There are a number of avenues where you may access audiology funding or subsidy for the cost of services and hearing aids. Some of these are listed below:
Pensioners, Australian Defence Force members, war veterans and other eligible Australian residents can access limited free hearing services and hearing aids under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program, which is administered by the Office of Hearing Services. Canberra Audiology offers these services. Please call us on (02) 6156 4474 to determine your eligibility or visit the Department of Health and Ageing website.
Canberra Audiology offers services for clients with audiology funding or subsidy from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) that are “self-managed” and “plan-managed”. Levels of funding are individual to clients depending on the plan that is developed for them by the NDIS. For more information visit the NDIS website or speak with your NDIS plan manager.
Medicare rebates are applicable when an audiology request comes from an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist (ENT), Neurologist, Paediatrician or GP. Please ask your doctor for a hearing test request for your next audiology appointment. A new request is required for each visit to see us.
Audiology services that attract a Medicare rebate are:
- Pure Tone audiometry (a hearing test);
- Impedance testing (a middle-ear test);
- Speech testing;
- Consultations, wax removal etc. for those on a Chronic Care Plan requiring audiology;
A doctors request is NOT required to claim a Medicare rebate for cochlear implant mapping.
In addition, Medicare will also give rebates for audiology services under the Chronic Disease Management items, Better Start for Children with a Disability initiative and the Helping Children with Autism program. More information can be found on the Medicare website. Please contact us if you would like any further information on (02) 6156 4474
Many health insurers provide audiology funding or subsidy under “Audiology and Hearing aids” in the extras cover. Speak to your health insurer to find out what rebates you are eligible for.
Job Access is a government program which will provide assistive devices for those with a disability so that they may participate more fully in their workplace. This scheme will not cover the cost of hearing aids, but will subsidise hearing aid accessories such as bluetooth systems or hearing aid compatible telephones.
For more information and to download an application form, visit the Job Access website.
For clients that do not wish to pay for their hearing aids in a lump sum, flexible payment options are available through MacCredit and MediPay. These companies specialise in providing credit for medical treatments and devices. No deposit is required and repayments are from as little as $25 per week. For more information visit the MacCredit website and the MediPay website.