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 a demonstrated clinical 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 providing 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.

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 in most areas of Queensland.

BHA Brisbane will refer you to the most convenient clinic to 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
Sarina
Springfield Lakes
Toowoomba
Townsville (Condon, Hermit Park)
Waterford West
Woolloongabba
Wynnum

After your fitting, should you wish, you can continue to see your chosen clinic for ongoing care and services (fees may apply).

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.

Monaural (one ear) fitting: $395
Binaural (two ears) fitting: $550

What’s included in the fee?

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

Rehabilitative assessment includes full case history, otoscopy, pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry and tympanometry. Other tests if required.
Referral to other specialists, e.g. ENT where appropriate.
Hearing aid fitting and verification, rehabilitation, report for licencing (if required).
High-quality Better Hearing Australia Hearing Access Program stock or refurbished hearing aid/s, including full service, cleaning and sterilisation, new receivers/tubes, and housing change where applicable. Additional costs may be incurred for custom earmolds where required.
1 x packet of batteries.
30-day $150 per hearing aid money-back satisfaction guarantee.
Ongoing hearing loss support and advice from the BHA team.

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