NDIS and Hearing Aids

What Participants Can Claim in 2026

Navigating the NDIS can feel overwhelming — particularly when you are trying to understand what is and is not covered for hearing. The system is designed to be flexible and participant-directed, but that flexibility also means the answer to “does the NDIS cover hearing aids?” is not a simple yes or no. It depends on your individual plan, your goals, your hearing assessment results, and how the funding request is framed.

This guide explains the NDIS hearing aid pathway in plain language — who is eligible, what is covered, how the process works, and how to work with your audiologist to build a strong case for the support you need. Information is current as of April 2026, but NDIS policies and processes are subject to change. We recommend checking the official NDIS website for the most current guidelines.

Who Is Eligible for NDIS-Funded Hearing Aids?

To access hearing aids through the NDIS, you must first be an NDIS participant — meaning you have been assessed as meeting the NDIS access criteria and have an approved plan. Hearing loss alone does not automatically qualify you for the NDIS; the NDIS considers whether your disability (including hearing loss) is permanent, how it affects your functional capacity, and whether you meet the age requirements (generally under 65 at the time of application).

If you are already an NDIS participant with hearing loss included in your plan, hearing aids may be funded as assistive technology. If you have hearing loss but are not yet an NDIS participant, you may wish to explore whether you meet the access criteria. Alternatively, the Australian Government Hearing Services Program (OHS voucher) may be a more appropriate pathway if you hold a Pensioner Concession Card or DVA card.

Children and young people under 26 with hearing loss may access services through Hearing Australia (formerly Australian Hearing) under a separate government program, which operates alongside but independently of the NDIS. Your audiologist can help you understand which pathway is most appropriate for your child.

What Hearing Services Does the NDIS Cover?

Under an approved NDIS plan, hearing-related support may include:

• Hearing aids — devices from major manufacturers, selected based on your hearing assessment and lifestyle needs. The NDIS funds the cost of the devices themselves.
• Hearing assessments — comprehensive audiological evaluations to establish your hearing profile and inform device recommendations.
• Hearing aid fitting and programming — the professional service of fitting the devices to your ears and programming them to your audiogram.
• Follow-up appointments and adjustments — ongoing care to ensure the devices continue to perform optimally as your hearing or needs change.
• Repairs and maintenance — servicing and repair of funded devices.
• Replacement devices — when devices reach the end of their useful life (typically 5–7 years) or when hearing needs change significantly.
• Assistive listening devices — FM systems, remote microphones, alerting devices, and other technology that supplements hearing aids in specific situations.
• Cochlear implant support — for participants with severe to profound hearing loss, cochlear implant funding may be available under the NDIS.

The specific items funded depend on your plan and your stated goals. For example, a participant whose goal is to improve communication at work may receive funding for hearing aids plus an FM system for meetings, while a participant focused on social participation may receive hearing aids optimised for group conversation settings.

How the NDIS Hearing Aid Funding Process Works

The typical pathway from identification to funded hearing aids involves several steps:

1. Hearing assessment. Visit a registered audiologist for a comprehensive hearing assessment. The assessment results, along with the audiologist’s clinical recommendations, form the evidence base for your NDIS funding request.
2. Quotation and report. Your audiologist prepares a detailed report and quotation that includes the recommended hearing aids (with justification for the specific technology level), the cost, and how the devices support your NDIS goals.
3. Funding request. Depending on the cost of the devices, the funding may be approved by your plan manager, your support coordinator, or through a formal plan review. Lower-cost items may be approved within existing plan budgets; higher-cost items may require a specific assistive technology request.
4. Approval and fitting. Once approved, your audiologist orders the devices, fits them, programs them to your audiogram, and provides orientation and training.
5. Ongoing support. Follow-up appointments, adjustments, and maintenance are typically covered as part of the funding, ensuring your hearing aids continue to perform well over their lifespan.

At All Ears in Hearing, we are experienced in working with NDIS participants and can prepare the clinical documentation needed to support your funding request. Our team understands the language and evidence requirements that the NDIS looks for, and we work with your plan manager or support coordinator to make the process as smooth as possible.

