Vinnies Foundation sees rising demand for hearing aid help

The Foundation’s assistance is limited to a maximum of $700 per pair of hearing aids to successful applicants who meet the criteria of being over 65 years and hold a Super Gold Card with a Community Services endorsement.

For the year to the end of May 2025, there were 67 grants made – up from 22 in the previous 12 months. The grants for the 12 months to the end of May totalled $38,849, up from $9375 for the previous 12-month period. In the next five months to the end of October, 2025, a further 36 grants were made, totalling $17,600.

The Foundation said it is “struggling to accommodate” the increased level of demand.

“If the level of demand continues at the current rate, the Foundation will need to finance 86 grants at an approximate cost of $42,240 . . . [for the 12 months]”.

The Vincentian Foundation trustees thanked the Society of St Vincent de Paul national president for the recent National Appeal and urged SVDP councils and conferences to forward donations.

Hearing loss affects about one in six people in New Zealand and is commonly caused by ageing, with about one-third of people over 65 affected. Loud noise exposure, genetics and illness and injury (infections, viral illnesses and physical injuries to the ear can also impact people’s hearing.

Studies show the prevalence of hearing loss in New Zealand is 15 per cent for those aged 60-69 and 22 per cent for those aged 70 and over.

Some assistance for hearing aids is available from Disability Support Services for those who meet certain eligibility criteria.

FULL STORY

Society of St Vincent de Paul NZ newsletter 38

Guide to getting hearing aids: Hearing Aid Subsidy Scheme | Disability Support Services