Hearing Services Program.

The program enables eligible Australians to access subsidised hearing assessments, hearing aids, and ongoing audiology care through approved hearing service providers such as Hear In.

Only providers that successfully complete a thorough government approval and compliance process are permitted to deliver services under the program. Hear In is proud to be an approved contracted provider.

To deliver services under the Hearing Services Program, audiology clinics must undergo a comprehensive vetting and approval process that includes:

• Strict clinical and professional standards
• Ongoing compliance audits
• Qualified, registered clinicians such as audiologists and audiometrists
• Transparent service delivery and reporting

This process ensures eligible pensioners receive safe, ethical, and evidence-based hearing care.

You may be eligible for funding through the Hearing Services Program (HSP) if you are:

• A Pension Concession Card holder
• A DVA Gold or White Card holder (for hearing-related conditions)
• A dependent of an eligible person
• A member of the Australian Defence Force
• A participant in the Disability Employment Services (DES) program
• Receiving a Centrelink sickness allowance
• An NDIS participant referred by an NDIA planner

If you’re unsure about your eligibility, our team can check this for you.

Eligible clients under the Hearing Services Program may receive:

• A comprehensive hearing assessment every five years
• Annual hearing reviews
• Fully or partially subsidised hearing aids and assistive listening devices (if clinically appropriate)
• Professional hearing aid fitting and follow-up appointment
• Rehabilitation and communication support
• Ongoing maintenance and support

All recommendations are based on your hearing needs, lifestyle, and goals.

Some services are not included under the Hearing Services Program and may require private payment. These include:

• Ear wax removal
• Balance assessments and treatment (not provided by Hear In)
• Tinnitus assessment and management
• Hearing aid repairs and maintenance (if you don’t have a maintenance agreement)
• Home visits
• Certain specialist services

We are always transparent about costs and will discuss options with you before proceeding.

Under the Hearing Services Program, Community Service Obligations (CSO) are delivered exclusively by Hearing Australia for people who require specialist services, including:

• Individuals with complex hearing needs
• People living in remote areas
• Individuals under 26 years of age
• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander peoples who:
  • Are aged 50 years or over, or
  • Participate in the Community Development Program (formerly know as the Remote Jobs and Communities Program and the Community Development Employment Projects Program), or
  • Took part in the Community Development Employment Projects Program from 30 June 2013 and received hearing services from Hearing Australia before you stopped participating

CSO Services May Include:

• More frequent appointments
• Advanced communication training and support
• Fully subsidised hearing devices of a high level of technology
• Cochlear implant speech processor upgrades and replacements (if you are under 26 years of age)
• Cochlear implant speech processor maintenance
• Implantable bone conduction device processor maintenance

If you are eligible for CSO, only Hearing Australia can provide these services. You may remain with another provider, but CSO funding will not apply.

As of December 2025, there are

• 309 registered hearing service providers
• Operating across 3,124 locations nationwide

To locate approved providers, you can use the hearing services program locator.

This is where decision making really happens; and where independence matters.

• 48% of all hearing clinic locations are owned by just four large corporations:
  • 1. Amplifon
  • 2. Hearing Australia
  • 3. SpecSavers
  • 4. Audika
• The seven largest hearing providers control 63% of the entire market
• In other words, 2% of hearing businesses control nearly two-thirds of hearing care in Australia

This level of consolidation has consequences.

Independent audiology clinics like the Hear In Group are not owned by manufacturers, investors, or retail chains.

That means:

• No KPI’s tied to hearing aid sales
• No pressure to recommend a specific brand or model
• No upselling based on head office directives

Your care is guided by clinical need, not corporate margins.

Large chains often:

• Promote limited product ranges
• Are incentivised to move specific brands
• Are owned by multinational companies

At Hear In:

• We have access to all major manufacturers
• We match technology to your hearing loss, lifestyle, and budget
• We explain why a solution is recommended in plain English

You stay in control.

Independent clinics prioritise long term relationships, not transaction volume.

With Hear In, you’ll experience:

• Consistent care from audiologists who know your history
• Better long term hearing outcomes
• Adjustments based on real-world feedback, not rushed appointments

Hearing care is a journey, not a one off sale.

The large corporate providers often operate on:

• Shorter appointments
• High client volume
• Retail-style environments

Hear In is built on:

• Evidence based best practices
• Appropriate appointment times
• Measurable hearing and communication outcomes

Better outcomes come from better care; not faster turnover.

Independent clinics live and die by their repuration.

Hear In:

• Is locally owned and operated
• Relies heavily on word-of-mouth and GP referrals
• Has built trust through transparency, professionalism, reputation and results

When you choose independent, you support a business that is answerable to you, not shareholders.

The Hearing Services Program have created a Client Information Booklet that explains the program in detail.

You can download it here.

Or contact the Hear In team; we’re happy to explain your options and eligibility.

Questions?

Talk to our friendly team.

Contact Us