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DVA FACTS
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Health Care
Hearing Services
Purpose
This fact sheet outlines the arrangements for hearing services for
eligible members of the veteran community.
These arrangements include rehabilitation and, where necessary, the
fitting of a free hearing aid/device which meets the members’ individual
clinical needs.
What are hearing services?
Hearing Services consist of hearing assessments, management and hearing rehabilitation, including the fitting of hearing devices where needed.
DVA’s Hearing Arrangements
All hearing aids are provided, and paid for, by the Office of Hearing
Services (OHS) which comes under the Australian Government Department of Health
and Ageing.
DVA links into the OHS Program and, therefore, does not pay for hearing
aids. DVA only pays for maintenance and
batteries of hearing aids for Gold Card holders, as well as White Card holders
who have a hearing related accepted disability.
DVA Audiologist
DVA has engaged an audiologist to assist veterans with complex hearing issues. If veterans have any concerns regarding their
hearing requirements they can call 1800 637 816 and speak to an
officer who can assist them with their enquiry or, otherwise, refer them onto
the DVA audiologist where necessary.
Free of Charge Hearing Aids are provided to meet your clinical need
Under the hearing arrangements, there is an extensive range of high
quality hearing aids with many features to meet clinical need. These hearing aids are from what is known as
the “free to client” range. This
wide range of “free to client” hearing aids are high quality digital aids that
include both in the ear and behind the ear styles. It is anticipated that hearing aids from this
range will meet the individual clinical needs of veterans.
The special features included in
the hearing aid provided to a veteran, depend upon the veteran’s individual
clinical needs and will be decided in discussion with the veteran’s OHS hearing
services provider.
Special Requirements
If veterans have special clinical requirements their hearing services
provider will liaise with the OHS to ensure they are provided with a hearing
aid, free of charge, which meets these requirements.
Top Up Hearing Aids
“Top up” hearing aids have additional features but are not
essential to meet clinical needs. For
example, directional microphones are available in behind the ear free
to client hearing aids. However, if a
veteran wants a directional microphone in a smaller hearing device (an in the
ear or in the canal hearing aid) he/she would need to select a “top up”
hearing aid.
If veterans choose “top up” hearing aids they will be required to
pay the difference in cost between a suitable aid deemed clinically necessary
from the “free to client” range, and the “top up” aid chosen. Neither DVA nor the OHS can reimburse the
cost of hearing aids chosen from the “top up” range.
In Summary
There
is no cost to a veteran for a hearing aid that is assessed as meeting clinical
need.
1.
The only reason a
veteran would make a co-payment for their hearing aid is where they make the
decision that they want a “top up” hearing aid with additional features
that are above and beyond what is required to meet their assessed clinical
need.
2.
If a veteran is
unhappy or uncomfortable with the outcome of a visit to a hearing aid provider,
they should contact 1800 637 816 and speak to an officer who can
assist them with their hearing concerns or, otherwise, refer them onto the DVA
audiologist.
Clinical need
Clinical hearing need is identified from a thorough comprehensive
assessment of a veteran’s hearing. It
takes into account:
·
hearing
test results (severity and configuration of loss);
·
the
nature and extent of communication difficulties and usual environments;
·
the
shape, size and health of ears;
·
physical
co-ordination;
·
other
physical conditions eg. blindness, mental and physical ability to manage
different device styles; and
·
capabilities
of proven hearing aid technology.
Clinical hearing needs shape a veteran’s individual rehabilitation
plan. This plan incorporates a set of realistic negotiated goals for a person,
as well as appropriate advice and counselling.
Such plans also include the prescription, selection and fitting of
suitable hearing devices if required.
This rehabilitation package aims to provide a quality hearing
outcome.
Who is eligible?
Gold Card Holders – People who have a Repatriation
Health Card for all conditions are eligible for treatment of hearing problems
where their doctor considers such treatment to be clinically necessary. Hearing aids are provided under the
Australian Government Hearing Services Program at no cost. DVA will pay the annual maintenance fee for
any hearing aid/s that are provided under this Program. This Program does not include top up devices.
White Card
Holders – People who have a Repatriation Health Card for specific conditions,
and have either an accepted disability that relates to hearing loss, or if
their need for hearing services is due to the effects of malignant cancer, are
eligible for treatment of hearing problems where their doctor considers such
treatment to be clinically necessary.
DVA will pay the standard annual maintenance fee for any hearing aid/s
that are provided under this Program.
This Program does not include
top up devices.
Pensioner Concession Card
or Dependant
of a veteran – If a person has a Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) or is a
Dependant of an eligible veteran, they can also access the Australian
Government Hearing Services Program at no cost.
However, DVA does not pay the annual maintenance fee for any hearing
aid/s that are provided under this arrangement.
How do I access Hearing Services?
All DVA clients who require hearing services are referred directly to
the OHS by their Local Medical Officer (a general practitioner registered with
DVA). The LMO can arrange for a hearing
assessment by completing a form for Application
for Hearing Services and submitting it to the OHS. The OHS will process the application and
issue eligible beneficiaries with a voucher to obtain hearing services as well
as a Directory of Service Providers.
