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.
Have your say
Since 2024, we have engaged with the hearing sector on changes to simplify the program. These include reducing the number of service items and updates to program standards, technology and specifications of devices.
We asked the National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL) to evaluate the subsidised devices and features available through the program. NAL consulted with hearing device manufacturers on updated minimum specifications of subsided hearing devices. This feedback informed the recommendations for updating the minimum specifications.
In February 2024 we carried out a survey on a proposal to simplify the service items. In August 2024 we engaged Scyne Advisory to model costs for the service items and meet with stakeholders to gather further feedback. The feedback received will inform a new schedule of service items and fees.
Read more about what we heard in:
- Department of Health and Aged Care online February 2024 consultation summary
- Summary Report from Scyne Advisory.
We will continue to consult with the sector on further changes and implementation.
Legislation
The Hearing Services Program operates under the:
- Hearing Services Administration Act 1997
- Hearing Services Program (Voucher) Instrument 2019
- 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.
Providers deliver services in line with the Schedule of Service Items and Fees operating at the time of the service.
- Schedule of Service Items and Fees 1 Jul 2024 – 30 Jun 2025 (Current)
- Schedule of Service Items and Fees 1 Jul 2023 – 30 Jun 2024
- Schedule of Service Items and Fees 1 Jul 2022 – 30 Jun 2023
- Schedule of Service Items and Fees 9 Feb 2022 – 30 Jun 2022
- Schedule of Service Items and Fees 1 Jul 2021 – 8 Feb 2022
If you require copies of earlier Schedule of Services Items and Fees, please contact us via email.
We keep any personal information you share with us private under:
- the Privacy Act 1988
- the Australian Privacy Principles
- our privacy policy.
Program statistics
Each quarter, we publish statistics about the Hearing Services Program, including numbers of clients, vouchers, devices and providers.
More information
Read more about:
- ear health and why it’s important
- hearing loss and its consequences
- A Guide to Understanding Hearing Aid Technology.
Contact
