How much do hearing aids cost in Australia?

In Australia, eligible pension card holders have access to the Hearing Services Program (HSP) funding. The program covers the cost of basic level hearing aids for eligible participants in the program. Those under the program also have the option to pay on top (“top-up”) of the HSP voucher to be fitted with higher technology level hearing aids.

Other funding options for hearing aids include Workcover- for hearing loss proven to be caused by injury from loud noise exposure at work. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may also provide funding for hearing aids if the person’s hearing loss meets certain criteria.

Private funding of hearing aids is also an option when a patient does not have access to the above funding schemes. Private cost of hearing aids is split into two parts: cost of appointments needed to properly fit and fine-tune the devices and the cost of the devices themselves. Helix Hearing offers a fitting package to all privately funded patients costing $280 and this includes the fitting and fine-tuning appointment (1hr 45min total) and the administration time to order and program the devices. The device cost depends on the level of technology from basic to premium level hearing aids and can range from approximately $775-4000 per device or $1550-8000 per pair. The device cost is fully refundable for a period of two months after purchase provided it is not lost or damaged in that time.

Do I need one hearing aid or two? This will depend on the severity of hearing loss in each ear and the suitability of a hearing aid to manage your hearing loss. Generally, If there is a symmetrical hearing loss in both ears, two hearing aids are recommended. One hearing aid may be recommended if the hearing loss only affects one ear, if the hearing loss is too severe in one ear where a hearing aid is no longer enough and a different type of rehabilitation option might be recommended (ie Cochlear implant) or if the ear condition is not suitable for hearing aid use (ear infection, eardrum perforation etc).