Hearing aids are life-enhancing devices that can enable those suffering from hearing loss to live comfortably and independently again. But are they included under the NDIS, and are you eligible for them?
Our knowledgeable team explores all there is to know about hearing aids, and whether your hearing devices could be covered under the NDIS, below.
Keep reading to find out more!
What is the NDIS?
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a national government scheme that supports people with disabilities, including hearing problems. The scheme provides individualised funding directly to eligible people, enabling them to live happy and more independent lives.
The National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) works with individuals to create a bespoke NDIS plan with allocated funding. The plan is a written agreement formulated by an NDIS planner who works with you to evaluate how your disability impacts your everyday life and the goals you'd like to achieve.
The goals set out within your personalised plan and the kind of help you require will determine the level of funding you receive. With your allocated funds, you can access general supports, and reasonable and necessary supports using the allowance in your NDIS plan.
Visit our dedicatedNDIS page for further information on the NDIS.
What are hearing aids?
Hearing aids are small electronic devices that amplify sound to help people with hearing loss hear better, enhancing their quality of life. These aids are barely visible and can be worn in one ear or both, either in the ear (ITE) or behind the ear (BTE) depending on the individual's preference and needs.
These helpful supports are made up of three components: a microphone, an amplifier, and a speaker.
The microphone picks up sounds and converts them into electrical signals for the amplifier, which will heighten the volume of the sounds. The speaker will then deliver the amplified sound into the ear canal so the individual can hear it more clearly.
Does the NDIS cover hearing aids?
The NDIS finances hearing support, including hearing aids for NDIS participants aged 26 and over who don't qualify for theHearing Services Program (HSP). To be eligible for NDIS funding, you must:
be an Australian citizen
live in an area where the NDIS is available
have permanent hearing loss
have submitted an application form before turning 65 years of age or older
Am I entitled to hearing aids?
To receive hearing aids through the NDIS, you must have your hearing tested by an audiologist or hearing specialist, who must state in writing that a hearing aid is vital to meet your communication needs. The NDIA will then review the information provided.
If you meet the generic criteria for qualifying for the NDIS, and the NDIA deems your request reasonable to help you reach the goals outlined in your NDIS plan, your funding will cover hearing aids.
What other hearing devices could the NDIS fund?
Depending on your funding and whether you have severe hearing loss, you could also be entitled to further supports that may include:
Assistive listening devices
Mobile phone sensors
Telephones
Video doorbells
Security systems
Smoke alarms
Tinnitus therapy
Loud alarm clocks
The NDIS may fund additional reasonable and necessary hearing supports (which may be from the list above) for younger people under 26 if they are not available through the HSP.
Registered NDIS providers such as ourselves can offer advice on which hearing device/s will best suit your needs and preferences.
Find out more about our bespoke hearing solutions
Here at Hear for Less, we're Australia’s leading NDIS provider for hearing solutions. Operating across all states, our specialist team is here to help you find the most suitable hearing aids for your needs, lifestyle, and budget.
We also offer an extensive range of audiological and hearing services to help improve your daily life.
To contact us about your hearing needs, or to talk to a specialist about NDIS plans or hearing supports, please don't hesitate to call us on+1800 432 736 or drop us a message atsave@hearforless.com.au.
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