Australian Government Subsidy

For Hearing Devices

Hearing loss has become an everyday occurrence for most people in Australia and the rest of the world. The most vulnerable are senior citizens, especially those aged 60 and above, who are at risk of full or partial hearing loss due to a number of factors - major being age. 

Statistics indicate that about 3.6 million Australians live with deafness and hearing challenges. That's why the Australian government has a program to assist the affected individuals who are pensioners or veterans to have affordable access to hearing services, hearing aids and other assistive hearing devices.  The new Australian Government Hearing Services Program seeks to have those with full or partial hearing loss fitted with hearing devices after undergoing a hearing assessment test.

If after the hearing assessment you are found to have hearing loss that meets their threshold of hearing impairment, you are eligible to receive a fully or partially subsidised hearing aid. Fully subsidised hearing devices are approved by the Australian Government Hearing Services Program.  The partially subsidised hearing devices are if you wish to upgrade to another style or technology level not available under the fully subsidised portfolio. 

Let's try to understand what this program is all about.

What Is A Fully Subsidised Hearing Device Under The Australian Government Hearing Services Program?

The Australian Government launched the program to help pensioners and veterans access hearing assistive devices at no-to-little cost. Under this program, beneficiaries can access a wide range of fully or partially subsidised digital hearing aids manufactured by leading companies.

Service providers contracted by the government give fully subsidised hearing aids free of charge.  The hearing devices contain a wide range of useful features to assist you in coping with the challenges of hearing loss. 

These fully subsided devices are required to meet the performance standards and technical capabilities specified in the program. These requirements are meant to help manage the challenges of different levels of hearing loss.

Understanding Partially Subsidised Hearing Device

You are given the option to upgrade to other hearing devices provided by the provider, utilising the subsidy the government provides towards the cost of the hearing device.  This is called a Top-Up, where you pay the difference between the retail price and the government subsidy.

These devices have additional technological features to help you adapt to your personal lifestyle choices. With a partial subsidiary, the government program will pay the total eligible subsidy amount, which would have been paid for a fully subsidised hearing aid, while you will be required to pay the extra amount quoted for the hearing aid.

How It Works

Most people assume that they need to purchase partially subsidised hearing devices. However, this is not the case. First, you should understand that the hearing devices offered under this government subsidiary program are of good quality and will assist with improving your hearing and slowing down the effects of hearing impairment.

Still, if you wish to purchase the products using personal funds and/or insurance cover, you can do so at your own choice, and like the fully subsidised devices you are under no obligation to buy them as you still need to undertake your two-week trial before making a decision.  

Partially subsidised hearing devices that are an upgrade will provide you with better outcomes than a fully subsidised hearing aid. Studies indicate that older people with moderate or severe hearing loss experienced a lot of improvement in understanding and deciphering speech and listening capabilities. They also recorded increased quality of life while using either fully or partially subsidised hearing devices.

It is important to discuss with your provider the difference in features, quality, performance, etc of fully subsidised devices versus the partially subsidised devices.  Other factors to take into account are your level of hearing loss, lifestyle, listening expectation, technology requirement (do you want wireless, do you want your hearing aids to connect to your smartphone, etc). Discussing these in detail along with the recommendation given by the provider will provide you the best outcome. 

Cost Of A Partially Subsidised Hearing Device

The extra cost of partially subsidised hearing devices varies from one device to another, depending on the style, technology (performance) level and related accessories. If you decide to choose this particular hearing device, be sure you understand the total cost, how much the program will pay and how much you need to pay. 

Your service provider must provide you with a quote highlighting the product information, overall costs, subsided amount, warranty and details about repair and maintenance. Additionally, they should give you a written document explaining the terms and conditions of service, duration of the trial and if you don't like the device the return policy.  

Who Is Eligible For The Australian Government Hearing Services Program?

The Australian Governments Hearing Services Program (HSP) is primarily available to Australian pensioners, DVA Gold Card holders and DVA White Card holders. However, the hearing services voucher is also available to Australian citizens or permanent residents 26 years and above. These individuals must be: 

• Pensioner Concession Card Holders

• Beneficiaries of Sickness Allowance from Centrelink

• Holders of Gold Repatriation Health Card 

• Holders of  White Repatriation Health Card

• Dependants of an individual are found in any of the above categories.

• Members of the Australian Defence Force.

• Individuals who are currently undergoing an Australian Government-funded vocational rehabilitation service

Additionally, Australian citizens of Aboriginal descent who are below 26 years or Torres Strait Islanders who are 50 years and above are also eligible for government-subsidised hearing services.

To learn more about the Australian Governments Hearing Services Program or if you would like to undergo an adult hearing test, contact us to organise an audiology test.