NDIS and Hearing Loss in Adults: Key Points

  • The NDIS and the Commonwealth Hearing Services Program (HSP) are separate systems with defined roles. Adults aged 26 and over who do not qualify for HSP access hearing supports through the NDIS. Those eligible for HSP can also access NDIS for supports the HSP does not cover.
  • The NDIS funds hearing aids, cochlear implant rehabilitation, assistive listening devices, Auslan interpreting (for disability-related purposes), audiology assessments, and communication training.
  • The NDIS does not fund cochlear implant surgery, general audiologist consultations that are a health system responsibility, or mainstream consumer products.
  • You cannot claim the same support from both the NDIS and the HSP. The systems are complementary, not duplicative.
  • Hearing Australia is a registered NDIS provider and a practical first point of contact for adults navigating hearing loss supports.

Two Systems, One Goal

Adults with hearing loss in Australia can access support through two main government programs: the NDIS and the Commonwealth Hearing Services Program (HSP). Many people do not know how these programs relate to each other, which one applies to their situation, or what happens when both are potentially relevant.

Getting the answer wrong leads to either missed funding or ineligible claims. This guide explains how each program works, where one ends and the other begins, and what the NDIS specifically funds for adults with hearing loss.

The Hearing Services Program (HSP): What It Is and Who It Covers

The Hearing Services Program is a Commonwealth government program administered through the Department of Health and Ageing. It provides subsidised hearing services including assessment and, where eligible, hearing devices.

HSP covers:

  • Adults who hold a Pensioner Concession Card, DVA Gold or White Card, or certain other concession cards.
  • Adults aged under 26 (referred to as the “voucher” component for younger adults).
  • Adults who meet other specific eligibility criteria.

HSP provides:

  • Hearing assessments by an accredited audiologist.
  • Subsidised hearing devices from an approved device list.
  • Follow-up services and hearing rehabilitation.

Key limitation of HSP: The HSP device list covers a range of hearing aids but not all devices or AT relevant to hearing loss. It does not cover Auslan interpreting, most assistive listening devices beyond basic hearing aids, or the broader functional supports needed to participate in daily life with significant hearing loss.

The NDIS and Hearing Loss: Who Is Eligible

To access the NDIS for hearing loss supports, a person must meet the general NDIS eligibility criteria:

  • Be aged under 65 at the time of application.
  • Be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Special Category Visa holder.
  • Have a permanent hearing impairment that substantially reduces functional capacity in areas such as communication, social interaction, learning, mobility, self-care, self-management, or economic participation.

The permanence requirement is key. Hearing loss caused by a temporary condition (such as an ear infection) does not qualify. Permanent sensorineural hearing loss or permanent conductive hearing loss that cannot be corrected medically are the types of conditions that typically meet the criteria.

Adults aged 26 and over

Adults aged 26 and over with permanent significant hearing loss who are not eligible for the HSP (because they do not hold a qualifying concession card) access hearing supports through the NDIS. For this group, the NDIS is the primary funding pathway for hearing devices and related supports.

Adults eligible for both HSP and NDIS

Adults who are eligible for HSP and also have NDIS funding can access both programs simultaneously, but not for the same support at the same time. The NDIS funds supports that the HSP does not provide. For example, if the HSP provides a standard hearing aid, the NDIS may fund additional assistive listening devices that are not on the HSP device list, or Auslan interpreting for disability-related activities.

What the NDIS Funds for Hearing Loss

Hearing aids and hearing devices

For adults not eligible for the HSP, the NDIS can fund hearing aids where they are assessed as reasonable and necessary. The funding covers devices appropriate to the participant’s level of hearing loss and daily needs, not necessarily the most expensive model available.

The NDIS does not prescribe specific devices. An audiologist assessment determines what type and level of device is appropriate. The NDIS may fund mid-range to higher-specification devices where the person’s functional needs and daily activities justify them.

For HSP-eligible participants, the NDIS may fund a device upgrade or a different device not available on the HSP list if the HSP device does not adequately meet the participant’s functional needs, supported by audiologist recommendation.

Cochlear implant rehabilitation (not surgery)

Cochlear implant surgery is a medical procedure funded through Medicare and the public hospital system. The NDIS does not fund the surgery itself.

However, once a person has a cochlear implant, significant ongoing support is associated with living with the device. The NDIS can fund:

  • Auditory verbal therapy and rehabilitation: Post-implant rehabilitation helps participants learn to interpret sound through the implant. This is a specialised therapy process, particularly important for adults who have lost hearing after developing spoken language.
  • Speech processor upgrades: The external speech processor component of a cochlear implant has a lifespan and requires periodic upgrade. The NDIS may fund processor upgrades where the upgrade is necessary for the participant to maintain adequate hearing function.
  • Replacement parts and accessories: Batteries, coils, cables, and other components that wear or require replacement.
  • Mapping and programming: Audiologist appointments specifically for programming and adjusting the cochlear implant processor, where these are not covered by the implant manufacturer’s program or another funding source.

Assistive listening devices

Beyond hearing aids, many people with hearing loss benefit from assistive listening devices that address specific situations where a standard hearing aid is not sufficient. The NDIS funds assistive listening devices not provided through the HSP. These include:

  • Alerting and warning devices: Flashing or vibrating versions of smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, doorbells, alarm clocks, and baby monitors. These are safety-relevant supports.
  • Captioned telephone services: Telephones with real-time captioning of spoken conversation for people who cannot follow phone calls with hearing aids alone.
  • FM systems: Systems that wirelessly transmit audio directly to a hearing aid or cochlear implant processor, reducing the impact of background noise in specific settings such as classrooms or meeting rooms.
  • Loop systems: Hearing loop setups for the home that transmit audio from televisions or entertainment systems directly to compatible hearing devices.
  • Television amplification devices: Personal sound amplifiers or wireless headphone systems for television viewing.