The Directory of Service Providers contains more than 200 accredited
providers who will accept the voucher and provide a hearing assessment free of
charge. If the OHS hearing services
provider ascertains that a hearing aid is necessary, a free aid that meets a
veterans clinical need will be provided.
The veteran will also be provided with the support necessary to operate
the hearing aid. DVA will also pay for
the annual maintenance fee and batteries associated with these hearing aids for
all Gold Card holders, and for those White Card holders who have an accepted
disability associated with hearing loss.
Veterans and their services provider
It is important that veterans liaise closely with their hearing
services providers at all times in order to ensure that the hearing aids
provided meet their clinical need. If
the veteran is dissatisfied, or is experiencing difficulties with their hearing
aid/device, they should go back to their hearing services provider to discuss
their concerns. It may be that their
hearing requirements have changed and need re assessing or that their
current hearing aids/device needs adjusting or re fitting.
Tinnitus
Veterans, who have concerns pertaining to both tinnitus and hearing
loss, are encouraged to discuss these concerns with their OHS hearing services
provider in order to reach a satisfactory solution.
In situations where an eligible veteran suffers from tinnitus only
their doctor or audiologist may prescribe a device known as a tinnitus
masker. If prescribed, a tinnitus masker
can be provided under DVA’s Rehabilitation Appliances Program following a
successful trial of the device. Also, a
veteran’s doctor or audiologist can refer a veteran for tinnitus management if
necessary.
DVA does not currently pay
private audiologists for tinnitus retraining or management programs, such as
Neuromonics or Tinnitus Retraining Therapy.
For
Further Information You May Refer To The Hearing Services Frequently Asked Questions
Information Sheet Below. *
Questions and Answers
Q -
What are Hearing Services?
A – Hearing
Services are hearing assessments, management and hearing rehabilitation,
including the fitting of hearing devices where needed.
Q –
Who is eligible to receive Hearing Services?
A – If you have a Gold Card you are eligible for
treatment of your hearing problems to meet your clinical need that your doctor
considers clinically necessary.
If you have a White Card and an accepted disability that pertains to hearing
loss, or if your need for hearing services is due to the effects of malignant
cancer, you are eligible for treatment of your hearing problems that your
doctor considers clinically necessary.
If you have a Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) or are a Dependant of an eligible veteran you also have access to the
Australian Government Hearing Services Program.
Q - What is the Australian Government Hearing
Services Program?
A – The Australian
Government Hearing Services Program is a program that provides hearing
assessments, and hearing aids to people who are eligible.
Q -
What is the Office of Hearing Services (OHS)?
A – The OHS is the
government agency within the Department of Health & Ageing that is
responsible for the Australian Government Hearing Services Program. DVA links into this program.
Q –
How do I access Hearing Services?
A – If you require
hearing services your Local Medical Officer (a general practitioner registered
with DVA) will refer you directly to the OHS.
Your doctor can arrange for you to be assessed for hearing services by
completing a form for Application for
Hearing Services and submitting it to the OHS. The OHS will process the application under
the Australian Government Hearing Services Program and, if eligible, issue you with
a voucher, to obtain hearing services, and a Service Provider Directory.
Q –
What do I do next to access the hearing services once I have received the
Voucher and Service Provider Directory from the OHS?
A – You can then
choose whichever OHS Hearing Services Provider, from the Directory, you would
like to go to, then make an appointment with the Provider of your choice, and
take along the Voucher with you to have your hearing requirements assessed in
order to meet your clinical need.
Q –
What is Clinical Need?
A -
Clinical Need
Clinical hearing need is identified from a
thorough comprehensive assessment of a veteran’s hearing. It takes into account:
·
hearing test results (severity and configuration of
loss);
·
the nature and extent of communication difficulties
and usual environments;
·
the shape, size and health of ears;
·
physical co-ordination;
·
other physical conditions eg. blindness, mental and
physical ability to manage different device styles; and
·
capabilities of proven hearing aid technology.
Clinical hearing needs shape a veteran’s
individual rehabilitation plan. This plan incorporates a set of realistic
negotiated goals for a person, as well as appropriate advice and
counselling. Such plans also include the
prescription, selection and fitting of suitable hearing devices if
required. This rehabilitation package
aims to provide a quality hearing outcome.
Q –
Do I need to pay for Hearing Aids?
A – “Free to Client” Range. You do not need to pay for hearing aids to
meet your clinical need. If your OHS
Hearing Services Provider ascertains that you require a hearing aid to meet
your clinical needs, a high quality hearing aid will be provided to you free of
charge. These aids are from the
“free to client” range and include both in the ear and behind the ear
styles with a number of technological features.
The special features included in a hearing aid will depend upon your
clinical needs and will be decided in discussion with your OHS hearing services
provider.
Q
-What If I Have Special Requirements That Cannot Be Met By a
“Free to Client” Hearing Aid?
A - If you have
special clinical requirements that cannot be met by a
“free to client” hearing aid your hearing services provider will
liaise with the OHS to ensure you are provided with a hearing aid/device, free
of charge, that meets your special requirements.
