NDIS for hearing aids: eligibility, how to apply & coverage
Hearing loss can affect your daily life, making conversations harder, impacting work, and even influencing your social interactions. In Australia, people with permanent hearing loss may receive hearing aids and related services funded by the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) or through the Hearing Services Program (HSP), depending on age and eligibility.
This guide explains how NDIS funds hearing supports, how funding differs from HSP services, and the steps required to access hearing-related assistance. If you are unsure where you fit, a free hearing test or an initial consultation can help clarify your options.
What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is an Australian Government initiative designed to support people with permanent and significant disabilities. Its purpose is to help participants achieve greater independence and participate fully in everyday life by funding reasonable and necessary supports aligned with individual goals.
For people with hearing loss, the NDIS can fund hearing aids, assistive listening devices, therapy, and other supports that are not available through other public programs. Funding is personalised, meaning supports are determined based on functional needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
How hearing aids are funded under the NDIS
The NDIS does not manufacture or supply hearing aids. Instead, NDIS funding can be used to access hearing aids and hearing-related services when they meet the criteria of being reasonable and necessary.
Depending on individual needs and eligibility, NDIS funding for hearing supports may include:
- Hearing aids selected with an audiologist
- Fitting, programming, and follow-up appointments
- Repairs, maintenance, and replacements
- Assistive listening devices for communication or safety
- Capacity-building supports linked to hearing and communication
For many participants, starting with a free hearing assessment helps determine whether hearing aids should be included in an NDIS plan.
Who is eligible for NDIS hearing aids?
Eligibility for NDIS hearing aids depends on your individual circumstances and hearing impairment. Generally, NDIS participants must:
- Be under 65 years old when first applying for the NDIS
- Live in Australia and be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder
- Have a permanent and significant hearing loss supported by clinical evidence from a qualified hearing professional
- Require hearing support to achieve daily goals and maintain independence
- Ensure the required hearing aids or services are not more appropriately funded by another government program, such as the Hearing Services Program (HSP)
An audiologist or NDIS planner can help determine whether hearing aids fit within your NDIS plan and budget. Many participants are surprised to learn that they may be eligible for additional support, such as therapy sessions or specialised accessories, alongside their hearing devices.
How age and eligibility affect hearing funding
Children under 7
Ages 7 to 25
Ages 26 and over
Ages 65 and over
Understanding which pathway applies to you can be complex, which is why speaking with a hearing professional or booking a consultation can save time and avoid delays.
A professional test ensures you get the right support.
Benefits include:
✅ Accurate hearing assessment
✅ Personalised recommendations
✅ Peace of mind about your hearing health
What does NDIS cover for hearing services?
NDIS covers hearing services by funding reasonable and necessary hearing supports, not by providing services or devices directly.
In practical terms, the NDIS may include funding for:
- Hearing aids and hearing equipment, when not more appropriately funded by the Hearing Services Program (HSP)
- Fitting, programming, and follow-up appointments with a hearing professional
- Maintenance, repairs, and replacement of hearing devices when required
- Assistive listening devices and alerting systems related to safety or communication
- Communication supports, such as Auslan interpreting, where relevant
- Capacity-building supports that help participants use hearing devices effectively
The NDIS does not fund diagnostic hearing assessments used to apply for the scheme, as these may be covered by Medicare or the HSP. Funding decisions are based on whether the support is directly related to disability, supports daily functioning, and is not better funded by another government program.
Steps to get NDIS hearing support
Accessing hearing support through the NDIS follows a single, structured pathway that combines eligibility assessment, planning, and ongoing care:
- Check your eligibility by confirming you are under 65 at the time of application, meet Australian residency requirements, and have a permanent or likely permanent hearing disability that impacts daily life.
- Complete a hearing assessment, where an audiologist evaluates your hearing loss and documents its functional impact to support your application.
- Gather supporting evidence, including medical and functional reports from qualified health professionals.
- Submit an NDIS access request through the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA), either online, by phone, or with assistance from a Local Area Coordinator (LAC).
- NDIA review and approval, during which your eligibility and evidence are assessed.
- Planning meeting, where you discuss your goals and identify the hearing supports you need.
- Funding inclusion, with approved hearing supports added to your NDIS plan budget.
- Fitting and follow-up, once funding is approved, hearing aids are fitted and supported through ongoing appointments and care.
Starting with a hearing assessment helps ensure your hearing needs are clearly documented and aligned with the supports requested in your NDIS plan.
NDIS vs. HSP
Public hearing services in Australia are funded through two main pathways:
- HSP funds hearing services for eligible Australian citizens and permanent residents
- NDIS funds hearing supports when HSP services are not available or not sufficient
It is possible to access both systems at the same time, but the same hearing support cannot be funded by both programs.
Key differences between NDIS and HSP
Aspect | HSP | NDIS |
|---|---|---|
| Primary role |
Funds standard hearing services |
Funds disability-related hearing supports |
| Age focus |
Under 26 and eligible adults |
Mainly participants aged 26 and over |
| Type of funding |
Program-based |
Individual, goal-based funding |
| Additional supports |
Limited to program scope |
Can fund supports not covered by HSP |
Funding limitations and considerations
The NDIS has several limitations that participants should be aware of when seeking funding for hearing supports or other services:
- Age restrictions: new applicants must be under 65. People over 65 cannot apply for NDIS funding, although existing participants can continue receiving supports.
- Residency requirements: only Australian citizens, permanent residents, or Protected Special Category Visa holders can access the scheme.
- Scope of funding: the NDIS only funds reasonable and necessary supports that are directly related to a participant’s disability and goals. Supports that are better provided by other government programs, such as the Hearing Services Program (HSP), are not funded.
- Diagnostic assessments: NDIS does not cover diagnostic hearing assessments used to apply for the scheme; these may need to be funded privately, through HSP, or via Medicare.
- Not all hearing devices or services are automatically funded; each item must be justified based on individual functional needs and goals.
- Plan-based funding: NDIS funding is tied to an individual plan and must be used within the approved budget; unexpected costs outside the plan may not be covered.
- Limited availability of providers: while participants can choose from registered providers, access may be constrained in certain regions, affecting timely fitting or follow-up of hearing aids.
These limitations highlight the importance of planning ahead, gathering clinical evidence, and consulting with a hearing professional to ensure all necessary supports are included in your NDIS plan.
Maintenance and Support for NDIS Hearing Aids
Once hearing aids are funded through the NDIS, ongoing maintenance and support are an important part of ensuring they continue to meet your needs. NDIS funding can cover:
- Regular check-ups and adjustments with a qualified audiologist to ensure the devices are programmed correctly and remain effective.
- Repairs and servicing for hearing aids that are damaged or malfunctioning.
- Replacement of lost or irreparably damaged devices, subject to plan approval and evidence of need.
- Assistive listening devices and other supplementary technology, such as vibrating or flashing alert systems, if necessary for communication or safety.
- Capacity-building supports, including training and guidance on using hearing aids effectively in different environments.
It is important to schedule regular follow-ups and communicate any issues promptly with your provider to ensure hearing aids continue to support your daily goals. Some participants may also benefit from co-payments for annual maintenance or device upgrades, which can be included in the NDIS plan if deemed reasonable and necessary.
FAQs about NDIS hearing aids
How long does approval for NDIS hearing aids take?
Can children access NDIS fund for hearing support?
Are hearing aid repairs covered by NDIS?
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