Hearing Access Program

Low-cost hearing aid access for people in need

The BHA Hearing Access Program provides access to low-cost hearing devices and support for people in need.

Better Hearing Australia (Brisbane) developed the Hearing Access Program to help those who may be unable to access hearing aids and support through other channels.

Participants should hold a Health Care Card and show a need for hearing loss treatment to participate in the program.

Need access to hearing aids but can’t afford them?

In Australia, we have access to funding for hearing aids through several different avenues, including the Hearing Services Program and the NDIS.

While many in the community will be covered, some people in need of hearing loss support fall outside the eligibility criteria set for these programs.

That’s why BHA Brisbane established the Hearing Access Program, which provides hearing access for those not eligible for funded government or other programs.

BHA will continue to lobby for increased funding and broader eligibility criteria for government-funded programs to ensure as many Australians as possible are covered.

What is the Hearing Access Program?

The BHA Hearing Access Program is a scheme that provides modern, stock or refurbished hearing aids at a low cost to those eligible for the program.

If you want to help the program, you can donate your unused or unwanted hearing aids today!

Am I eligible for the program?

BHA has kept the eligibility criteria for the Hearing Access Program as accessible as possible.

Rather than setting a specific hearing loss level, the BHA Hearing Access Program only requires a demonstrated clinical need for hearing loss treatment.

Potential participants should also be the holders of a Government-issued Health Care card.

What will I be fitted with?

Of the devices we receive, only high-quality, modern aids are deemed suitable to be refitted.

The audiologist will fit you with the best available aids to treat your specific hearing loss.

The BHA Hearing Access Program will fit hearing aids to one or two ears as required.

What are the costs?

Costs have been kept as low as possible to ensure as many people can access the program.

The program receives no government funding, and the fees charged help cover some of the costs associated with the audiologist’s time and service delivery.

For comparison, some of the lowest fitting prices we can find from retail audiology clinics start at $1,495 a pair.

Our HAP fees are effectively less than half of new device fees.

Initial Assessment: $100
Fitting Appointment: $400/one ear or $550/two ears
Follow Up Appointment: $0

Additional charges for moulds or extra services or appointments following this is at the discretion of the audiologist. A Medicare rebate may be available for part of the Initial Assessment Fee if you have a GP referral.

What’s included in the fee?

The BHA Hearing Access Program includes comprehensive services with fully qualified partner audiologists.

Initial rehabilitative assessment.
Hearing aid(s), including fitting and verification, rehabilitation, and report for licencing (if required).
1 x packet of batteries.
30-day $150 per hearing aid money-back satisfaction guarantee.
Referral to specialists where appropriate, e.g. ENT.
Follow-up Appointment to check fitting and make any required adjustments.

Additional charges for moulds or extra services or appointments following this are at the Audiologist’s discretion.

Post-fitting care and success

BHA can offer a range of post-fitting support and services to ensure the best outcome for your hearing loss.

Where can I access the program?

You should make initial enquiries to Better Hearing Australia Brisbane.

We have fully qualified partner audiologists throughout Brisbane and most areas of Queensland.

BHA Brisbane will refer you to the most convenient clinic for you.

We currently partner with the following independent audiologists:

The partners provide HAP services in the following locations:

Ayr
Barcaldine
Bowen
Bribie Island
Brisbane (Carindale, Carseldine, Clayfield, Loganholme, Spring Hill, Sunnybank Hills)
Caboolture
Calamvale
Charleville
Charters Towers
Chermside
Clermont
Collinsville
Emerald
Gladstone
Gold Coast (Hope Island)
Hughenden
Ingham
Ipswich (Booval)
Jindalee
Kippa-Ring
Longreach
Mackay
Mitchell
Mt Isa
Oxley
Palm Island
Proserpine
Rochedale South
Quilpie
Richmond
Roma
Springwood
Sarina
Springfield Lakes
Sumner
Toowoomba
Townsville (Condon, Hermit Park)
Waterford West
Woolloongabba
Wynnum