I'm not eligible - where can I get help?
Not everyone is eligible for the Australian Government Hearing Services Program (the program). If you are not eligible for the program, you may be able to have a hearing aid fitted at a reduced cost through a hearing aid bank.
Private health insurance
If you have private health insurance, your policy might offer rebates for hearing services and devices.
Hearing aid banks
Most states and territories have hearing aid banks that provide reconditioned hearing devices. Hearing aid banks have their own eligibility criteria, but usually they provide hearing aids to people who:
- don’t qualify for the program
- can’t afford a hearing aid.
Where is my nearest hearing aid bank?
- Hearing Care Industry Association Hearing Aid Bank – National
- Hearing Matters Australia – New South Wales
- Princess Alexandra Hospital – Queensland
- Better Hearing Australia – Queensland
- Audiology Department at Royal Adelaide Hospital – South Australia
- Flinders Health 2Go – South Australia
- Sound Fair – Victoria
- Lions Hearing Aid Bank – Western Australia
- Pristine Hearing – Western Australia.
Veterans
If you are a veteran and aren’t eligible for Hearing Services Program services and devices, you might have access to DVA hearing support.
National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
If you are an NDIS participant and are not eligible for Hearing Services Program services and support, your NDIS plan might provide for hearing support, if your planner assesses it as being reasonable and necessary.
Telephone support
If your hearing loss affects your ability to use a standard telephone handset you may be eligible for the Telstra Disability Equipment Program.
Finding support
See a list of organisations that provide information and support.