Cost a barrier to hearing aid; nib finds ways to help

• hearing aids are among the largest out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for Australians, often costing upwards of $4,500 per device

• hearing loss is more common among Australia’s lowest income earners

• untreated hearing loss can be linked to cognitive decline, depression, and social isolation

• nib and Specsavers Audiology offer eligible customers hearing aids at no, or lower out-of-pocket costs

At nib, we are lowering costs to help make hearing aids accessible to more Australians.

Hearing loss is twice as common in Australia’s lowest income groups¹, and ² hearing aids are among the largest out-of-pocket expenses in healthcare, often costing upwards of $4,500 per device. Through a national partnership with Specsavers, nib customers who have Extras cover that includes hearing aids, and those who qualify for the Government Hearing Services Program (HSP), can access hearing devices at Specsavers Audiology at either no or reduced cost.

nib Group’s Australian private health insurance Chief Executive James Barr, said: “Cost is one of the biggest barriers to hearing health in Australia, with many people delaying treatment. At nib, we are lowering costs to help make hearing aids accessible to more Australians. Our customers can combine government support with their nib Extras cover to access high-quality hearing devices at no or lower out-of-pocket costs, aiming to improve health outcomes.”

Hearing aids have proven benefits for improving communication, which can help users stay cognitively and socially active.

Specsavers Chief Audiologist Nick Taylor said: “We want to help more Australians access high-quality hearing care at Specsavers, in partnership with nib. We encourage everyone to book a hearing check when they turn 50, to catch early signs of hearing loss and support long-term cognitive health. Hearing aids have proven benefits for improving communication, which can help users stay cognitively and socially active.” 

Why it matters:

• one in two Australian adults admit to having hearing problems – but only 7% have taken action to address it³

• people wait an average of eight years before seeking help often due to stigma and cost⁴

• untreated hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, depression, and social isolation⁵

nib’s No Gap offer is available in-store and applies to hearing devices (Item numbers 901, 902 and 905). The offer only applies if the customer is eligible for the government hearing services program and/or selects a hearing aid within the range covered by the No Gap offer. Coverage is subject to waiting periods, annual/service limits, nib fund rules and policy booklet terms, and actual out of pocket costs will vary depending on the member’s level of cover and selected device.

Find out more at www.nib.com.au/first-choice-network#which-health-care-providers-are-in-the-nib-first-choice-network.

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Notes to Editor:

References:

¹ Nure Alam, M, Sinha, K & Dawes, P 2024, 'Hearing loss is twice as common in Australia’s lowest income groups, our research shows' The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/hearing-loss-is-twice-as-common-in-australias-lowest-income-groups-our-research-shows-223979

² Centre for Vision Research, Westmead Institute for Medical Research. (Summary Report 2025). The Australian Eye and Ear Health Survey: Summary Report. Vision 2020 Australia. https://vision2020australia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/AEEHS_Summary_report.pdf.

³ Hearing Australia (2024) Breaking the sound barriers: Why it’s time to take action on hearing loss, 28 November. https://www.hearing.com.au/news-and-articles/breaking-the-sound-barriers-why-it%E2%80%99s-time-to-take-action-on-hearing-loss/

⁴ Deafness Forum Australia (Annual Report 2023-2024) Unaddressed hearing loss is a serious public health problem. Available at: https://www.deafnessforum.org.au/who-we-are/the-link-to-health-wellbeing/

⁵ Lancet Commission. (2024). The Link Between Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline. Michigan Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.michiganmedicine.org/minding-memory/link-between-hearing-loss-and-cognitive-decline