What Is the Hearing Services Program?

The Hearing Services Program is an Australian Government initiative that subsidises hearing assessments and hearing aids for eligible Australians. If you hold a pensioner concession card, a DVA card, or meet other specific eligibility criteria, you may be able to access a range of hearing services — including hearing aids — funded by the Australian Government under the program.

Who Administers the Hearing Services Program?

The program is administered by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. It funds hearing services delivered by accredited providers across Australia, including independent audiology clinics such as Hearing Help on the Redcliffe Peninsula.

The program is sometimes referred to informally as the "OHS" (Office of Hearing Services) voucher program, though the official name is the Hearing Services Program.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility for the Hearing Services Program is based on a combination of age, residency status, and the type of concession card or benefit you hold.

You may be eligible if you:

• Hold a Pensioner Concession Card issued by Services Australia

• Hold a DVA Gold Card or DVA White Card with hearing listed as an accepted condition (Department of Veterans' Affairs)

• Are aged 26 years or over and are a dependant of an eligible person

• Are a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card holder (in some circumstances — your audiologist can clarify)

• Receive a sickness allowance or certain other government payments that make you eligible for a concession card

Additional conditions:

• You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident

• You must not currently be a client of Australian Hearing (now known as Hearing Australia) under the same program

• You must have a clinically determined need for hearing services, as assessed by an accredited provider

The eligibility rules can be complex, and they are updated from time to time. The clearest way to confirm whether you qualify is to speak with an accredited provider such as Hearing Help, or to contact the Department of Health and Aged Care directly.

What Does the Program Cover?

The Hearing Services Program covers a range of services, which can vary depending on whether you access the Voucher Pathway (Community Service Obligation) or the Fully Subsidised Pathway.

Hearing Assessments

Eligible clients can access a comprehensive hearing assessment funded through the program. This includes the audiological tests needed to establish your hearing profile and determine whether hearing devices may be appropriate.

Hearing Aids

The program subsidises a range of hearing aids through an approved schedule. Devices on the schedule are funded by the Australian Government for eligible clients. These include a broad selection of styles and technologies.

If you choose a device that is not on the approved schedule — or one with additional features above the subsidised level — you may pay a supplementary fee. Your audiologist will explain the options and any costs before you make any decisions.

Ongoing Support and Maintenance

The program also covers ongoing services for eligible clients, which can include:

• Hearing aid adjustments and fine-tuning

• Routine repairs and maintenance

• Hearing aid batteries and accessories (within program limits)

• Annual review appointments

The specific inclusions depend on the pathway and the devices provided. Your audiologist will outline what is covered for your individual situation.

What the Program Does Not Cover

The Hearing Services Program does not cover all hearing-related services. For example:

• Services for children under 26 (these are managed separately through Hearing Australia)

• Tinnitus therapy or counselling (unless it forms part of an eligible hearing program)

• Some specialised devices outside the approved schedule

• Non-audiological medical consultations

How Do You Access the Program?

Step 1 — Check Your Eligibility

Confirm that you hold an eligible card (Pensioner Concession Card, DVA Gold Card, or DVA White Card with hearing listed). If you are unsure, check with Services Australia or the Department of Veterans' Affairs.

Step 2 — Get a Referral (If Required)

Most people accessing the program through the Voucher Pathway need a referral from a registered medical practitioner (a GP is suitable). Ask your GP for a referral to an accredited Hearing Services Program provider.

Some DVA clients may have different referral pathways — check with your GP or contact DVA to confirm.

Step 3 — Book with an Accredited Provider

Contact an accredited hearing services provider in your area. Hearing Help is an accredited Hearing Services Program provider serving the Redcliffe Peninsula and Moreton Bay region. We can help you understand your eligibility and guide you through the process.

Step 4 — Attend Your Assessment

Your audiologist will conduct a comprehensive hearing assessment and discuss the results with you. If hearing aids are recommended, they will explain the devices available under the program and any optional upgrades.

Step 5 — Receive Your Hearing Devices and Ongoing Support

Once fitted, your audiologist will provide follow-up appointments and ongoing support as covered under the program. Staying connected with your provider for regular check-ups helps ensure your devices continue to work well for you.

How Is the Hearing Services Program Different From Private Hearing Services?

The key differences are eligibility and cost. The Hearing Services Program is available to eligible cardholders only, usually with no gap on assessments and subsidised devices provided (with an optional top-up for premium devices), and ongoing support covered within the program. Private services are available to anyone, with a fee for assessment, full device cost (sometimes partially covered by private health insurance), and fee-for-service ongoing support.

Independent clinics like Hearing Help offer both program-funded and private services. This means eligible clients can access government support while still receiving care from a clinician who is not aligned to any single hearing aid brand.

Can I Use Private Health Insurance as Well?

In some circumstances, yes — though you generally cannot "double dip" to claim the same service twice. If you are accessing services through the Hearing Services Program, your private health insurance may still contribute toward the cost of devices above the subsidised level (the supplementary top-up). Your audiologist can help clarify how your entitlements interact.

Find Out If You Qualify

If you hold a Pensioner Concession Card or a DVA card and have noticed any change in your hearing, it is worth finding out whether the Hearing Services Program could help.

Hearing Help is an independent, accredited Hearing Services Program provider serving Redcliffe, Kippa-Ring, Clontarf, and the broader Moreton Bay region. Contact us for a no-obligation conversation about your eligibility and what the program covers.