Free or subsidised hearing aids for eligible people
Eligible people can apply to the Australian Government Hearing Services Program, for a hearing services voucher. The voucher provides access to a comprehensive range of hearing services. This includes having a hearing aid fitted, which may be free or subsidised. In addition to accessing a standard range of hearing aids, people may choose an aid with extra features by paying an additional amount using a top-up scheme. Those fitted with a device through the Hearing Services Program also have the option of paying an annual maintenance fee, which covers the cost of batteries and repairs for their device.
Who is eligible?
Australian citizens or permanent residents who are:
- Pensioner concession card holders
- Department of Veterans Affairs pensioners
- Australian Defence Force members
- Young adults between 21 to 25 years (inclusive)
Clients receiving Centrelink Sickness Allowance - Disability Employment services (DES) participants
- National Disabilitiy Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participants
- Dependants of a person in an eligible category
Children or young adults up to the age of 25 (inclusive) are eligible for the Community Services Obligations (CSO) program which is also funded by the Australian Government. Hearing Australia is the sole provider of CSO services.
Where to go
The hearing services voucher can only be used at a hearing service provider with a Hearing Services Program contract. There are many service providers across Australia, including government hearing centres (Hearing Australia), and privately operated hearing clinics. A local provider directory is available on the Hearing Services Program website. You can choose a provider in a location to suit you.
You can apply for the Hearing Services Program online or complete a voucher application form. You can also visit a local hearing service provider who can help you apply for the program. Paper applications are available from:
- The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital
- Your doctor
- The Hearing Services Program website
Website: www.hearingservices.gov.au
Email: hearing@health.gov.au
Phone: 1800 500 726
TTY: 1800 555 660
The completed form should be sent to the Hearing services Program. You will receive both the hearing services voucher and relevant information.
