The Australian Government’s Hearing Services Program continues to play a vital role in supporting Australians with hearing loss. Through the Voucher Scheme, eligible people — including pensioners, veterans, and NDIS participants — can access subsidised hearing assessments, hearing aids, fitting services, and follow-up support from accredited providers.
Vouchers issued under the program help cover the cost of these services, improving access to hearing care for those who might otherwise face barriers. This includes both new clients entering the program and returning clients who require ongoing support to maintain their hearing health.
“This is a valuable program that continues to make a meaningful difference,” said Jane Lee, National Manager of Health Programs for Deafness Forum Australia. “Our organisation recognises its importance and supports its continued availability for eligible Australians.”
A Program in High Demand
Recent data from July 2024 to March 2025 shows that more than 672,000 people accessed services through the Voucher Scheme — an average of over 74,000 clients each month.
Over 102,000 new vouchers were issued in that time, with the highest uptake in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland. In addition, nearly 166,000 return vouchers were issued, showing strong ongoing engagement from existing clients.
More than 327,000 hearing devices — including hearing aids and assistive listening devices — were fitted, replaced, or issued as spares under the program during the reporting period.
T-Coils and Hearing Loops: A Vital Feature Protected for Now
While emerging technologies like Bluetooth Auracast™ are gaining attention, many Australians still depend on telecoil (T-coil) functionality in their hearing aids to connect with hearing loop systems in public places. These systems can provide clearer sound in environments where background noise poses challenges — like theatres, train stations, and houses of worship.
Some advocates have raised concerns about the availability of T-coils in newer devices. However, a recent review of the Minimum Specifications of Hearing Devices commissioned by the Department of Health and Aged Care and conducted by the National Acoustics Laboratory (NAL) has noted the ongoing importance of established technologies like T-coils. The department has confirmed there are currently no immediate changes to the minimum specifications for devices at funder under the program at this time. Any changes would be considered as part of a new online portal rollout in 2027.
“It is encouraging to see that the value of established accessibility features like telecoils has been considered in this review,” said Ms Lee. “ As technology evolves, it’s important that people who rely on current accessibility features are not disadvantaged. We support a balanced approached to emerging hearing technology that meets the needs of the diverse people who rely on these services.”
Deafness Forum continues to advocate for a hybrid approach to hearing technology — one that supports future innovations while safeguarding current systems that people depend on every day.