The Hearing Services Programs for Children
Hearing Australia receives funding through the Community Service Obligation (CSO) component of the Hearing Services Program* to provide hearing services and devices to children and young adults aged under 26 years.
We provide services according to the principles of family-centred intervention (FCEI). FCEI aims to support and empower families and understands that every family has unique needs and ways of doing things.
There is a range of government funding options to ensure all Australian children with hearing loss can access hearing technology. Your audiologist can provide further information on these funding options and assist you with the necessary forms and applications.
These funding options include:
Hearing Aid Technology Funding
- Fully-subsidised technology: Eligible children can receive high-quality hearing aids and remote microphone systems at no cost through the Australian Government's Hearing Services Program. These devices meet the goals of most children with hearing loss.
- Partially-subsidised technology: If you're interested in devices with additional features, your audiologist will work with you to make an informed choice about contributing to the cost.
- Repairs and maintenance: Families pay an optional small annual maintenance contribution, and all other costs are covered by the Hearing Services Program.
Implantable Bone Conduction Aids and Middle Ear Implants
- Hospital stay and associated costs: Government funding and private health insurance may cover hospital, surgeon, and anaesthetist costs. Your implant clinic can provide more information.
- Sound processor: The Hearing Services Program provides sound processors at no cost to eligible children based on clinical criteria. Other children may need to arrange funding.
- Repairs and maintenance: Families pay an optional small maintenance contribution, and other costs are covered by the Hearing Services Program.
Cochlear Implants
- Hospital stay and initial sound processor: Government funding and private health insurance may cover the associated costs.
- Repairs and replacement parts: Families pay a small maintenance contribution, and all other costs are covered by the Hearing Services Program. The program provides replacements for clients under 26 years of age if the processor is lost or damaged beyond repair.
- Technology upgrades: Eligible individuals under 26 years of age can receive technology upgrades based on clinical criteria.
Other Services and Funding Supports
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS): NDIS provides funding for additional supports not available through Hearing Australia, such as specialist early intervention services, Auslan services, and assistive technology. NDIS also covers the annual hearing aid maintenance fee for children. Find out more about NDIS hearing support.
- Centrelink: Parents and carers may be eligible for carers allowance through Centrelink, depending on the severity of the hearing loss. Contact Centrelink for more information.
- Travel allowances: Regional residents may be eligible for a travel allowance to help attend appointments. Specific details vary by state, so consult your audiologist for more information.
Hearing Support for Children who are Temporary Residents
Many children in Australia benefit from government-funded programs such as the Hearing Services Program (HSP) and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). However, children on temporary resident visas are not eligible for these programs.
To ensure these children don’t miss out on vital hearing care, Hearing Australia’s Social Purpose Program provides fully funded support to help reduce communication barriers — enabling children to learn, play, and thrive.
Who can get this support?
A child may be eligible if they:
- Are under 18 years old
- Hold a Temporary Resident Visa that is valid for more than six months
- Have a diagnosed permanent or long-term hearing loss and either:
- already have hearing aids,
- need hearing aids, or
- have a cochlear implant and could benefit from hearing support
Families must provide a copy of the child’s visa or other proof of status.
Note: New Zealand citizens with a Special Category Visa who live permanently in Australia are already eligible for the HSP under the Community Service Obligations (CSO) program, not this stream. Children who turn 18 will transition to self-funded services.
A story of inclusive care
For more than a decade, families like Ezlin’s have been supported through our paediatric services, and the Social Purpose Program ensures this vital care continues. Children on temporary resident visas who are diagnosed with permanent or long-term hearing loss can continue to access life-changing services without financial barriers. Read more about Ezlin's journey and how the Social Purpose Program helped her family access care.
What’s covered and how to access
For more details on what’s funded and how to access support, please download our factsheet
The Hearing Services Program for Young Adults
The Australian Government Hearing Services program* provides eligible young adults with a range of essential services and devices, including hearing assessments, hearing aids, and ongoing support.
What can NDIS do for your child?
Your child’s early years are very important as they set up how they’ll learn and develop later in life. Support provided early will help you and give your child the best chance of achieving their potential. The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides support for Australians with disability, their families and carers.
The NDIS can provide funding, information and support to help people with disability achieve their goals. Your Hearing Australia audiologist will be able to provide you with more information, and help you to apply for access to the NDIS. For more information about NDIS For information about the NDIS their hearing supports.
*Conditions apply under the Australian Government Hearing Services Program.
Subject to eligibility criteria under the Hearing Services Program, entry level hearing aids are fully subsidised, and higher-level technology hearing aids may be partially subsidised. Care may include ear mould renewal and repair, as provided under the optional maintenance program. Eligible clients will receive a voucher which may be used toward a fully or partially subsidised device and related services. If you are not eligible for the Hearing Services Program, please ask your local hearing centre for the right information including pricing.
To check if you are eligible and for more information about the Hearing Services Program, go to hearingservices.gov.au .
