Australian citizens and permanent residents 21 years or older who are either:, Pensioner Concession Card holders, receiving Sickness Allowance from Centrelink, holders of a Gold Repatriation Health Card, holders of a White Repatriation Health Card issued for conditions which include hearing loss, a dependant of a person in one of the above categories, a member of the Australian Defence Force, a person undergoing Australian Government Vocational Rehabilitation Services and who is referred by an approved Vocational Rehabilitation Service Provider, NOTE: Individuals can receive other 'declared' hearing services if they are Australian citizens and permanent residents and are either:, younger than 26 years, an Aboriginal person or Torres Strait Islander who is over 50 years, a participant in a Community Development Employment Projects Program; or who was a participant in CDEP program between 1st December 2005 and 30th June 2008

Aims to reduce the consequences of hearing loss in the community. Hearing Service Vouchers are available via application to eligible clients. The voucher entitles the client to access free hearing services from approximately 200 Hearing Services Providers who are contracted to provide services under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program. These Providers are located in metropolitan and country areas throughout Australia. Included with the voucher is useful information about the Government Program and a Local Provider Directory, to inform the client as to which Providers are in their area. The client will receive, at no charge:, a hearing assessment, hearing rehabilitation, where clinically required provision of a free, high quality, standard hearing aid. In addition, maintenance of hearing  devices and a regular supply of batteries are available upon payment of an annual service fee. * Note that if a client requests any additional features beyond those needed to provide a satisfactory rehabilitation outcome for the assessed need (i.e. features beyond the standard equipment necessary for their needs), they will be required to pay the service provider all additional costs of these features.

Application: Application forms for new clients are available from general practitioners, local Hearing Services providers, the Office of Hearing Services  ( the Office) website or via telephone. New appicants will need to have their application signed by their GP or ear, nose and throat specialist and return this form to the Office via contact details on the form. Existing clients will need to renew their voucher every three years if they wish to continue receiving services - they can receive the form to do this by contacting the Office via the telephone contact line or website, or asking their service provider to assist them. 

 

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