Items under the low-cost AT threshold of $1,500 can generally be purchased without a formal quote or pre-approval. Higher-cost items require an AT assessment.

Auslan interpreting

Auslan (Australian Sign Language) is the primary language of many Australians who are Deaf or have significant hearing loss. The NDIS funds Auslan interpreting for activities directly related to the participant’s disability supports, including:

  • NDIS planning meetings and reviews.
  • Medical appointments related to the hearing loss or associated disability.
  • Community participation activities funded through the NDIS.
  • Support coordination meetings and provider appointments.

The NDIS does not fund Auslan interpreting for general purposes unrelated to disability supports. Work-related interpreting is generally an employer obligation under workplace accommodation requirements. General medical appointments (not related to the hearing impairment) are not funded by the NDIS.

Audiology and hearing assessments

Audiologist assessments that are specifically for NDIS planning purposes, AT assessment, or functional assessment of the hearing impairment can be funded under Capacity Building supports. This is distinct from general diagnostic audiology, which is a health system function funded through Medicare.

Where an audiologist assessment is both clinically necessary and required for NDIS AT or planning purposes, the NDIS and Medicare may share responsibility. Discuss this with your audiologist and plan manager.

Communication therapy and training

For participants whose hearing loss significantly affects communication, the NDIS can fund:

  • Speech pathology: Assessment and therapy to address communication difficulties arising from hearing loss. This may include spoken language rehabilitation, auditory training, and communication strategy development.
  • Cued speech or other communication method training: Instruction in alternative communication approaches.
  • Communication skill building programs: Group or individual programs focused on developing practical communication strategies for daily life with hearing loss.

Community participation and social supports

Hearing loss can significantly affect social participation, particularly in group settings or environments with background noise. The NDIS can fund:

  • Support workers who assist with communication facilitation in community settings.
  • Participation in deaf community and hard of hearing social groups.
  • Access to deaf culture and community programs.

What the NDIS Does Not Fund for Hearing Loss

Understanding the boundaries reduces wasted time and avoidable disputes.

The NDIS does not fund:

  • Cochlear implant surgery or initial device implantation: This is a medical procedure funded by Medicare and public hospitals.
  • General audiologist consultations: Routine hearing checks and general diagnostic audiology are a health system function, not an NDIS support.
  • Hearing supports the HSP provides: If the HSP is funding a support, the NDIS cannot fund the same support.
  • Consumer electronics used for general purposes: Standard headphones, mainstream televisions, or smartphones are not funded, even if the participant uses accessibility features.
  • Hearing aids for hearing loss that is not permanent: Temporary hearing loss does not meet NDIS eligibility criteria.
  • Auslan interpreting for employment: Workplace interpreting is generally an employer reasonable adjustment obligation, not an NDIS responsibility.

Step 1: Establish which systems apply to you

Check HSP eligibility first. If you hold a Pensioner Concession Card, DVA card, or other qualifying card, you are likely HSP-eligible. Hearing Australia can confirm your eligibility.

If you are under 65 with permanent significant hearing loss and limited or no HSP eligibility, the NDIS is the primary pathway.

Step 2: Get an audiologist report

For NDIS access or plan review purposes, you need a report from an audiologist documenting the permanent nature of the hearing loss, the degree of loss (in decibels across frequencies), and the functional impact on communication and daily life. The report should also recommend specific supports.

Step 3: For existing NDIS participants with unmet hearing needs

If you are already an NDIS participant but your current plan does not include hearing supports, raise this at your next plan review. Bring the audiologist report and, where relevant, an AT assessment recommending specific devices or supports. If the gap is significant, you can request an unscheduled plan review rather than waiting for the annual review.

Step 4: Contact a registered hearing provider

Hearing Australia is a registered NDIS provider with specific experience in hearing loss supports. They can assist with audiological assessments for NDIS purposes, AT recommendations, and navigating the HSP and NDIS boundary questions.

Key External Resources

MD Home Care connects NDIS participants with providers experienced in supporting people with hearing loss. Find a provider who understands the funding pathways and can help you access the full range of supports available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the NDIS fund hearing aids for adults? Yes, for adults aged 26 and over who are not HSP-eligible, the NDIS is the primary funding pathway for hearing devices. HSP-eligible adults can also access NDIS for supports the HSP does not provide.

What is the HSP and how does it interact with NDIS? The HSP provides subsidised hearing services to eligible Australians including concession card holders. You can access both programs simultaneously but cannot claim the same support from both. The NDIS covers what HSP does not.

Does the NDIS cover cochlear implant surgery? No. Surgery is funded by Medicare and public hospitals. The NDIS funds post-implant rehabilitation, speech processor upgrades, replacement parts, and related disability supports.

Can the NDIS fund Auslan? Yes, for disability-related activities including NDIS meetings, disability-related medical appointments, and funded community participation. Not for general life activities, employment interpreting, or general medical appointments.

What assistive listening devices does the NDIS fund? Flashing and vibrating alerting devices, captioning phones, FM systems, loop systems, and television amplification devices, where not provided by HSP. Items under $1,500 can be purchased without a formal quote.

How do I get hearing supports into my plan? Obtain an audiologist report documenting the permanent nature and functional impact of your hearing loss, then raise the need at your plan review with supporting documentation. Hearing Australia can assist with this process.