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.

Our purpose

Major areas of work

Our coverage for services

General contact details

Our publications

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 needs

It 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

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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
• undergoing an Australian Government funded vocational rehabilitation service and you are referred by your service provider.

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.

Clients under these categories receive the same services as those provided to voucher clients but receive additional services to address their specific needs.
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

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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

Hearing Services Information Booklet

Alternative Listening Devices

Service Charter for Clients (PDF 537 KB)

Sample Voucher (PDF 487 KB)

If you are unable to access any of the downloadable material presented on the page please contact the Office of Hearing Services at: hearing@health.gov.au and a copy will be provided for you.