Choosing Your Audiologist Under the NDIS

The NDIS operates on a principle of participant choice and control — you are free to choose your own audiologist, and you are not required to use a specific provider or chain. This is an important right, because the quality of hearing aid fitting and ongoing care varies significantly between providers.

When choosing an audiologist for NDIS-funded hearing aids, consider:

• Independence: Is the clinic independent of hearing aid manufacturers? An independent clinic like All Ears in Hearing recommends devices from across all major brands based on your clinical needs — not a limited range tied to a manufacturer relationship.
• NDIS experience: Does the clinic have experience with NDIS participants and the funding process? Navigating assistive technology requests requires specific documentation skills.
• Ongoing care: Will you see the same audiologist for follow-up appointments? Continuity of care produces better outcomes than seeing a different clinician each visit.
• Commission-free advice: Are the audiologists paid commission on device sales? At All Ears in Hearing, our team is not paid commission — the recommendation you receive reflects your needs alone.

NDIS vs the Hearing Services Program (OHS): Which Applies to You?

Two separate government programs provide hearing aid funding in Australia, and they have different eligibility criteria:

• NDIS: For participants under 65 with a permanent disability (including hearing loss) that significantly impacts functional capacity. Hearing aids funded as assistive technology within an approved plan.
• Hearing Services Program (OHS voucher): For Pensioner Concession Card holders, DVA card holders, and certain other eligible Australians. Provides subsidised hearing aids through registered providers. See our OHS voucher guide for details.

In general, you cannot access the same hearing aids through both programs simultaneously. If you hold both an NDIS plan and a concession card, your support coordinator can help determine which pathway provides the best outcome for your situation. In some cases, transitional arrangements or coordination between the two programs may apply.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the NDIS cover hearing aids?

The NDIS may cover hearing aids for eligible participants as part of their approved plan, typically funded under the Assistive Technology category. The specific devices and level of funding depend on your individual plan, your goals, and the clinical recommendations from your audiologist. Eligibility and funding decisions are made by the NDIS, not by the audiologist or hearing aid provider.

How do I get hearing aids through the NDIS?

The process involves four main steps: (1) Have a comprehensive hearing assessment with a qualified audiologist. (2) Your audiologist prepares a clinical report and quotation recommending specific hearing aids and justifying the technology level. (3) Submit the funding request through your plan manager, support coordinator, or as part of a plan review. (4) Once approved, your audiologist fits and programs the devices. At All Ears in Hearing, we handle the clinical documentation and work with your NDIS team to make the process as straightforward as possible.

Can I choose my own audiologist with NDIS funding?

Yes. The NDIS operates on a principle of participant choice and control, which means you are free to choose your own audiologist. You are not required to use a specific provider or chain. We recommend choosing an independent audiologist who stocks devices from all major manufacturers and has experience with NDIS funding processes.

What is the difference between NDIS hearing aid funding and the OHS voucher program?

The NDIS provides hearing aid funding for eligible participants (generally under 65) with a permanent disability that impacts functional capacity. The OHS voucher program (Hearing Services Program) provides subsidised hearing aids for Pensioner Concession Card holders, DVA card holders, and certain other eligible Australians. The two programs have different eligibility criteria and different device schedules. In general, you cannot access the same hearing aids through both programs simultaneously.

Does the NDIS cover cochlear implants?

The NDIS may fund cochlear implant-related support for eligible participants, including external processors, accessories, and audiological rehabilitation. The surgical component of cochlear implantation is typically funded through the public hospital system or private health insurance, not through the NDIS. For more detail, see our guide on cochlear implants and NDIS funding.

Sources and References

• National Disability Insurance Scheme — ndis.gov.au
• NDIS Assistive Technology Guidelines
• Hearing Australia — Services for children and young adults
• Australian Government Hearing Services Program — hearingservices.gov.au

Eligibility and funding decisions are made by the NDIS. Information is current as of April 2026 and is subject to change. We recommend checking the official NDIS website or speaking with your plan manager for the most current guidelines. Individual results may vary.