How to Access Hearing Aid Funding in Melbourne
Hearing aids can make a remarkable difference to your ability to communicate and participate in life. They can also represent a significant financial investment. Some people may be eligible for funding through various programs or insurance schemes. At Knox Audiology, we recognise that everyone’s circumstances are different and therefore the funding avenues available will depend on individual situations. We have compiled this blog of general information to help you, and our team is also happy to discuss your circumstances and provide individualised advice to assist you.
Pensioners and Veterans
Eligible pensioners and veterans, as well as certain dependents, can receive subsidised hearing services and hearing aids through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program. Under this program, eligible persons can have their hearing assessed. They are also eligible for a range of services, including hearing aids. Available hearing aids include both fully subsidised (no cost to the client) and partially subsidised hearing aids (where the client pays an additional cost). Your university-trained Knox audiologist would advise you on your hearing aid options based on your hearing assessment. This program also offers a hearing aid maintenance scheme for an annual fee, which the Department of
Veterans Affairs may cover for eligible Veterans.
Through the Hearing Services Program, hearing aids can be periodically replaced or refitted when certain conditions are met, provided you are still eligible for the program. People with hearing aids fitted through this program are also eligible to have their hearing checked and hearing aids adjusted periodically under the Program to ensure that they are getting the most out of their hearing aids.
Veterans may also be eligible for other devices through the Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Appliances (RAP) Program. These devices can include headphones for the TV, TV streamers that work in conjunction with hearing aids, and Roger systems that can enhance speech understanding in noisy environments or aid in specific situations, such as meetings or restaurants.
Eligibility for the Hearing Services Program is based on holding an eligible card, such as a pension card or a DVA card and can be easily checked by our team.
WorkSafe Victoria
Workers who have experienced hearing loss due to exposure to excessive noise in the workplace may be entitled to free or partially subsidised hearing services, including hearing aids, through WorkSafe Victoria. There is a process to go through to obtain funding for hearing aids through this pathway. Our audiologists at Knox Audiology have experience with this process and can guide you through it if you have a history of workplace noise exposure and may be eligible.
Our appointments for clients eligible for services through WorkSafe Victoria are primarily available in Wantirna. We recommend calling to check availability if you wish to book an appointment at another site for hearing aids to be arranged through this funding option.
Transport Accident Commission (TAC)
Clients who have been injured in a transport accident that has caused permanent hearing loss may be eligible for funding for hearing aids through the TAC. Funding needs to be approved on a case-by-case basis for TAC cases.
Private Health Cover
If you have private health insurance, you might be partly covered for hearing aids. Each health fund differs. Whether you’re eligible for support depends on your specific health fund, the level of cover you have, the duration of your cover, and your past claims history. The team at Knox Audiology cannot provide this information. It’s a good idea to call your health insurance provider before your appointment to verify your eligibility. If you forget to do this before your appointment, don’t worry – you can pause and gather more details from your health fund before making any financial decisions.
Self-Funding
If you are not eligible for any other funding options, then you can self-fund your hearing aids. In this instance, you would work with your audiologist to find the solution that best suits your hearing needs but is also within your budget. Everyone’s needs and budget are different, so remember our team is here to help find the best solution for you.
As you can see, there is a range of funding options, some of which are more straightforward than others. However, at Knox Audiology, we are here to help. Our team will guide you through the funding options for which you may be eligible and provide solutions within your budget.
If you’d like to learn more about your hearing aid funding options, book an appointment with Knox Audiology by calling us on 03 9800 5697 or contact us to organise your visit.