Hearing care

Pensioners and Veterans

While hearing loss can be experienced by people of all ages, it is certainly most common in older individuals. With age and loud noise exposure the most common causes, over half the population aged between 60 and 70 have a hearing loss. This increases greatly as we get older, with 80 per cent of those over the age of 80 experiencing hearing loss.

People with a hearing loss can find it difficult to communicate and might find themselves struggling in social situations or with loved ones. At Audiology Solutions, our experienced Audiologists are here to help you stay connected and living life to the fullest.

With more than 25 years in the Audiology industry, our Audiologists have a reputation for excellence in diagnostics and rehabilitative Audiology. No matter what stage your hearing loss is at, we will work with you to find the best solutions for you. Plus, we provide services through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program, which provides subsidised or free hearing aids for pensioners and veterans. You may be eligible for a comprehensive hearing assessment, hearing aids and annual checkups at no cost to you.

How we can help
Comprehensive hearing assessments
Hearing aid assessments and fittings
Ongoing aural rehabilitation and device maintenance
Implantable hearing devices (bone-anchored hearing aids)
Custom earplugs (for musicians, loud noises and swimming)
Subsidised or free hearing aids for pensioners through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program
Book a consult
The treatment process

Consultation

Your initial appointment will include a review of your history, a non-invasive ear examination and a comprehensive diagnostic assessment of your hearing. Your Audiologist will then discuss with you the possible hearing solutions that may be required.

Treating your hearing loss or condition is a specialist task. As highly trained Audiologists we play a crucial role in the treatment, outcome and maintenance of your hearing solution.

Audiology Solutions is an independent clinic, not affiliated with any particular hearing aid manufacturer. This means you can trust that we will only recommend the devices and solutions that we believe will be best for you and your unique hearing health needs.

Audiology (hearing) test

Your hearing test will take place in a soundproof booth. Wearing headphones, you will be asked to listen and respond to a range of sounds. We will also perform a speech test and an objective measure of your middle ear function. Under the Hearing Services Program, eligible pensioners and veterans can expect this comprehensive hearing test at no cost.

Hearing solutions

Should you require hearing aids, your Audiologist will discuss the devices that best suit your needs and that are most appropriate for your hearing loss. Factors such as degree of hearing loss, dexterity, lifestyle and budget are all taken into consideration when selecting the ideal devices for you.

If a hearing aid isn’t right for you, we can discuss other options. This could include an assistive listening device, preventative devices like custom earplugs (for loud industrial noise or swimming) or in-ear monitors. If further testing is required, we can work in collaboration with leading ear, nose and throat specialists at The ENT Centre, Hornsby, to develop a comprehensive treatment plan personalised for your needs.

Free hearing aids for pensioners

If you are eligible for the Hearing Services Program, and your hearing test indicates a hearing aid would help you, you will have access to fully subsidised (or free) hearing aids for pensioners. We offer a wide range of fully subsidised devices from leading manufacturers, or you can choose to purchase a more advanced model outside of that range and pay the difference in cost. The program contributes the standard subsidised device cost, and you just pay the “gap”.

Hearing aid trial

Like all new things, you may take some time to adjust to wearing a hearing device. Research has shown that it usually takes around 30 days to realise the full benefits of hearing aids.

To help you get the most out of your new devices, Audiology Solutions offers you a 30-day trial period with your hearing aids. During this time, you will attend follow-up appointments and your Audiologist will be available to you should you have any concerns.

We will ensure you are satisfied with your devices — if required, we can select another hearing aid or develop an alternative treatment plan for you. It is important to us that you experience the best outcome possible.

Ongoing maintenance and support

Our clinic provides ongoing maintenance and support for you and your hearing devices, including follow-up appointments and hearing aid servicing and updates. We’ll let you know when it’s time to come in for a checkup, but it’s important to be an active participant in your own ongoing care and maintenance — we’re always here to help if you have any issues between appointments.

The Hearing Services Program will also make a contribution to an annual maintenance agreement to help cover the cost of batteries, servicing or repairs.

Most hearing aids will have a three-year warranty, which we will go through with you during the consultation process. The Hearing Services Program provides free hearing aids for pensioners every five years; however, we can help you apply for funding for a new device if we find you need it earlier.

Outcomes

Once you’re fitted with your hearing device, it’s important to remember that outcomes will be different for everyone, depending on the level and type of hearing loss. Be sure to attend all follow-up appointments so your Audiologist can monitor your progress and ensure you’re getting the most out of your device.

Outcomes you can expect include:

  • Improvement in your hearing abilities in a variety of situations
  • Improvement in speech understanding by amplifying sounds you have been missing
  • Improved communication and concentration
  • Increased alertness and ability to hear alarms, traffic, telephones, doorbells and other important signals
  • Better relationships thanks to feeling empowered to take part in social situations again
  • Less frustration from your loved ones
  • Better quality of life
Book a consult

No referral is required. However, if you have a doctor’s referral, a Medicare rebate can be claimed.

Hearing Services Program

You may be eligible for the Australian Government Hearing Services Program (the program), which provides subsidised or free hearing services if you meet certain criteria, including free hearing aids for pensioners.

How can the program help me?

If eligible for the program you could receive fully or partially subsidised hearing services, from your assessment, through to devices and maintenance.

