Cost of hearing aids

If you’ve been doing your research, you’ll have noticed that there is quite a large difference in the cost of hearing aids. Many factors are at play, including not only the device itself, but the services included. It’s worthwhile to break down the cost to ensure you’re getting value for money.

hearing aid types

Why the variance?

Think of buying a car – you can buy top of the range or a basic model. You can opt for all the safety features, exceptional engineering and added extras like seat warmers and sky control.

The same can be said for hearing aids. You can have the basics – simple programming, on/off switch, disposable batteries and good speech discrimination in quieter situations, or you can opt for all the technological features including automatic environment detection with AI, connectivity, outstanding speech discrimination in more complex situations and added extras like tinnitus programs, rechargeable batteries and remote microphones. 

The more added extras and higher technology in cars, the higher the cost.

The same can be said for hearing aids.

There is also the cost variance you experience at different Hearing Clinics. This may be reflected in the service, length or warranty or any bonuses the clinics may throw in – or not.

It’s always worthwhile to shop around as the same hearing aid can cost a lot more at one place, than at another.

Private Health Insurance Benefits

Private health insurance Hearing Aid Rebates

Before you purchase any hearing devices it’s important to know how much rebate you’re entitled to from your health insurance company – and every health insurance company is different!

Below is an overview of Australian Health Insurance funds who provide rebates for hearing aids: (check the waiting period of your company)

Company

Rebate (depending on level of cover)

AAMI

Up to $1000 per person

ACA Health

Up to 50% of cost per person

ahm Health Insurance

Up to $1600 per person

Australian Unity

Up to $600 per person

Bupa

Up to $850 per person

CBHS Health Fund

Up to $1600 per person

CUA Health Insurance

Up to $800 per person

Defence Health

Up to $1000 per person

Doctors Health Fund

Up to $1600 per person

GMHBA Health Insurance Australia

Up to $1500 per person

HBF Health Insurance

Up to $1400 per person

HCF Health Insurance

Up to $1600 per person

health.com.au

Up to $500 per person

HIF Health Insurance

Up to $550 per person

Latrobe Health Insurance

Up to $650 per person

Medibank Private

Up to $1200 per person

Mildura Health Fund

Up to $1000 per person

Navy Health

Up to $1300 per person

nib health insurance

Up to $1200 per person

onemedifund

Up to $1500 per person

Peoplecare Health Fund

Up to $1500 per person

Police Health

Up to $1200 per person

Phoenix Health Fund

Up to $900 per person

Qantas Insurance

Up to $1200 per person

Reserve Bank Health Society

Up to $5540 per person

RT Health Insurance

Up to $1200 per person

Suncorp

Up to $1200 per person

Teachers Health Fund

Up to $1200 per person

Transport Health

Up to $1000 per person

TUH

Up to $2000 per person

Westfund Health Insurance

Up to $1400 per person