Outcome 7: Hearing Services

Outcome 7 is focused on providing eligible Australians with access to affordable hearing services through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program and discouraging those circumstances which lead to hearing loss through the Hearing Loss Prevention Program.

During 2007–08, the Department worked towards this outcome by managing funding for hearing services through a national network of private hearing service providers and the Government-owned provider, Australian Hearing, which deliver services through a voucher system. Vouchers can be exchanged for hearing devices and services at a provider of the eligible recipient’s choice. Examples of those eligible to receive a voucher include: holders of an Australian Pension Concession Card; holders of an Australian Gold or White Repatriation Health Card with hearing loss; or people receiving Sickness Allowance.¹

Funding was also provided to Australian Hearing for the special needs of clients who are covered by Community Service Obligations arrangements. In addition, the Department supported research into the prevention of hearing loss.

This chapter reports on the major activities undertaken by the Department during the year, addressing each of the key strategic directions and performance indicators published in the Outcome 7 chapters of the 2007–08 Health and Ageing Portfolio Budget Statements and 2007–08 Health and Ageing Portfolio Additional Estimates Statements.

Outcome 7 was managed in 2007–08 by the Medical Benefits Division.

¹A full list of eligibility requirements is available at the Department’s website: <www.health.gov.au>.