What is the Hearing Services Program?

The Hearing Services Program is an Australian Government initiative that provides subsidised or fully funded hearing services and devices to eligible people. It includes the Voucher Scheme for pensioners and veterans, and the Community Service Obligations component for people with more complex needs. Eligibility is assessed individually. CQ Audiology can check whether you qualify and explain what is covered.

What the program covers

For eligible clients, the program can cover:

• A hearing assessment with an accredited provider.
• A fully subsidised hearing device from an approved list, at no cost to you.
• A partial subsidy toward a higher-specification device, where you pay a "top-up" for the difference.
• Ongoing support such as maintenance, batteries and reviews under the relevant arrangements.

The exact benefit depends on your eligibility and the device you choose.

Who is eligible?

You generally qualify for the Voucher Scheme if you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident, are 21 or older, and hold an eligible card, such as a:

• Pensioner Concession Card
• Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA) Gold Card, or a White Card for a hearing condition

You may also qualify as a dependant or spouse of an eligible cardholder in some cases. Note that a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card does not, on its own, make you eligible. Other pathways exist for specific needs, including through the Community Service Obligations component. Because eligibility is assessed individually, it is worth having it checked rather than assuming.

What is the difference between the Voucher Scheme and CSO?

The Voucher Scheme is the main pathway for eligible pensioners and veterans. The Community Service Obligations (CSO) component provides specialised support for groups with more complex needs, such as young people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with complex hearing loss. Your provider can tell you which pathway fits your situation.

How do you access it?

The usual steps are to confirm your eligibility, choose an accredited provider, have a hearing assessment, and then discuss the devices and services available to you under the program. CQ Audiology can guide you through each step.

Book with CQ under the HSP: CQ Audiology is a registered Hearing Services Program provider in Rockhampton, so our team can check your eligibility, explain the approved device options and any top-up, and manage your program services. See how the Hearing Services Program works at our clinic.

For more information, visit the Hearing Services Program (hearingservices.gov.au) (opens in a new tab).

Source: Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (Hearing Services Program). Information current July 2026 and general in nature.