14/09/2023
ABOUT THE HEARING SERVICES PROGRAM
The Hearing Services Program funds service providers to provide hearing services – including hearing assessments, rehabilitation & devices – to eligible Australians with hearing loss.
Voucher scheme eligibility :-
You are eligible for the voucher scheme if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident or live on Norfolk Island, are aged 21 years or older, and are:
• a pensioner concession card holder or their spouse
• a Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Gold Card holder or their spouse
• a DVA White Card holder (hearing-specific conditions) or their spouse
• a member of the Australian Defence Force
• referred by a Disability Employment Service.
A Commonwealth Seniors Health Card does not provide eligibility for the program.
Services available under the program :-
Hearing services are available through hearing service providers. Services you can get include:
• Hearing assessments – find out whether you have a hearing issue and what management options are available.
• Device fitting – have a hearing device properly fitted
• Follow-up appointments – check that everything is working as it should
• Device maintenance – manage the costs of looking after your hearing device
• Extra rehabilitation – find out whether you can get extra support
• Annual reviews – have your hearing needs reviewed once a year.
You can receive one device fitting and one hearing assessment every five years, unless your circumstances change and you need another one sooner. Talk to your provider if your situation changes.
Fitting your device :-
Your provider will:
adjust your hearing device for your hearing loss and the shape of your ear
• make sure the device is comfortable to wear
• adjust the sound to the right volume
• show you how to control the device, place it in your ear, clean it and change the batteries (if required)
• explain how to get used to wearing your device, as it can take time to adjust
• offer you an annual maintenance agreement, where you can access batteries, repairs and services for a small annual contribution.
Follow-up appointment :-
Your provider will book a follow up appointment to:
• make sure your device fitting and settings are comfortable, and make any adjustments
• check whether your device is meeting your hearing goals and expectations, and you are satisfied with it
• review your device management
• answer any questions you might have.
You can make further follow-up appointments if you need help with adjusting or taking care of your device.
You can then have an annual review to make sure your hearing device remains appropriate for the level of hearing loss you experience. This includes clients with a hearing aid or those with an assistive listening device.
If you decide you don’t want to wear your hearing device or find it is not suitable for you, you must return it within the specified 'trial or returns period' noted on the device quote from your provider.
Device Maintenance :-
The cost of maintaining hearing devices can add up. Maintenance agreements are an easy and cost-effective way to take care of your hearing device.
If you choose a maintenance agreement, you will be required to pay an annual fee and the program pays the provider a subsidy.
Your provider will supply you with batteries throughout the term of your agreement, and will service and repair your hearing device. This includes repairs or part replacements, such as:
• cleaning, renewing and repairing your ear mould
• cleaning your hearing aid
• replacing the thin tube, dome, wax guards, microphone or ear hook
• checking your battery compartment and door.
Rechargers for rechargeable devices are not covered.
If you can’t go to your provider, check whether they offer a postal option for sending batteries and parts.
Maintenance agreements also cover adjustments to your device. If your phone or service requires reconnecting, your maintenance agreement will cover one service.
A maintenance agreement is much cheaper than paying for services and equipment yourself. Your maintenance agreement will remain valid until its expiration date, even if you lose eligibility for the program but then you will not be able to renew it.
Veterans :-
If you have a Gold Card or White Card (for hearing loss), the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) will pay the cost of your maintenance agreement if you have a hearing device fitted, and have a follow-up appointment.
