Short answer: not for most people. The good news is that they can be heavily subsidised—sometimes to no out-of-pocket cost on approved models—through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program (HSP). At The Audiology Place, we help you understand exactly what you’re eligible for and what your options are, in plain language, before you make any decisions.
How the Hearing Services Program (HSP) works
Rather than giving you a cash allowance to spend, the HSP funds a defined range of clinical services and a list of approved “fully subsidised” hearing aids. If you’re eligible and choose from those fully subsidised devices, there’s typically no gap to pay for the device itself. If you prefer extra features beyond the fully subsidised range—things like certain rechargeability options, advanced noise processing, or specific form factors—you can opt for a partially subsidised (often called “top-up”) device and pay the difference.
Who’s usually eligible?
Eligibility is set by the government and commonly includes Pensioner Concession Card holders, veterans, and other specific groups. Children and young people are supported under separate arrangements. If you’re unsure, we can check your eligibility in minutes and guide you through the simple voucher process.
What HSP covers
If you hold an HSP voucher and attend an accredited provider (that’s us), you can access:
- A comprehensive hearing assessment and rehabilitation planning
- Prescription and fitting of hearing aids where appropriate
- Follow-up appointments and ongoing monitoring
- Access to approved fully subsidised hearing aids (no gap)
- The option to choose partially subsidised devices with a co-payment if you want additional features
- An optional annual maintenance agreement, which keeps day-to-day costs predictable by covering routine servicing, most repairs and batteries for the year
A note on maintenance: if you opt into a maintenance agreement, you’ll usually pay a small annual client contribution. We’ll tell you exactly what that amount is up front and what it includes. Some patients prefer to pay as they go instead—either way, we’ll lay out the pros and cons so you can choose what suits you.
Are Audiology appointments covered?
Yes—many of them are, when you’re using your HSP voucher with an accredited clinic. In addition, Medicare provides rebates for certain diagnostic audiology tests when requested by a medical practitioner (for example, a GP or ENT). Medicare does not fund hearing aids themselves, but it can help cover specific diagnostic appointments that form part of your overall care. We’ll let you know when a Medicare referral is appropriate and how it fits into your pathway.
What about the NDIS?
The NDIS and HSP are designed to work together. Generally speaking:
Under 26 and eligible for HSP? You’ll access hearing services through the HSP.
26 and over and not eligible for HSP? If you’re an NDIS participant, the NDIS may fund the hearing supports you need if they’re considered reasonable and necessary.
This can feel complex on paper, but we navigate it every day. If you have an NDIS plan, we’ll help you confirm whether HSP or NDIS applies to your situation and coordinate the right pathway.
If you’re not eligible for HSP
You can still access excellent care and a wide range of hearing aid options privately. Many people also receive a rebate through private health insurance (extras), depending on their policy and waiting periods. Because we’re an independent clinic—not owned by a retail chain or a hearing aid manufacturer—we fit across brands and price points and recommend what matches your needs, goals, and budget. Expect transparent, written quotes and no surprises.
How The Audiology Place makes costs clear
From your very first visit, we put clarity first. Your initial full hearing test and consultation typically takes about 90 minutes. We take a detailed case history and complete a comprehensive test battery to understand not just what you can hear, but how you hear in the real world.
If hearing aids are appropriate, we’ll map out three clear pathways:
Fully subsidised (HSP) options
If you’re eligible, we’ll show you approved devices with no out-of-pocket cost for the device. We’ll explain the features, expected performance, and what the optional maintenance agreement covers.
Partially subsidised (HSP top-up) options
If you’d like features beyond the fully subsidised range, we’ll outline the co-payment clearly and compare it to fully subsidised alternatives so you can weigh the value.
Private (non-HSP) options
We’ll provide a transparent written quote for devices across multiple brands and technology levels, and we’ll help you check any private health rebates you may have.
Whichever pathway you choose, every fitting includes real-ear measurements (REM) to verify your prescription in your ear canal (not just on a computer) and speech-in-noise testing to confirm performance in tougher listening situations. Then we support you with ongoing follow-up and fine-tuning, because the best results come from great technology and great clinical care.
Common questions we hear
“Are hearing aids free if I have a Pensioner Concession Card?”
If you’re eligible for the HSP and choose from the fully subsidised range, your devices are fully covered. You may choose to pay the small annual maintenance contribution for batteries and servicing, or you can pay as you go.
“Will Medicare pay for my hearing aids?”
No. Medicare can help fund specific diagnostic audiology tests when requested by a medical practitioner, but it does not fund the devices themselves.
“I want premium Bluetooth and rechargeability—does HSP cover that?”
HSP covers fully subsidised devices with a defined feature set. If you want features outside that list, you can select a partially subsidised device and pay the difference. We’ll show you a side-by-side comparison so you can decide what’s worth it for your lifestyle.
“I’m on the NDIS—do I use HSP or NDIS?”
It depends on your age and eligibility. We’ll help you confirm the correct program and coordinate the paperwork so nothing falls through the cracks.
Why choose an independent clinic?
Because independence means choice—and choice means better matching. We aren’t tied to any single brand, so we’re free to recommend the solution that best fits your hearing profile, daily communication needs, aesthetic preferences, and budget. We also take the time to get it right: careful diagnostics, evidence-based fittings, and unlimited follow-up support. That’s how you get more than a device—you get your listening life back.
The take-home
Hearing aids in Australia are not universally free, but the HSP can make them highly affordable—and often no-gap—for eligible people choosing fully subsidised devices.
There’s no single dollar “cap” to spend; instead, HSP provides access to approved devices and clinical services, with optional top-ups if you want extra features.
Many audiology appointments are covered under HSP, and Medicare can assist with specific diagnostic tests when referred by your doctor.
If HSP isn’t available to you, there are still practical options through private funding, private health rebates, and (where appropriate) the NDIS.
At The Audiology Place, you’ll always know your choices and costs before you decide.
Ready to check your eligibility or get a clear quote?
If you’re on Sydney’s Northern Beaches (we’re at the Forestville shops), we’d love to help. We can confirm your HSP status, explain Medicare and NDIS pathways, and show you fully subsidised and private options side by side—so you can choose with confidence.
Call The Audiology Place to book your comprehensive hearing consultation and start your journey back to easier, happier listening.
