Hearing services

Here you can find out how to get treatment for hearing loss and tinnitus, as well as information about our broader focus on hearing. If you are a provider you can visit our hearing services for providers page.

Hearing Resources

We have developed some resources to help you understand the services available for better hearing, and the broader wellbeing focused approach we are taking to hearing.

• Hearing Services Brochure
• The veteran’s guide to better hearing – with checklists to help you prepare for your appointment
• A Wellbeing Approach to the Veteran Hearing Service Offering

Order hearing resources

• Hearing information video for Veterans

  Remote video URL
  • Read transcript
     

• Hearing services webinar

  Remote video URL

The Hearing Services Program

Most of your hearing needs can be met through the The Hearing Services Program (HSP). The HSP offers fully subsidised hearing aids that are of high quality. The Australian Government funds this program.

We can cover the cost of any additional devices or services you may need.

You should receive at no cost:

• the initial appointment with your hearing provider
• prescribed hearing devices through the HSP
• training to understand and use your new hearing devices
• follow up rehabilitation and ongoing support
• repairs, maintenance and batteries on the devices provided by HSP

You can visit the HSP website for more information. Or call 1800 500 726.

Rehabilitation Plus

The HSP offers Rehabilitation Plus as additional support to first-time users of hearing aids (fully-subisdised hearing device only).

Community Services Obligations (CSO)

If your needs cannot be met through the HSP, and you meet the eligibility criteria for CSO, your provider may refer you onto the CSO program for further support.

Cochlear support

Cochlear implants improve your hearing for detecting speech if you have severe hearing loss. Implants and treatment are provided through the HSP and Medical Benefits Scheme (MBS).

If you hold a Veteran Card for hearing loss you can receive the ongoing maintenance payments at no cost. You may also receive accessories and services to complement your cochlear implant.

Who is eligible

We may help you access hearing treatment if you hold either:

• a Veteran Gold Card
• a Veteran White Card with hearing loss or tinnitus as an accepted condition

If you are a client but not a veteran, check your eligibility for the Hearing Services Program (HSP):

• on the Health website
• or call 1800 500 726

If you are a resident of Norfolk Island, contact us to discuss access to hearing services

How to get hearing devices

Make an appointment

Make an appointment with a hearing provider in your local area. To find one you can:

• visit the hearing provider locator on the Health website
• call 1800 500 726

During your appointment

Remember to let your hearing provider know you are a Veteran Card holder. During the appointment do NOT pay for a hearing device. We do not reimburse for hearing devices already purchased.

Remember, if there is a cost for a device, ask your hearing provider to seek prior approval from the HSP or DVA. You will need to wait for this approval to come through before you buy the device.

If you choose to buy a partially subsidised hearing aid, there may be considerable out-of pocket expenses we will not reimburse.

Check with your hearing provider if there are any Assistive Listening Devices suitable for your hearing needs.

If your provider has any questions they can use our hearing services for providers page as a guide.

Approval for your device

The hearing provider will talk with you about your hearing needs and provide a quote. If there is a cost for a device, ask your hearing provider to seek approval from us.

You will need to wait for this approval to come through from us before you purchase.

Ask your hearing provider any questions you have about the devices and treatment.

Exceptional circumstances hearing aids

If your hearing provider believes your hearing needs are exceptional and cannot be met by the HSP they can email  Health.Approval [at] dva.gov.au (Health[dot]Approval[at]dva[dot]gov[dot]au) with the request and any supporting documentation to us for assistance.

We will review the request, and work with your provider to make sure all options are available to you.

Assistive Listening Devices

Your hearing device can be combined with an assistive listening device (ALD). when combined they can:

• provide superior performance in noisy environments
• increase the distance of your hearing device
• improve your phone call communication

Your hearing provider will work with you to assess suitable ALDs. These can be used alone or in combination with a hearing device.

Available ALDs include:

• induction loops
• headsets for watching the television
• microphone/FM listening systems
• doorbells with signal lights
• smoke alarm packages for the hearing impaired
• wireless streaming devices to transmit sound from multiple devices to a hearing aid
• some telephone accessories supplied through your telecommunications provider
• tinnitus devices

There is no cost to you for:

• ALDs
• repairs
• parts and replacements

How to access an ALD

To access ALDs and hearing aids talk with your hearing provider. Your hearing provider will prescribe the appropriate ALDs for your condition. They will seek approval through us.

Tinnitus Program

There is no specific treatment that can cure tinnitus. Our Tinnitus Program funds equipment and treatment if you are eligible. Tinnitus is when your ears or head experience a

• ringing
• buzzing 
• hissing sound

The loudness and pitch of these sounds can vary. 

We may provide you with a range of tinnitus treatments if you have either:

• a Veteran Gold Card
• a Veteran White Card with tinnitus as an accepted condition

Mild tinnitus is generally managed with hearing aids from the HSP. Your general practitioner (GP) can refer you to an audiologist or Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) specialist. They can assess you and recommend any treatment.

Tinnitus treatments may include:

• a rehabilitation plan
• devices to help with sleep
• hearing aids with tinnitus settings

Your hearing provider will need our approval before your treatment can start.

Contacts

Australian Government Hearing Services Program

• Phone: 1800 500 726
• Email: hearing [at] health.gov.au
• Website: Australian Government Hearing Services Program

Hearing or speech impairment assistance

• TTY users: 1800 555 677 ask for 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372)
• Speak and Listen user: 1300 555 727 ask for 1800 VETERAN (1800 838 372)
• Internet relay users connect to the National Relay Service 1800 555 254

General Enquiries

You can speak to us by

• Phone: 1800 838 372

See our Contact us page for more options

Privacy notice

Personal information is protected by law, including the Privacy Act 1988. Personal information may be collected by the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) for the delivery of government programs for war veterans, members of the Australian Defence Force, members of the Australian Federal Police and their dependents.

For more information about how DVA manages personal information, go to Privacy and Privacy Collection Notice.