What the program is
The Hearing Services Program provides subsidised high-quality hearing services and devices to eligible Australians with hearing loss.
The program’s 2 components are the:
- voucher scheme – a network of more than 300 hearing providers who deliver services across 3,000 locations Australia-wide
- Community Service Obligations (CSO) – Hearing Australia provides services for people who are aged under 26 years, eligible Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders and people who need specialist services or live in a remote area.
Program vouchers are valid for 5 years.
The program is part of the work we do to improve ear health and support Australians with hearing loss.
Read about who is eligible, what services and devices are available and how to apply.
Goals of the program
The program aims to:
- ensure eligible Australians with hearing loss can access subsidised hearing services and devices
- help people manage their hearing loss
- improve engagement with the community.
Who we work with
We work with:
- contracted hearing service providers
- hearing device manufacturers and suppliers
- the National Disability Insurance Agency
- the Department of Veterans’ Affairs.
- Services Australia
- Hearing Australia
- National Acoustic Laboratories.
Program review
An independent review of the Hearing Services Program looked at:
- whether it was meeting its goals as effectively as possible
- what changes we could make to improve it.
Following extensive consultation, the review’s expert panel made 22 recommendations, which the Australian Government is now considering.
Read the reports from the independent review, including its final report and recommendations.
Legislation
The Hearing Services Program operates under the:
- Hearing Services Administration Act 1997
- Hearing Services Program (Voucher) Instrument 2019
- Schedule of service items and fees
- Australian Hearing Services Act 1991
- Australian Hearing Services (Declared Hearing Services) Determination 2019
- Disability Services Act 1986
- Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975
- Electronic Transaction Act 1999.
We keep any personal information you share with us private under:
- the Privacy Act 1988
- the Australian Privacy Principles
- our privacy policy.
Program statistics
We publish monthly and annual statistics about the Hearing Services Program, including numbers of clients, vouchers, devices and providers.
Related information
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