Hearing Aids for Pensioners
Government Subsidies on Hearing Aids & Hearing Services for Pensioners
Eligibility Criteria for the Hearing Services Program
To be eligible to receive services under the Australian Government’s Hearing Services Program, you must meet ONE of the following criteria;
- Be a Pensioner, with Commonwealth approved Centrelink Pensioner’s Card or Centrelink Sickness Allowance; or
- Be a dependant on another person’s Concession Card; or
- Be a Pensioner, with DVA Pensioner Concession Card; or
- Have a valid DVA Gold Health Repatriation Card; or
- Have a valid DVA White Health Repatriation Card (for Hearing Loss); or
- Member of the Australian Defence Force.
Eligible Services under the Hearing Services Program
Pensioner card holders can benefit from below services under the Hearing Services Program set by the Department of Health. For more information, please visit the website of the Office of Hearing Services.
Hearing Tests for Pensioners
Pensioners benefit from a free comprehensive hearing assessment, every 5 years. If you are not wearing a hearing device under the program, you may also be eligible for a free annual hearing assessment.
Hearing Aids for Pensioners
Pensioners are eligible for a subsidy of approximately $1000 towards their new hearing aid devices every 5 years. The cost of fitting and programming of your hearing aids is also covered under the hearing services program.
Annual Hearing Aid Maintenance
Pensioners can benefit from an annual hearing aid maintenance program which can be engaged with your service provider. All hearing aid consumables, parts and repairs such as batteries and filters will then be covered by your service provider. A co-op fee may also be required.
Annual Programming of Hearing Aids
Pensioners are eligible for free of cost re-programming and adjusting of their hearing aids on an annual basis. Hearing ability can change marginally or drastically within a short period of time. To ensure your hearing aids perform optimally, they may require annual adjustment and programming.
Hearing Aids under the Hearing Services Program
Australia has one of the best, if not the best Government hearing program, in the world – the Hearing Services Program*. If eligible, you can choose between free and top up technology. “Top up” means you pay a balance on top of the Government subsidy, for higher level technology. “Free to client” is fully subsidized i.e. no expense, apart from a small annual fee for Batteries and Maintenance (also subsidized).
Are Top-Up Hearing Aids better than Free-to-Client Hearing Aids?
Both free and Top Up devices are from Australia’s main brands i.e. Beltone, bernafon, Oticon, Phonak, Resound, Signia, Starkey, Unitron and Widex. At the Art of Hearing we have no business obligation to a particular brand.
We welcome all technology developments and preferences of the public. To decide which type of aid is most appropriate to your hearing and lifestyle, please see this guide “How to Personalise Hearing Technology”.
Also ask your audiologist about the pro’s and con’s of in-the-ear vs behind-the-ear and other hearing aids and accessories.
Then, once you have narrowed down your choices, consider your “financial breaks” i.e. private health rebates, low interest payment plans and incidental offers (such as the Art of Hearing has, from time to time).
Some common myths about Free-to-client Hearing Aids
Some myths regarding free hearing aids are that:
i) they are low quality – not so, as all devices must meet stringent criteria to be included. The entire Australian range is comparable to that of Northern Europe and the US.
ii) they are made only for a Government program – not so, as the exact same devices incur a price for private, non eligible Australians. The technical and clinical support for free and Top Up aids is also identical.
Why Buy Hearing Aids at Art of Hearing?
When you purchase hearing aids at Art of Hearing, you dont just get a fitted device, you get everything below. For some clients, these services are provided free of charge on annual contracts.
We pride in the delivery of our service which keeps our customers happy & satisfied.
Professional Support
The Art of Hearing team is always a call away for all your hearing needs. If you have difficulty with your device, contact your closest clinic and we will assist you as soon as practical.
Hearing Aid Adjustments
If your hearing aids are not performing as per your expectations, you can always have them adjusted. Book an appointment with our experienced audiologists.
Hearing Aid Repairs
It can be difficult to find support when your hearing aids malfunction or stop working. At Art of Hearing, we can perform diagnostics and repair on your hearing aids.
Batteries & Maintenance
We stock all batteries & maintenance products for hearing aids. When in need of batteries, accessories, or maintenance, you can drop in to one of our shops or purchase online.
Online Shop
Need hearing aid accessories? batteries, wax guards, cleaning kits, dry kits? Why not buy directly from our online shop? Art of Hearing provides clients with access to low price maintenance and accessories. Visit our Online Shop today.
Maintenance Videos
At Art of Hearing, we have created a catalogue of videos that can assist you with basic maintenance and troubleshooting of your hearing aid devices. Click below or search Art of Hearing on YouTube.
Our Audiology Clinic Locations
With Over 5 Clinics in Perth, it has never been easier to make Art of Hearing your favourite destination for all your hearing needs.
Call Us
(08) 9390 8811
Reach Us
Head Office: 2/2 Ecko Road, Mount Nasura WA 6112
Open Hours
Mon-Fri 09:00 AM - 05:00 PM