662 to chat with your local Resonate audiologist today!
- Or read on in our Ultimate Guide to Hearing Aids.
The average cost of hearing aids
In New Zealand, the cost of hearing aids varies widely, reflecting the diverse options available for people with different hearing needs and preferences. But while pricing can differ vastly, it can also be easily categorised into three price brackets: basic, mid-range, and high-range.
In 2016, the Ministry of Health released a ‘Guide to Getting Hearing Aids’, which outlined a baseline of hearing aid costs. This information has strongly informed our pricing analysis, which we’ve adjusted where necessary to account for inflation and technological development. Note: these prices don’t factor in any potential subsidies.
Basic
$1,500 or less
Hearing aids can cost $1,500 or less in the lower price bracket. These devices are designed to provide basic support for people who usually engage in one-on-one or small group conversations, particularly in quiet settings. While these devices can’t easily distinguish between varying noises, they can be effective for suitable candidates.
Mid-range
$1,500 to $5,000
In the mid-range, hearing aids cost from $1,500 to $5,000 and are equipped with more advanced features to support people with a more active lifestyle. People will feel more comfortable using these devices in environments with low noise, but any louder or more complex sounds may be challenging to manage. For this reason, most people with hearing loss tend to require hearing aids from the higher price bracket.
High-range
$5,000 to $12,000
High-end hearing aids can range anywhere from $5,000 to $12,000, offering the latest technology in sound processing. At Resonate, we work solely with this grade of devices — such as the ReSound Nexia in our Unlimited subscription — because they’re equipped to support all types of hearing needs while delivering an optimal auditory experience. The difference in prices among these devices is typically feature-related, with costs fluctuating with the level of technology.
If you purchase hearing aids outright, you can typically expect to receive the devices themselves, a charger, and a storage case. However, many other additional costs are often overlooked.
Beyond the standard gear, you’ll need to consider if there’s a fitting fee along with extra costs for hearing aid domes, microphone covers, programming/tuning, servicing, and any future support services.
At Resonate, we cover it all — yes, everything. Through our Unlimited hearing aid subscription, you can rest assured that there are no hidden costs associated with your hearing aids. Everything is covered under one monthly payment.
The most expensive hearing aid is technically a cochlear implant, which is surgically implanted to support people with profound hearing loss.
When it comes to general hearing aids, it’s the technology that drives up the price — not the style. So if you’re looking at hearing aids with advanced features, you can expect these to be more expensive than those with more basic functionalities.
Tinnitus support is often built into hearing aids at no specific cost. However, the prices associated with tinnitus are more widely influenced by your overall hearing health, as tinnitus is generally a symptom of a bigger problem.
What affects hearing aid prices?
Hearing aid prices are influenced by various factors, including brand, design, materials, and warranty/aftercare services. However, prices are predominantly influenced by the different feature levels set by manufacturers. While the basic technology tends to remain consistent, features can vary significantly across devices to support different needs.
Hearing aid features that increase costs
There are hundreds of hearing aid features out there, though many solve similar problems — they’re simply produced by different manufacturers. For this reason, you’ll often find the same feature across multiple brands, but it’ll be named differently and may have slight functional variations. Still, among them all, a handful of key features stand out.
Key features that increase cost:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Background noise reduction
- Speech enhancement
- Wind management
- Feedback suppression
If you purchase hearing aids outright, you can typically expect to receive the devices themselves, a charger, and a storage case. However, many other additional costs are often overlooked.
Beyond the standard gear, you’ll need to consider if there’s a fitting fee along with extra costs for hearing aid domes, microphone covers, programming/tuning, servicing, and any future support services.
At Resonate, we cover it all — yes, everything. Through our Unlimited hearing aid subscription, you can rest assured that there are no hidden costs associated with your hearing aids. Everything is covered under one monthly payment.
The most expensive hearing aid is technically a cochlear implant, which is surgically implanted to support people with profound hearing loss.
When it comes to general hearing aids, it’s the technology that drives up the price — not the style. So if you’re looking at hearing aids with advanced features, you can expect these to be more expensive than those with more basic functionalities.
Tinnitus support is often built into hearing aids at no specific cost. However, the prices associated with tinnitus are more widely influenced by your overall hearing health, as tinnitus is generally a symptom of a bigger problem.
Hearing aid subscriptions vs buying outright
Traditionally, people have had to purchase hearing aids outright, spending thousands of dollars upfront for long-term benefits. Yet, these devices typically need replacing every 3-4 years to maintain optimal performance, amounting to an outrageous amount as the years go by — and that’s without considering the additional costs involved with servicing your hearing aids.
At Resonate, we aim to avoid these extensive costs with our hearing aid subscription, Unlimited, which covers all expenses related to your hearing aids. Subscribers also benefit from 3-yearly hearing aid replacements and a 3-year warranty for each pair; this way, you’re always covered.
Resonate’s Unlimited vs buying outright
For just $90 per month, Unlimited equips you with hearing aids valued at $10,000. Compared to other hearing aid subscriptions in New Zealand, our offering is notably low in cost, coming in at $3 a day. And when compared to purchasing hearing aids outright, the advantage is clear.
Hearing aid warranties and what to expect
Warranties play an important role in hearing aid ownership, ensuring device quality and durability. Traditionally, a 2-year warranty has been the norm. But the industry is beginning to move toward a 3-year warranty, which is becoming more feasible as technology advances.
At Resonate, we offer a 3-year warranty for all our hearing aids. And when signed up to Unlimited, you’ll also have zero repair costs, along with free device replacements every 3 years. It’s really that simple: no hidden costs, just one monthly payment.
Funding your hearing aids
Everyone should have access to premium hearing care in New Zealand, but most Kiwis find it challenging to cover and justify the costs. The good news is that there are several systems set up to provide support with hearing aid funding. Some avenues cover a portion of the costs, while others can cover everything.
Learn more in our guide to NZ hearing aid funding, or contact your local Resonate studio to discuss your options. Our audiologists can help you assess which funding avenues you may be eligible for and support you in obtaining funding if it's available.
Looking for hearing aids in New Zealand?
At Resonate, we have one of the most affordable and premium hearing aid solutions available in the country. Achieving optimal hearing health doesn’t have to cost a fortune, and the journey can actually be enjoyable — but it all starts with a chat.
Get in touch with your local Resonate studio to start exploring your options. Our audiologists can answer all of your questions and help you begin your journey to better hearing. You can reach out via 0800 737 662 or enquire online.
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