Government Schemes & Insurance Help for Hearing Loss

Government Schemes & Insurance Help for Hearing Loss: What You Need to Know

Looking after your hearing health is one of the best investments you can make. In Australia, there are a number of government schemes and insurance options that can help reduce the cost of hearing aids and hearing services. Understanding which schemes you might qualify for is key to getting the support you need. 

The Hearing Services Program

The Hearing Services Program (HSP) is one of the most widely accessed schemes. It offers subsidised hearing services through a voucher system. This can help with the cost of hearing aids, hearing assessments, fittings, and ongoing care.¹  

You may be eligible for the HSP if you:

• Are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, aged 26 or older.
• Hold a Pensioner Concession Card.
• Receive a sickness allowance from Centrelink. 
• Are an Australian Defence Force veteran with hearing loss.²

Community Service Obligations

The Community Service Obligations (CSO) program is designed for people with more complex hearing needs who may need extra support. It offers fully subsidised hearing services and devices, specialist support tailored to higher levels of hearing loss, and ongoing care and maintenance. 

The CSO helps:

• Children and young adults under the age of 26.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples over 50.
• Adults with complex communication needs, such as severe or profound hearing loss.

National Disability Insurance Scheme

For Australians under the age of 65 living with permanent and significant hearing loss, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may provide funding. This support can cover hearing aids, assistive listening devices, and a range of support services such as interpreting or captioning.³ 

You may be eligible if you:

• Are under 65 when applying.
• Are an Australian citizen, permanent resident or hold an eligible visa.
• Have a permanent condition that impacts everyday activities.

Private Health Insurance

If you don’t qualify for government schemes, private health insurance extras may cover part of the cost of hearing aids. Many providers offer payment plans, allowing you to spread the cost over time, and some policies with extras cover contribute to hearing aids and audiology services.⁴ When checking your insurance cover for hearing devices, consider:

• The annual limit for hearing aids and audiology services.
• How frequently you can claim (usually every three to five years).
• Any waiting periods or policy conditions.

In some cases, private insurance can complement government support, depending on eligibility.

Taking The Next Step

Navigating hearing loss and treatment options can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to do it alone. Along with government support and insurance assistance, getting your hearing checked ensures you have the best resources available to you. Book an appointment at your local Connect Hearing clinic where our team of experts can provide comprehensive hearing checks and personalised guidance for your needs.

References

1. Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (15 August 2025), Hearing Services Program, www.health.gov.au, accessed 29 September 2025. 
2. Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (18 October 2024), Eligibility for the Hearing Services Program, www.health.gov.au, accessed 29 September 2025.
3. National Disability Insurance Scheme (14 June 2023), Hearing supports, www.ndis.gov.au, accessed 29 September 2025. 
4. Bupa (n.d.), Health Aids and Appliances FAQs: What are Health Aids and Appliances?, www.bupa.com.au, accessed 29 September 2025.