Hearing Services
The Australian Government Hearing Services Program
This page provides information about the Office of Hearing Services and its function in running The Australian Government Hearing Services Program.
Office of Hearing Services Applications
Office of Hearing Services is currently processing voucher applications received on 24 August 2010.Information for Office of Hearing Services Providers
>> Secure Site
Devices Schedules
Latest Update 2 September 2010 please refer to these schedules
>> Device Schedules
Service Provider Advices
Latest Update 18 August 2010
>> Service Provider Advices
Updates
Recent updates to OHS Website for
>> January 2010
>> February 2010
>> March 2010
>> April 2010
>> May 2010
>> June 2010
>> July 2010
>> August 2010
Best Practices 2010
Draft copy of Hearing Services Best Practices 2010>>Draft Best Practices 2010
2010-2011 Schedule of Fees
Service Provider Advice 2010/06>> Schedule of Fees 2010-2011
Vouchers Issued Current Financial Year
Vouchers Issued 2010-2011 Financial Year>> Vouchers Issued 2010-2011
Refitting Guidelines
Refitting Guidelines Information Page>> Refitting Guidelines
Clinical Pathways eBulletin May 2009
Our Purpose
The Office of Hearing Services manages the issuing of vouchers for eligible clients to access hearing assessments and devices from hearing service providers of their choice. It also administers the provision of hearing services for eligible clients with special needsIt is responsible for:
- assessment of client applications for hearing services and provision of vouchers to eligible clients;
- accreditation of hearing services providers (companies, partnerships, or individuals);
- development and monitoring of standards for clinical services;
- providing support to clients, practitioners and providers;
- coordination of quality assurance measures; and
- providing advice on policy and strategic directions for provision of hearing services.
Major Areas of Work
Hearing Services (Voucher) Payments
Payments are made to hearing service providers for the delivery of services under the voucher system to eligible clients. The services include hearing assessments, the cost of the hearing device and its fitting, and the government contribution to the maintenance and repair of hearing devices. Eligibility requirements to receive the services are as follows:Australian Citizens and Permanent Residents 21 years or older and in receipt of:
- a Pensioner Concession Card;
- receiving Sickness Allowance from Centrelink;
- the holder of a Gold Repatriation Health Card (DVA) issued for all conditions;
- the holder of a White Repatriation Health Card (DVA) 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
- an Australian Government funded(Disability Employment Services- Disability Management Service)Note: you must refer to your Provider for the application form.
Top of page
Hearing Services - Community Service Obligations
Funds are allocated to Australian Hearing for the delivery of services under the Community Service Obligations to meet the hearing needs of special needs groups. Special needs groups include:- all children and young adults under 21 years of age (including replacement of cochlear implant speech processors);
- eligible complex adult clients;
- eligible indigenous clients;
- eligible clients who live in remote areas; and
- an Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander who is over 50 years; or a participant in a Community Development Employment Projects Program.
In addition, funds are allocated for research undertaken by the National Acoustic Laboratories.
Our Coverage for Services
The Office of Hearing Services oversees at present around 200 contracted Hearing Service Providers that operate in all states and territories in the country in almost 2,000 Permanent, Visiting and Remote sites. To find out where service providers are in your area use the link provided below.Where to find a hearing service provider
General Contact Details
Telephone number: 1800 500 726
Telephone Typewriter (TTY): 1800 500 496
Email: hearing@health.gov.au
Our Publications
Please use the links below to access the most frequently used information resources on the program.
Voucher Application Form for New Clients
Understanding the Australian Government Hearing Services Program
Australian Government Hearing Services Program Information Booklet
Service Charter for Clients (PDF 537 KB)
If you are unable to access any of the downloadable material presented on the page please contact the Office of Hearing Services at: ohsweb@health.gov.au and a copy will be provided for you.
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