Q –
Will I be required to make a co-payment for a hearing aid at all?
A – No, you will
not be required to make a co-payment for a hearing aid that meets your clinical
need. At your hearing appointment,
however, the OHS hearing services provider may also show you hearing aids
beyond those necessary to meet your clinical needs. These hearing aids are known as the
“top up” range of hearing aids.
Unlike a hearing aid from the “free to client”
range that meets clinical need, the features available in a “top up”
device are not necessary for a successful rehabilitation outcome, though they
may provide additional benefits.
It is important to note that DVA will only
pay for devices according to clinical need.
These devices can be generally sourced from the
“free to client” range. Where
a veteran chooses a hearing device that is not from the “free to client”
range (ie from the “top up” range), it is the responsibility of the
veteran to pay the difference in cost between the “free to client”
device and his/her preferred choice from the “top up” range. Neither DVA nor the OHS can provide financial
assistance with the purchase of “top up” hearing aids.
You must also remember that you are under no
obligation whatsoever to purchase a “top up” hearing aid but, if you wish
to do so, the cost of entering into a “top up” arrangement is a matter for
negotiation between you and your hearing services provider.
It is also important to note that if you do
choose to purchase a hearing aid from the “top up” range and are
subsequently unhappy with it and return it to the provider, you could be
charged a small fee. You should check
this with your OHS hearing services provider.
In Summary
If a hearing aid from the “free to client” range meets a veteran’s
clinical need there is no cost to the veteran.
If a veteran has special clinical requirements that cannot be met by a
“free to client” hearing aid his/her hearing services provider will
liaise with the OHS to ensure that the veteran is provided with a hearing
aid/device, free of charge, that meets these special clinical requirements.
Please note there should be no
cost to a veteran for a hearing aid that is assessed as meeting clinical
need.
The only reason a veteran would make a contribution towards the cost of
a hearing aid is where the veteran chooses to purchase a hearing aid with
additional features above and beyond what is necessary to meet his/her assessed
clinical need. In this situation,
neither DVA nor the OHS can reimburse the cost of a “top up” hearing
aid/device.
If a veteran has any concerns following an appointment to a hearing
services provider, he/she should ring 1800 637 816 to have these
concerns addressed. Where necessary, the
veteran will be put through to the DVA Audiologist who can assist them with
more complex concerns.
Q – Do I need to pay for any
maintenance or batteries for my Hearing Aids?
A – DVA pays for the annual maintenance and
batteries of your hearing aids provided to you under the program if you have a Gold Card. DVA also pays for this if you have a White Card for a hearing related
disability. If you have a Pensioner Concession Card (PCC), or are
a Dependant of an eligible veteran,
DVA does not pay the annual maintenance fee for any hearing aid/s that you are
provided with under the Program.
Q – What if I have problems
with the hearing aids I have been fitted with?
A – If you have any problems at all with your
hearing aids it is best that you go back to your OHS hearing services provider,
as soon as possible, to have your hearing requirements re-assessed, as well as
your hearing aids/equipment adjusted if necessary.
It is important that you liaise closely with your hearing services
provider to ensure that the hearing aids provided to you meet your clinical
needs and, thus, provide you with a suitable rehabilitation outcome.
Q - What happens if I also have
Tinnitus?
A – If you have concerns which pertain to both
tinnitus and hearing loss, you are encouraged to contact your OHS hearing
services provider to discuss these concerns in order to reach a satisfactory
solution.
If you happen to suffer from tinnitus only your doctor or audiologist
may prescribe a device known as a tinnitus masker. If prescribed, a tinnitus masker can be
provided under DVA’s Rehabilitation Appliances Program following a successful
trial of the device. Your doctor or
audiologist can also refer you for tinnitus management if necessary.
DVA does not currently pay private audiologists for tinnitus retraining
or management programs, such as Neuromonics or Tinnitus Retraining
Therapy.
Other fact sheets
Other fact sheets related to this topic include:
·
Index – Health Services for Veterans: DVA 13
·
Using the Repatriation Health Card - For All Conditions
(Gold): HSV 60
·
Repatriation Health Card - For Specific Conditions
(White): HSV 61
·
·
Other Commonwealth and Allied Veterans (excluding
·
Community Transport:
HSV 123
·
Private Car, Bus, Train, Tram and Ferry Travel: HSV 124
·
Taxi and Air Travel:
HSV 125
More information
All DVA fact sheets are available on request from any DVA office or on the DVA web site at www.dva.gov.au/factsheets/default.htm.
If you need more information about this topic, contact your nearest DVA office or visit the DVA web site at www.dva.gov.au.
DVA telephone
numbers:
|
General Enquiries |
133 254 |
|
Non-metropolitan Callers |
1800 555 254 |
|
Dialling from interstate |
1300 13 1945 |
|
Local Veterans’ Affairs Network (VAN) offices |
1300 55 1918 |
Note: *If you use a mobile phone, calls may be more costly. You are advised to use a normal phone (i.e. a landline phone) when ringing these numbers.
You can also contact OHS about hearing aids on free call number 1800 500 726. Users of TTY equipment should call 1800 500 496.