Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples can access additional and tailored hearing services under the Community Service Obligations (CSO) component of the Australian Government Hearing Services Program (the Program) and are provided by Australian Hearing

Australian Hearing is funded by the Australian Government to provide CSO services to help address the more complex and specific needs of individuals from identified priority groups through the CSO.

What are CSO services?

CSO services are only available to individuals from specific priority groups who meet the required eligibility criteria. This could include where you live if this is a remote location or your participation in a particular work scheme such as Community Development Employment Projects Program (CDEP).

Services specific for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples

In addition to being able to apply for services in the Program if you meet eligibility criteria, Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander persons over 50 years of age are eligible for hearing services under the CSO.

What services can I expect to receive under the CSO?

If you are eligible for CSO services you can expect to receive services similar to those offered under the hearing services voucher component of the Program. This will include a comprehensive hearing assessment, access to a wide range of hearing devices, rehabilitation advice, monitoring and support. Additional services you may receive include more frequent appointments, more intensive communication training and rehabilitation services and access to Free to Client hearing devices of a higher level of technology.

However, due to your more complex needs, you may find that the method of service delivery, the content of the services you receive and the hearing devices available to you may be more specifically tailored to your individual needs.

If, under the CSO, you have been fitted with a hearing device you are also entitled to enter into a maintenance agreement to help maintain the life of your hearing device.

How can I access services under the CSO?

If you are eligible for CSO services you may choose to receive services from Australian Hearing or from another hearing practitioner of your choice. If you choose to receive services from Australian Hearing, the costs of your services, including the cost of most devices, will be covered by the Program and will be fully subsidised by the Australian Government. Other hearing practitioners however, are not funded to provide CSO services and may not be able to supply the same level of service or range of devices accessible through Australian Hearing.

For more information please contact:

Australian Hearing on 131 797 or
the Office Client contact line 1800 500 726

Read more: Eligibility for Hearing Services
Read more: Maintenance Agreement
Read more: Care for Kids' Ears campaign

More information: Hearing Services Program Contacts

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