Do Pensioners Get Hearing Aids For Free?

Being able to hear is an often forgotten, yet all too important, part of having a high quality of life. It’s easy to overlook just how much we rely on sounds and our hearing to live day in and day out, until our hearing falters, and we struggle to connect to the outside world as a result.

As people grow older, they become more susceptible to developing hearing problems, and may require the use of hearing aids in order to be able to do simple things such as hold a conversation, hear the doorbell, or even listen to music. Being unable to do these simple things, while inconvenient, is a sign that something is wrong.

Hearing aids have been developed for the express purpose of helping those with hearing loss regain their ability to hear the sounds of the world around them. These useful devices go a long way in ensuring that people are able to communicate and live their best lives for longer.

But what do you do if you can’t afford hearing aids? Are there any programs available that can help with the fees associated with hearing issues?

The Australian Government Hearing Services Program

If you’re having difficulty hearing, but are concerned about the costs of getting a comprehensive hearing test and the possibility of needing hearing aids, the government actually has a program that helps with these costs, under the Department of Health – Office of Hearing Services, geared specifically for pensioners and veterans.

Who are Eligible?

In order to be eligible for this program, you must be an Australian citizen aged 26 years or older, as well as:

• Have a Centrelink Pensioner Concession Card
• Have a Centrelink Sickness Allowance
• Be a member of the Australian Defence Force
• Be an NDIS participant, referred by an NDIA planner
• Have a DVA White Card with hearing loss specified
• Have a DVA Gold Card.

But what do you get if you are eligible? Well, you get a free comprehensive hearing test, and subsidised hearing aids, as well as batteries and maintenance, covered for a small fee. So if you’re wondering how seniors get free hearing aids, it’s because they’ve applied for this program and made full use of this service!

Final Thoughts

If you are struggling with your hearing, and it has begun to affect your quality of life, don’t delay. While loss of hearing can be inconvenient at best, it can also be dangerous if it is left unchecked. It’s important to know that there is a program out there that helps to subsidise, if not take away the costs, of hearing tests and Perth hearing aids, so it’s best to apply for the Hearing Services Program and book an appointment for your hearing when you can.

Not having to worry about exorbitant costs means that you can then focus on having your hearing looked at by a qualified and skilled hearing technician, who will be able to provide ongoing, personalised support suited to your needs and lifestyle.