Hearing Aids

Hearing well makes life so much more enjoyable, so if you have difficulty hearing why not do something about it?

Many people with hearing loss can be successfully treated with hearing aids – discrete, tailor-made devices that amplify sound in the ear, or in some cases suppress other sounds - like background noises, making hearing much more enjoyable.

But are hearing aids right for you?
It is in your interest to have a thorough test by an experienced professional before getting a hearing aid. This will rule out any medically treatable aspects of hearing loss, and get you the right advice on the hearing solution most appropriate for you.

Use the menu below to find out more about hearing aids

Hearing aid styles

Myths and facts about hearing aids

Pensioner entitlements

A day in the life of a hearing aid wearer

Hearing aid styles

Today’s hearing aids are discreet, effective and uniquely designed. They come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Some hearing aids rest behind your ear with a small tube delivering the amplified sound to the ear canal. Other styles fit in the outer ear or within the ear canal. Hearing aids do not restore normal hearing, but they can make life a bit easier.

All hearing aids are GST Free.
TAX REBATE AVAILABLE: You may be eligible for a tax rebate as part of your net medical expenses offer under section 159P of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1939. The tax offset is 20% of net medical expenses over a $1,500 threshold amount. There is no upper limit to the amount that can be claimed. Keep your Attune receipts.

Myths and facts about hearing aids

MYTH: Hearing aids correct hearing loss.
FACT: Hearing aids can’t restore your hearing, but they can help you to hear better. A thorough audiological test is absolutely essential to ensure your hearing aids are working optimally for you. Attune’s accredited audiologists, led by ENT specialists, perform the most comprehensive tests to ensure that the correct level of hearing loss has been identified.

MYTH: You only need to wear hearing aids when you think you need them.
FACT: Although you may choose to wear your hearing aids less often, success with hearing aids is highly dependent on you. When you have a hearing loss, your ears and brain will need time to re-learn how to hear again. Wearing your hearing aids daily will help you achieve great results – Attune’s personalised After Care Program can assist you realise your goals.

MYTH: The smallest hearing aids are more sophisticated.
FACT: Not all hearing aids are created equal. Performance categories vary based on how the technological features of the microchip are programmed. The right hearing aid for you will be based on multiples factors, including the severity of your hearing loss, the type of lifestyle you lead – highly active or relatively inactive – and, cosmetic priorities. Attune Audiologists will consider all of these aspects and recommend the most appropriate hearing aids for you.

Pensioner entitlements

Benefits

Under the Office of Hearing Services (OHS) Voucher Program, eligible individuals can receive:

Free hearing assessments and basic hearing aids
Subsidised advanced hearing aids (through the ‘top-up’ option)
Subsidised hearing aid batteries and maintenance

Find out more about the OHS at www.health.gov.au/hear.

Are you eligible?

You must be an Australian Citizen or a permanent resident 21 years or older and fit one of the following categories:

Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Repatriation health card holder
Department of Veterans’ Affairs White Repatriation health card holder (including hearing loss)
Pensioner Concession card holder
Member of the Australian Defence Forces
Recipients of Sickness Allowance from Centrelink
Dependent of a person in one of the above categories; or
Individual undergoing vocational rehabilitation (CRS Australia) who has been referred by a case manager or doctor

Sending your Application

You can obtain an application form for a Hearing Services Voucher from GPs and Attune’s website or service centres. Simply download the form from our website or call us to request a copy.
Once you have the application ask your doctor to complete the referral section on the application form (your doctor will need to sign the form). You must fill out the remaining sections of the form and post it to the Canberra address detailed on the application. Attune Client Advocates will be happy to assist you with the application and mail it out to OHS on your behalf.
When you receive your voucher (usually takes 3-6 weeks), please call Attune to make an appointment.

Choosing to ‘Top Up’

Under the Office of Hearing Services Voucher Program, you will not be charged for any appointments or for the hearing aids. However you can select to pay a 'top up' fee to be fitted with more advanced hearing aids than those available at no cost. It is advisable to check with your private health care fund, as some will allow you to claim a percentage of the 'top up' hearing aid costs.
OHS clients are charged a small annual fee. This fee covers all batteries and most maintenance and repair costs. The fee is usually covered by DVA for clients who hold a Veterans Affairs Card.
Medicare does not provide rebates on hearing aids or hearing aids assessments. All hearing aids are GST free.