Eligible Client Information
The following pages provide additional information on various areas of the Australian Government Hearing Services Program (the Program). All of the pages are available as factsheets.
How to find a hearing practitioner
When your eligibility is confirmed you will need to find a hearing practitioner. This page will assist you to find a hearing practitioner.
What to expect at your appointment
This page outlines what you should expect at your first appointment as a client of the Program.
Service Charter for Office of Hearing Services clients
Under the Program the Office of Hearing Services (the Office) is covered by a Service Charter for clients. This page outlines the customer service standards for clients.
Free to Client or Top-Up devices
All hearing devices offered under the Program are of high quality. If your hearing assessment shows a hearing device will assist you, you will be offered, in the first instance, a ‘Free to Client’ hearing device. You may choose to purchase a Top-Up hearing device. The differences between Free to Client and Top-Up hearing devices are explained on this page.
Types of hearing devices
There are different types of hearing devices that can be used to manage hearing loss. This page is about the different types of hearing devices available to clients under the Program.
Alternative listening devices
Alternative listening devices can be used by people with a hearing loss who might not be able to manage a standard hearing aid for a variety of reasons. This page contains information on alternative listening devices.
Having a hearing device fitted
Getting used to your hearing device can take some time and it is important to understand what you might expect in those first few weeks. This page explains the things to expect when you first have your hearing device fitted.
Maintenance Agreement
Maintaining your hearing device and buying batteries can be costly. Maintenance agreements are an optional agreement between you and your hearing practitioner. This page outlines how to access a maintenance agreement to support your hearing device.
How to make the most of your hearing device
The Program has developed a service called ‘Rehab Plus’ to assist you to make the most of your hearing device. Rehab Plus is available to people who are being fitted with a Free to Client hearing device for the first time. This page explains the Rehab Plus program.
Replacing a Lost or Damaged Device
If your hearing device has been fitted under the Program and has been lost or damaged beyond repair, this page outlines the assistance that is available.
My hearing device is no longer suitable, what can I do?
If you believe your hearing device is no longer helping you to achieve your hearing goals, this page will provide information on what assistance is available.
How to change your hearing practitioner
While it is preferable to stay with the same hearing practitioner for the life of your hearing device, the Office recognises that this is not always possible. This page outlines what you should do if you need to change your hearing practitioner.
How to raise an issue or concern
If you are experiencing difficulties with any area of the Program – hearing device, hearing practitioner or other concerns, this page provides details on how you can raise an issue or concern.