Some of these services include:

  • A hearing assessment
  • Advice and support about hearing loss
  • If needed, the fitting of a subsidised hearing device
  • If needed, a contribution to the maintenance of these devices

For a full list of inclusions, visit the Department of Health website.

Do I qualify?

There are several different funding options available through the program, with a range of different eligibility requirements.

You may qualify for the program if you:

  • Hold a Pensioner Concession Card
  • Hold a Department of Veterans’ Affairs Gold Card
  • Receive Centrelink Sickness Allowance
  • Are a dependent of someone in one of the above categories
  • Hold a Department of Veterans’ Affairs White Health Repatriation Card for hearing loss
  • Are a member of the Australian Defence Force
  • Are referred by or are a member of the Disability Employment Services (DES)
  • Are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait islander person who is over 50 years of age or is involved in the Community Development Program (formerly known as the Remote Jobs and Communities Program (RJCP) and the Community Development Employment Projects (CDEP) program)
  • Are under 26 years of age

or

  • Are a participant of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The Department of Health website includes a full list of eligibility criteria and an eligibility checker.

I think I’m eligible, what now?

If you think you might qualify for the program, you can apply online through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program website.

If you are unable to apply online, or you would like our help, please contact us and we will be happy to apply on your behalf.

Apply now

FAQs

Everyone’s hearing health care needs are different, so treatment differs for each patient. To discuss your child’s needs or if you have more complex questions, please get in touch.

Contact us

How much do hearing aids cost?

Hearing aids come in a wide array of brands, styles, sizes and, of course, prices. Depending on a number of factors — including features, style and technology level — hearing aids range in price from approximately $1,300 to $6,000 per device. Device accessories or extra features, like Bluetooth connectivity or rechargeable batteries, can also affect the final cost.

If you are eligible for the Australian Government Hearing Services Program, you may be able to access subsidised or free hearing aids for pensioners and veterans. We offer a wide range of fully subsidised devices from leading manufacturers, or you can choose to purchase a more advanced model outside of that range and pay the difference in cost. The program contributes the standard subsidised device cost, and you just pay the “gap”.

As an independent clinic not aligned with a particular hearing aid manufacturer, Audiology Solutions offers greater choice, real value and affordable care. We would never suggest a hearing device that wasn’t right for you and we’re proud of our competitive pricing.

Ask your private health fund if you are eligible for rebates to assist with the cost.

Do you offer free hearing aids for pensioners?

We provide services through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program, which provides subsidised or free hearing aids for pensioners, veterans and others that meet certain criteria. You may be eligible for a comprehensive hearing assessment, hearing aids and annual checkups at no cost to you.

If you think you might qualify for the program, you can apply online through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program website.

If you are unable to apply online, or you would like our help, please contact us and we will be happy to apply on your behalf.

What are hearing aids?

Hearing aids are highly sophisticated amplification devices that — when appropriately fitted and programmed by a qualified Audiologist — will improve your ability to communicate.

Current hearing aids:

  • Amplify quiet sounds, but do not over-amplify loud ones
  • Make speech understandable while suppressing disruptive noise in loud environments
  • Allow you to recognise where sounds are coming from

How do hearing aids work?

  1. A microphone picks up sounds
  2. Sounds are analysed by a processing chip
  3. Processed sounds are sent to an amplifier
  4. Amplified sounds are sent to a loudspeaker
  5. Sounds are transmitted by the loudspeaker into the inner ear where they are transformed into electrical impulses
  6. Impulses are picked up by the brain where they are processed

What are the different types of hearing aids?

Most devices can be separated into two categories — both types of hearing aid use similar technology but are packaged and used in different ways to suit all kinds of lifestyles.

Behind-the-ear and mini behind-the ear

Light, small and discreet, most people choose this type of hearing device. In these models, the electronics sit in a compact case behind the ear, sending sound through a tube into an earpiece.

In-the-ear and in-the-canal

You may prefer to have a custom hearing instrument fitted in your ear canal. How visible the device is will depend on the size of your ear canal. In some cases, these can be completely invisible.

Will I need two hearing aids?

If you have a hearing loss in both ears, then wearing two hearing devices is recommended for better results. Two hearing aids offer many advantages including improved hearing in noisy environments, a more natural stereo effect and better sound localisation. However, in some instances only one hearing aid is recommended — your Audiologist will only recommend what is best for you and your hearing health.

How long does it take to get used to hearing aids?

As with most healthcare solutions, this will vary from person to person. The professional expertise and guidance of your Audiologist plays a vital role in your rehabilitation process, of which hearing aids are only a part. Each step in your training program will bring you closer to your hearing goals and better communicative outcomes.

Research has shown that it usually takes around 30 days to realise the full benefits of hearing aids. To help you get the most out of your new devices, Audiology Solutions offers you a 30-day trial period with your hearing aids.

Do I need a referral from my doctor?

No referral is required to access our Audiology services; however, you will need a doctor’s referral to claim the Medicare rebate.

Symptoms of Hearing Loss

Recognising these common signs of hearing loss, in yourself or someone you know, is the first necessary step in improving your hearing and quality of life.

Find out more

Book a Consultation with Audiology Solutions

For a comprehensive hearing test, choose an Audiologist you can trust.

Request an appointment