Hearing is one of our most valuable senses. It connects us to loved ones, helps us experience the world around us, and (most importantly) means we can listen to Curtin Radio!
But for many Australians, hearing loss is a daily challenge, affecting communication, confidence, and overall wellbeing. The good news? If you or someone you know is experiencing hearing difficulties, support is available through the Australian Government’s Hearing Services Program.
Signs it’s time to get your hearing checked.
Hearing loss often happens gradually, so it’s easy to miss the early signs. But, there are a lot of them! If you have one or more of these, it’s time to book an appointment with your GP or see an audiologist.
- You struggle to follow conversations, especially in noisy places.
- You often ask people to repeat themselves.
- You have trouble hearing the TV or radio at normal volume.
- You feel isolated or frustrated due to difficulty hearing.
- You don’t feel confident in social situations.
- You’re anxious to drive because your situational awareness is reduced.
One of the biggest signs is when friends and family actively tell you they’re worried about your hearing. You’d be surprised how many hard-of-hearing people brush this off! Don’t take their concerns or insights for granted — they care about you! And remember, the earlier hearing loss is detected, the easier it is to manage.
What happens if you ignore the signs?
Ignoring the warning signs of hearing loss or failing to get your hearing checked can have serious consequences. Untreated hearing loss can lead to communication difficulties, social isolation, and frustration in everyday interactions. Over time, it may also contribute to cognitive decline, even increasing the risk of dementia. Additionally, those with untreated hearing issues may experience difficulties in the workplace, impacting job performance.
By addressing hearing concerns early, you can improve your quality of life, maintain social connections, and reduce long-term health risks.
Who is eligible for free or subsidised hearing services?
The Hearing Services Program offers free or subsidised hearing services or devices to eligible Australians, helping them stay connected and engaged in life. You may be eligible if you are:
- A pensioner concession card holder.
- A Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) Gold Card holder.
- A DVA White Card holder (for hearing loss).
- A National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) participant (with hearing needs funded by the NDIS).
- A member of the Australian Defence Force.
- An Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person aged 50 or over.
- A client of a recognised hearing service provider (such as those funded by Hearing Australia).
If you meet any of these criteria, you can apply for the program and access government-funded hearing services.
What hearing services are available?
If you’re an eligible participant, you can receive a range of services, including hearing assessments to determine the extent of hearing loss. You can also access fitting and maintenance services for hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Additionally, hearing rehabilitation programs are available to support better hearing and communication.
Ongoing support and adjustments for hearing devices are also provided.
Let’s talk about hearing devices.
If hearing aids are needed, the program provides access to high-quality, government-subsidised devices. These include:
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids — a popular choice offering great amplification
- In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids — smaller, more discreet, and very powerful.
- Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids — combining clear sound with a sleek design.
- Assistive listening devices — such as TV streamers, amplified phones, and personal listening systems.
For those who qualify, these devices are either fully subsidised or available at a reduced cost through a co-payment option, making them very accessible.
How to apply for the Hearing Services Program.
If you think you may be eligible, the easiest way to start the process is to check your eligibility online here. You can also visit a registered hearing service provider who will guide you through the process, or apply through your GP or audiologist.
Once approved, you can access hearing services from a provider of your choice.
Don’t let hearing loss hold you back.
Stop missing out on life’s best moments. The Hearing Services Program ensures that eligible Australians can access the support and technology needed to hear better and live more fully. If you or a loved one is struggling with hearing, now is the time to take action!
For more information, visit health.gov.au or speak to a registered hearing provider.
In the meantime, tune in to Curtin Radio!