Hearing Program for Pensioners and Veterans

The Australian Government Hearing Scheme

The Australian Government has a hearing program for eligible pensioners and veteran affairs card holders, that is managed by the Office of Hearing Services. The Office of Hearing Services will supply eligible pensioners and eligible veterans affairs card holders with government-funded hearing services including hearing tests, digital hearing devices or an alternative listening device. For a small annual charge, all batteries and repairs will also be provided. Conditions apply under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program.

Who is eligible?

You are eligible to apply for a hearing services voucher if you are an Australian Citizen or permanent resident 21 years or older and you are:

A Pensioner Concession Card Holder
Receiving Sickness Allowance from Centrelink
The holder of a Department Veterans Affair Gold card issued for all conditions
The holder of a DVA White Card issued for conditions that include hearing loss
A dependent of a person in one of the above categories
A member of the Australian Defence Force or
Part of the Australian Government Funded Disability Employment Services (DES) and you are referred by your disability employment services case manager

What am I entitled to?

Your hearing services voucher entitles you to a hearing assessments for eligible clients and government-funded hearing rehabilitation. If needed, the program can also supply you with government-funded hearing aids or an alternative listening device. You also have the option to ‘top-up’ which means that you can contribute towards the cost of a device that has more advanced features than that available on the standard device. Conditions apply under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program.

Maintenance Agreement

Maintaining your hearing aids and buying batteries can be costly. This is why the office recommends you have an annual maintenance agreement with your service provider. For a small annual charge, your service provider will supply your batteries, clean and service the aid and replace any worn and broken parts.

How to apply?

If you are eligible to apply, you can contact All Ears in Hearing and we can arrange a hearing services voucher for you, or you can contact the Office of Hearing Services on 1800 500 726 (phone). Conditions apply under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program.

You can also apply online at www.health.gov.au/hear