At Hearing Choices Australia, we believe everyone deserves access to quality hearing care. We also understand that cost is one of the biggest barriers that prevents people from getting the care they need. The good news is, there are several ways to get financial support for hearing aids and audiology services in Australia.
This guide explains the different funding options available and how to get the support you need. Want to speak with someone directly? Contact our audiologists to find the most affordable path to better hearing for you.
Government Subsidy Schemes for Hearing Services and Devices
Australia has several government subsidy schemes for hearing services and devices including:
Hearing Services Program (HSP)
The Hearing Services Program (HSP) is the main government subsidy scheme in Australia, offering a wide range of subsidised services and hearing aids for eligible adults. If you qualify for HSP, you can receive fully subsidised (free) or partially subsidised hearing aids and services.
What is Covered:
- Hearing assessments
- Hearing devices
- Device fittings
- Follow-up visits
- Device maintenance
- Extra rehabilitation (like hearing and communication tactics)
- Annual hearing reviews
HSP is divided into two components: the Voucher scheme and the Community Service Obligations (CSO) program.
HEARING SERVICES PROGRAM (HSP)
Voucher Scheme
The HSP voucher scheme provides fully or partially subsidised hearing aids and services to eligible adults. HSP vouchers are valid for up to 5 years.
Who is Eligible:
To be eligible for the HSP voucher scheme, you must be over 21 years old, an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or living on Norfolk Island, and meet one of the following criteria:
- Pensioner concession card holder (or their spouse)
- Veteran Gold or White Card holder (or their spouse)
- Australian Defence Force member
- Referred by a Disability Employment Service
HEARING SERVICES PROGRAM (HSP)
Community Service Obligations (CSO)
The Community Service Obligations (CSO) program provides specialist services for people with complex hearing needs. Specialist services may be suitable for severe or profound hearing loss, cochlear implants, bone conduction devices, cognitive conditions like dementia, and more.
Who is Eligible:
To be eligible for the CSO program, you must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or living on Norfolk Island, and meet one of the following criteria:
- Under 26 years old
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander (aged 50+, or participating in the Community Development Program)
- Voucher-eligible but requires specialist services
- Living in a qualifying remote area
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA)
The Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) works with the Australian Government Hearing Services Program (HSP) to provide hearing benefits to eligible veterans.
Who is Eligible:
To be eligible for hearing services and devices through the DVA program you must be a:
- Veteran Gold Card Holder or a
- Veteran White Card Holder with hearing loss or tinnitus as an accepted service-related condition
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a government-funded program that provides support to people with permanent and significant disabilities. It funds services to help eligible citizens improve their independence and quality of life.
The NDIS may fund reasonable and necessary hearing services for eligible adults under the age of 65.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder
- Have a permanent and significant disability
- Under 65 years old
Medicare Rebates for Hearing Services
Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids themselves. However, Medicare may provide a rebate for certain diagnostic hearing and balance assessments if you have a referral from a General Practitioner (GP).
Private Health Insurance
Private health insurance may cover audiology services and hearing aids. The level of cover and benefits will vary significantly between insurers and policies. Contact your private health insurance provider to confirm your eligibility, annual limits, and rebates.
WorkCover or WorkSafe Compensation
If your hearing loss is work-related (e.g., due to noise exposure or injury), you may be eligible for compensation through your state or territory’s workers’ compensation scheme. WorkCover and WorkSafe can cover the costs of hearing assessments, hearing aids, and ongoing maintenance if your claim is accepted.
These programs oversee workers compensation across Australia, including:
- Australian Capital Territory
- New South Wales
- Northern Territory
- Queensland
- South Australia
- Tasmania
- Victoria
- Western Australia
To receive compensation, speak to an audiologist or your employer about initiating a claim through the relevant state authority.
Need Help Understanding Your Options?
If you’re unsure if you qualify for a financial support program, our team can help you navigate the options. Contact our audiologists to find the most affordable path to better hearing for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most frequent asked questions about financial support for hearing aids and audiology services:
Are hearing aids free for pensioners?
Yes, eligible Australian pensioners can access fully subsidised (free) hearing aids and services through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program (HSP). To be eligible, you must hold a Pensioner Concession Card (or be the spouse of a holder) and be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or someone living on Norfolk Island, and be 21 years old or older.
Still have questions? Contact us to get immediate answers to all your hearing care questions.
Does Medicare cover hearing aids or hearing tests?
Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids. However, Medicare does provide rebates for certain diagnostic hearing tests if they are medically necessary and ordered by a medical professional.
Want to speak with someone directly? Contact us today and our audiologists will gladly explain Medicare coverage and eligibility requirements for hearing care.
