Pensioners and Veterans
Diagnostic Hearing Tests
A comprehensive hearing test is performed to determine your hearing levels and to assess whether your hearing is within the normal range. This includes assessments of the clarity of speech and middle ear tests. One hour is generally enough time to complete an adult hearing test. During this time your hearing test results will be explained and you will have the opportunity to have any questions answered. If the test result shows a hearing loss, a full range of options and next steps will be discussed.
The Hearing Services Program (HSP) is the scheme funded by the Commonwealth Government to provide hearing services and devices (hearing aids, and/or other devices such as headphones for the TV) to eligible people.
Those who are eligible:
- a Pensioner Concession Card holder
- a person receiving Sickness Allowance from Centrelink
- a dependent of a person in one of the above categories
- a person referred by the Disability Employment Services (Disability Management Services) Program or
- a National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participant with hearing needs, referred by a planner from the National Disability Insurance Agency
To check if you are eligible, and for more information, visit the Office of Hearing Services website:www.hearingservices.gov.au.
You can apply on-line for a ‘voucher’ to access these services. Alternatively, you can contact me. I can apply online on your behalf, and print the medical clearance certificate required. This can be done on or prior to your first appointment.
Under the HSP scheme, funding is provided for a thorough diagnostic hearing assessment. Funding is also available for hearing aids or assistive listening devices (eg, wireless headphones for the TV) as appropriate. Many modern and advanced digital hearing aids are funded completely (called “Free-To-Client” hearing aids). Alternatively, people can choose to contribute to the cost of “Top-Up” hearing aids which have more sophisticated processing. Private Health Insurance Extras cover may cover some of the “Top-Up” cost.
Many different “Free-To-Client” hearing aid styles are available: completely-in-the-canal, in-the-canal, in-the-ear, behind-the-ear with an earmould, behind-the-ear with thin tube and dome tip, depending on the manufacturer. I select hearing aids from many different manufacturers in order to find the best hearing aid style and features for you. Very often the “Free-To-Client” hearing aids give a very good outcome. Several appointments are required in order to select, fit and fine-tune the hearing aids.
HSP offers funded maintenance of the hearing aids (including batteries and other items, repairs as required, etc), with an annual contribution by the client. Whilst this is not mandatory, it represents very good value. At Alison Hennessy Audiology, this client contribution is the same, regardless of whether the hearing aids are “Free-To-Client’ or “Top-Up”.
Veterans and Defence Force Members
Many Veterans and Defence Force Members can receive funded services, hearing aids or assistive listening devices (ALDs) under the Hearing Services Program (HSP) scheme.
Who is eligible?
You are eligible for the voucher component of the program if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident 21 years or older and you are
- the holder of a Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Gold Card issued for all conditions
- the holder of a DVA White Card issued for specific conditions that include hearing loss
- a dependent of a person in one of the above categories
- a member of the Australian Defence Force (a current member of the Permanent Navy, the Regular Army or the Permanent Air Force or a current member of the Reserves who is rendering continuous full-time service).
What services and devices can I receive?
Hearing services including an initial hearing assessment, discussion of hearing and communication needs, discussion of hearing loss management including communication strategies, hearing aids, assistive listening devices (eg wireless headphones for the TV).
Many modern digital hearing aids are fully subsidised. Many different hearing aid styles, makes and models are available (from behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, to small completely-in-the-canal), fully-subsidised.
There is also an option for the person to contribute to the cost of more expensive hearing aids (known as “Top-Up” hearing aids).
Assistive listening devices are fully-subsidised and include wireless headphones for the TV, personal amplifiers, etc. Under the HSP scheme, eligible people can receive either hearing aid/s or an ALD, with the decision based on client needs and preferences. However, clients eligible for the RAP (see below) can be eligible for both hearing aids and an ALD.
If you hold a Gold or White (hearing specific) DVA card and have chosen a free hearing device, you are able to receive annual maintenance (batteries, spare parts, repair services etc) without paying any annual maintenance agreement fee (this is paid by DVA instead). However, DVA does not pay the annual maintenance fee for hearing devices provided to DVA Pensioner Concession Card Holders, spouses (any card) or dependents (any card).
Rehabilitation Appliances Program (DVA):
Eligible DVA clients can access Alternative Listening Devices via this program. Some devices are used in conjunction with hearing aids and some are an alternative to hearing aids. Examples include: wireless headphones or induction loop for the TV, FM remote microphones for use with hearing aids, TV streamers, telephone adaptors, flashing light alarms.
Under this program, eligible DVA clients may be able to receive fully-subsidised ALDs, in addition to hearing aids funded under the OHS scheme.
Eligibility:
If you are a:
- Gold card holder
- White card holder (only for conditions accepted by DVA as related to service)
- Veteran from an allied country (only for conditions accepted by DVA as related to service)
And if you have an assessed clinical need for an aid or appliance.
Clinical need is assessed by your doctor and a health professional (eg Audiologist).
DVA Tinnitus Program
For eligible veterans with hearing loss and mild tinnitus, DVA recommends fitting with fully-subsidised hearing aids under the HSP scheme. Hearing aids have been found to provide effective management of tinnitus, for those people with tinnitus and even a very mild hearing loss.
Occasionally, tinnitus can be more severe and disturbing. For eligible DVA clients, funding may be provided for a program of tinnitus therapy, including provision of tinnitus devices.
Make an appointment
Make an appointment for a hearing test or a hearing aid consultation.