Pensioner hearing aid, a part of the Hearing Service Program (HSP)

Pensioner hearing aid

 

Hearing aids are life-changing medical devices for people with hearing loss. 

In Australia, 70% of the people aged 70 years and more have mild to severe hearing loss. Also, 1 in 3 people over 50 years suffer from hearing loss. The situation can be prevented through proper care and a hearing aid. However, many people may not be able to afford it.

To help its citizens, the Australian Government has launched Hearing Service Program (HSP) to provide subsidised services and hearing aids to eligible pensioners.

Eligibility criteria for receiving pensioner hearing aids

● Australian citizens and Permanent residents of Australia and 21 years or older

● NDIS participant or a member of the Australian Defence Force

● Must have anyone of the following:

○ DVA White Card specifying hearing loss

○ Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card

○ DVA Gold Card

○ Centrelink Sickness Allowance

People aged between 21 to 25 years may be eligible for the voucher or CSO (community service obligations) if they are Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia.


Is every clinic accredited to provide pensioner hearing aid?

It is vital to check if the clinic offering the pensioner hearing aid is an accredited member. Remember, some clinics are not part of the Hearing Service Program. So, they may not offer you hearing aids at subsidized prices. Also, they may offer inferior quality products. It is preferable to opt for a clinic that has received approval from the Commonwealth.

As a part of HSP, what benefits will you receive?

● A complete hearing assessment.

● Free and fully subsidised pensioner hearing aids as well as other assistive listening devices if required. 

● Hearing care will be provided to the patients depending upon their needs.

● Hearing aid batteries and maintenance for a small annual fee.

● It is one of the best services for someone with financial constraints who are not able to avail of treatment for their hearing issues.


So, if you fit well with the eligibility criteria of HSP, you get your pensioner hearing aid from a reputed institute. 

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