nib has become the first major health fund to partner with Specsavers Audiology, offering eligible customers access to hearing aids at no, or lower, out-of-pocket costs.
Specsavers said the initiative aimed to help break down financial barriers to better hearing and improve access to hearing care for Australians.
It said that, through this national partnership, eligible nib customers with extras cover that includes hearing aids, and those who qualify for the Hearing Services Program (HSP), could access hearing devices at Specsavers Audiology at no or reduced cost.
Specsavers said hearing aids were among the largest out-of-pocket expenses in healthcare, often costing thousands of dollars per device. Additionally, hearing loss was twice as common in Australia’s lowest income groups1, and cost remained a major barrier to treatment².
Since launching its audiology services eight years ago, Specsavers has been committed to offering affordable hearing care tailored to individual needs.
Mr James Barr, nib Group’s Australian private health insurance chief executive, 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.”
Mr Nick Taylor, Specsavers chief audiologist, said: “This partnership with nib will help more Australians access high-quality hearing care at Specsavers. We encourage everyone to book a hearing check when they turn 50 – not just to catch early signs of hearing loss, but to support long-term cognitive health.
“Hearing aids have proven benefits for improving communication which can help users stay cognitively and socially active.”
He said nib customers could access exclusive offers on hearing aids through Specsavers Audiology.
Why it matters:
- One in six Australians experience some form of hearing loss³.
- 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.
Specsavers Audiology said it offered affordable hearing care for all, with access to select hearing aids from $0 for eligible HSP customers. Hearing aids featuring the latest AI technology are available with low out-of -pocket-costs.
It said that, having screened more than eight million Australians, Specsavers audiologists and audiometrists were trusted experts.
nib customers can also access exclusive offers on hearing aids through Specsavers Audiology, Specavers said.
Free 15-minute hearing checks are available at more than 300 Specsavers stores nationwide. If further testing is required a fee may apply. For more information or to book online visit specsavers.com.au
nib members can find out more at www.nib.com.au/first-choice-network#which-health-care-providers-are-in-the-nib-first-choice-network.
Disclaimer:
The No Gap offer is available in-store only and applies to hearing devices (Item numbers 901, 902 and 905). The offer does not apply if the customer is not eligible for the government Hearing Services Program and/or selects a hearing aid outside the range covered by the no gap offer. Coverage is subject to waiting periods, annual/service limits and nib fund rules and policy document & policy booklet terms actual out of pocket costs will vary depending on the member’s level of cover and selected device.
Specsavers says the offer means hearing aids with no or lower out of pocket costs. Image: Specsavers.
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.
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.
³ Access Economics (2006) Listen Hear! The economic impact and cost of hearing loss in Australia. East Melbourne: CRC for Cochlear Implant and Hearing Aid Innovation; Victorian Deaf Society; Deafness Forum Australia.
4 Deafness Forum Australia (Annual Report 2023-2024) Unaddressed hearing loss is a serious public health problem.
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
