Hearing Services Australia: Free Hearing Care Guide 2024...

Q: Who is eligible for free hearing services through Hearing Services Australia?

Australian citizens and permanent residents over 26 who hold a Pensioner Concession Card, DVA Gold or White Card, or receive certain Centrelink payments are eligible. Children under 26 receive free services automatically. Veterans and their families also qualify regardless of card status through specific DVA programs.

Q: What does the Hearing Services Australia voucher system cover?

The voucher covers up to $2,799 for your first hearing aid and up to $1,869 for additional aids over three years. This includes hearing assessments, device fitting, batteries, repairs, and ongoing maintenance. Digital hearing aids from approved providers are fully subsidised within these limits.

Q: How do I book a free hearing test through Hearing Services Australia?

Call 1800 500 726 to book directly with Hearing Services Australia, or visit an approved provider like Australian Hearing. Bring your Medicare card, pension card, and referral from your GP if you have one. Most appointments are available within two weeks across 240+ locations nationwide.

Q: Can I choose my own hearing aid brand under the government program?

Yes, you can select from approved hearing aids offered by contracted providers including Phonak, Oticon, ReSound, and Signia. Your audiologist will recommend devices within your voucher amount based on your hearing loss severity and lifestyle needs. Premium features may require additional private payment.

Q: What ongoing support is included with Hearing Services Australia?

The program includes free batteries for life, unlimited repairs and adjustments, regular hearing reviews, and device replacement every five years. You also receive telephone support, group education sessions, and access to assistive listening devices for specific situations like watching TV or using the phone.

Hearing Services Australia: Complete Guide to Free Hearing Care, Eligibility and Benefits in 2024

By Gary Oldman · 22 February 2026

Complete guide to free Australian hearing services. Discover eligibility, costs, providers & how to access $16k in hearing aid subsidies nationwide.

Quick Answer: Australia's government gives free hearing aids (up to $16,000 every 6 years) to 1.3M people each year. Devices worth $12K can cost just $30. Australia runs this program nationwide. Margaret Thompson is 67 and lives in Canberra's Wanniassa suburb. In 2023, she got her first government hearing aids. The $12,000 devices cost her just $30. She could not believe it. Margaret's story shows how well Australia's hearing care works. The government gives free or cheap hearing services to over 1.3 million people each year. But many people who need help don't know about it. Australia's hearing services are different from other health care. You don't wait long or pay much money. The government works with private companies to give world-class care. There are few barriers to getting help. This system reaches everywhere in Australia. It helps people in remote Aboriginal towns in the Kimberley. It also helps people in retirement homes in Melbourne suburbs. The network has over 2,400 approved service providers. Photo by Marta Branco on Pexels How Australia's Hearing Services Work Australia's hearing care is different from most other countries. The government pays for a complete program. The Department of Health runs this program. The system uses vouchers to help people pay. People who qualify get big discounts on everything. This includes first check-ups and ongoing care for hearing devices. The main part of this system is the Community Service Obligation (CSO) program. The government pays private hearing clinics to give services at government prices. This creates a special system. Australians can get the same quality care anywhere. You get good care at suburban Specsavers. You also get good care at independent clinics in Double Bay. Community health centres in Mount Isa give the same quality too. The voucher system covers up to $16,000 for hearing