In Australia, hearing tests can be free or subsidised for many people through the Government’s Hearing Services Program. This article explains eligibility, how to book, free online options, and available services.
What is a hearing test?
A hearing test, also known as an audiometric assessment, is a process used to evaluate how well a person hears different sounds, including speech and environmental noises. These tests help identify hearing loss, which can range from mild to severe and may be caused by factors such as age-related hearing decline, chronic ear infections, noise exposure, or congenital conditions.
In Australia, free hearing tests are available for eligible individuals. These tests are usually offered through the government-funded Hearing Services Program (HSP) or participating clinics. A typical free hearing test includes:
- Pure-tone audiometry to check sensitivity to different frequencies
- Speech recognition tests to evaluate how well you understand spoken words
- Basic ear health inspection for wax build-up or infections
While home or online tests can provide preliminary insight, only a professional assessment can accurately detect hearing issues.
Government programs for free hearing tests
The Hearing Services Program (HSP) is the main way many Australians can access free or subsidised hearing assessments. The program is run by the Australian Government and is designed to support those most at risk of hearing loss or with limited financial resources.
HSP provides:
- Free hearing assessments conducted by accredited audiologists
- Access to hearing aids and assistive listening devices
- Follow-up care including adjustments, counselling, and ongoing monitoring
Eligibility is typically based on holding a Pensioner Concession Card, Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) card, or receiving certain Centrelink benefits. The program also extends support to some members of the Australian Defence Force and certain NDIS participants
Types of hearing tests covered by HSP
The Hearing Services Program (HSP) provides a range of comprehensive hearing assessments to eligible Australians, designed to identify all types of hearing loss and ensure appropriate follow-up care. The main types of tests include:
- Pure-tone audiometry: This is the most common hearing test, measuring your ability to hear tones across different frequencies and volumes in each ear. It helps determine the degree and type of hearing loss, whether mild, moderate, or severe.
- Speech audiometry: This test evaluates how well you can understand speech in quiet and noisy environments. It is essential for assessing functional hearing and determining if hearing aids or assistive devices are required.
- Tympanometry: Used to assess middle ear function, tympanometry can detect fluid in the ear, eardrum perforations, or Eustachian tube dysfunction, which can affect hearing.
- Acoustic reflex testing: This measures the involuntary contraction of the middle ear muscles in response to loud sounds, helping to detect specific types of sensorineural hearing loss or auditory nerve issues.
- Otoacoustic emissions (OAE) testing: Often used for infants and young children, this test evaluates how the inner ear responds to sound, allowing early detection of hearing loss even in those who cannot respond to traditional audiometry.
These tests are fully covered for eligible HSP participants, ensuring individuals receive a thorough and accurate assessment of their hearing health. In many cases, the results of these tests can directly guide whether hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or follow-up care are needed, and all assessments are conducted by accredited audiologists.
Additional support for children and communities
Certain programs complement HSP to ensure early detection of hearing loss in vulnerable groups. For example:
- Early Ears (HAPEE): Provides free hearing checks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children under 6. This program includes ear health assessments, monitoring of chronic otitis media, and follow-up care to prevent long-term speech or learning issues.
- School hearing programs: Some state and territory health services run free hearing screenings in schools, especially in rural or remote communities.
These programs emphasize early intervention, as untreated hearing loss in children can impact language development, social skills, and academic progress.
The key to maintaining healthy hearing is identifying any potential issues early. Taking a professional hearing test is an important first step.
For a quick way to check your hearing, you can try a preliminary online hearing test. While it’s not a substitute for a full clinical assessment, it can give you an initial insight into your hearing and help decide if a professional evaluation is needed.
Who qualifies for free hearing tests
Free hearing tests are available to a wide range of Australians through the HSP and complementary programs. Typical eligibility includes:
- Pensioners: Older Australians receiving age pensions or disability support
- Veterans: DVA cardholders are fully eligible for free assessments and devices
- Centrelink recipients: People receiving specific government allowances
- Australian Defence Force members: Active and retired personnel in certain categories
- NDIS participants: In selected cases, participants may qualify for hearing services as part of their individual plan
Even if you are not eligible for HSP, many clinics provide short, free hearing screenings to all adults and children. These screenings help detect obvious hearing issues and can guide you toward a full audiological evaluation.
Booking a free hearing test near you
Many accredited providers, including Specsavers, Amplifon, Hearing Australia, and Freedom Hearing, offer free hearing tests across Australia. Booking can often be done online or over the phone, and you usually do not need a referral.
When booking a free hearing test, the clinic will typically:
- Confirm your eligibility for free services under HSP or other programs
- Schedule a 30–60 minute appointment at a convenient location
- Conduct a comprehensive hearing assessment including pure-tone audiometry and speech tests
- Provide advice, guidance, and recommendations for follow-up care if needed
If you want an initial insight into your hearing, try Amplifon online hearing test. These tools can help you identify whether you may benefit from a full professional assessment
Free and online hearing test options
While professional in-clinic assessments remain the gold standard, free online hearing tests can be a convenient first step for initial insight. These tests typically:
- Play tones across multiple frequencies, allowing you to respond when you hear them
- Estimate hearing thresholds for each ear
- Provide a general indication of whether a full clinical assessment may be recommended
Some online platforms even generate a basic audiogram and suggest whether follow-up with a certified audiologist is necessary.
Online hearing tests cannot replace professional assessments. They are only a preliminary screening tool and may miss subtle or complex hearing issues, including single-ear hearing loss, auditory neuropathy, or high-frequency deficits. If you notice any concerns, experience persistent difficulty hearing, or receive abnormal results online, you should book a full in-clinic evaluation with a licensed audiologist to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.
FAQs about free hearing tests
Are hearing tests really free in Australia?
Who is eligible for a free hearing test?
Is pulsatile tinnitus dangerous?
Pulsatile tinnitus itself is not a disease, but a symptom. In many cases, it is caused by non-serious and treatable conditions, such as high blood pressure or stress-related changes in blood flow.
However, because pulsatile tinnitus can sometimes be linked to vascular abnormalities or other medical issues, it is considered more clinically significant than non-pulsatile tinnitus. This is especially true if it:
- Occurs in one ear only
- Is constant rather than intermittent
- Worsens over time
- Is accompanied by neurological symptoms
Can I book a free hearing test online?
Does Medicare cover hearing tests?
Are free hearing tests available for children?
How often can you have a free hearing test?
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