Yes, pensioners in Sydney can get free hearing aids through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program, and NeuroAudiology Australia fits them at our Alexandria, Merrylands, Winston Hills, Campbelltown and Auburn clinics. If you hold a Pensioner Concession Card or an eligible DVA card, your hearing test, a range of hearing aids and your follow-up care can cost you nothing.
Written and reviewed by Mo Helou, Accredited Audiologist (Audiology Australia) and Principal Audiologist. Last reviewed October 2026. We update this page when rules or funding change.
Are you eligible?
You must be an Australian citizen or permanent resident aged 21 or over, and one of these:
- Pensioner Concession Card holder
- DVA Gold Card holder
- DVA White Card holder, where the card covers hearing loss
- A dependant of someone above
- A current member of the Australian Defence Force
- Referred by a Disability Employment Services provider
Not sure? Call us and we will check in a few minutes.
What is free
- A full diagnostic hearing assessment by an audiologist.
- Fully subsidised hearing aids, including rechargeable and Bluetooth models.
- Fitting, fine-tuning and follow-up appointments.
- Annual hearing reviews.
Optional extras you pay for: a low-cost yearly maintenance plan (batteries, servicing and repairs) and top-up hearing aids if you want a higher model.
How we get paid, so you can judge our advice
For fully subsidised hearing aids, the government pays us, not you. If you choose a top-up model, you pay the difference and we earn more. That is exactly why we show you the free option and the top-up option side by side, explain what the extra money actually buys, and let you decide. Plenty of our patients are very happy with the free devices, and we will say so if they suit you.
Free or top-up: what is the real difference?
- Quiet places and one-on-one conversations: free devices usually perform well.
- Busy restaurants, groups and work meetings: premium devices separate speech from noise better.
- Style: the smallest and custom styles are more often in the top-up range.
- Features: some streaming, app and tinnitus features are only on higher models.
How it works with us
- Call or book online. No GP referral needed.
- We check eligibility and lodge your application. We do the paperwork.
- Hearing assessment. We find out exactly what your hearing needs.
- Fitting. Your hearing aids are set for your ears and lifestyle.
- Follow-ups. We keep fine-tuning until you are hearing well.
Our clinics
- Alexandria: 104/35 Doody St, Alexandria NSW 2015
- Merrylands: 333 Merrylands Rd, Merrylands NSW 2160
- Winston Hills: 176 Windsor Road, Winston Hills NSW 2153
- Campbelltown: Suite 14/42 Parkside Cres, Campbelltown NSW 2560
- Auburn: 85 St Hilliers Road, Auburn NSW 2144
Book a subsidised hearing aid appointment or call (02) 8530 7200.
Frequently asked questions
Who qualifies for free hearing aids in Australia?
Australian citizens and permanent residents aged 21 or over who hold a Pensioner Concession Card, a DVA Gold Card, or a DVA White Card covering hearing loss, plus their dependants, Australian Defence Force members and people referred by a Disability Employment Services provider. They can get fully subsidised hearing aids through the Government Hearing Services Program.
Does a pensioner have to pay for a hearing aid?
No, not if you choose one of the fully subsidised models. Your hearing test, fitting, follow-ups and annual review are covered. You only pay if you choose a higher model (a top-up) or join the optional yearly maintenance plan for batteries and repairs.
Are hearing aids covered by Medicare?
No. Medicare does not pay for hearing aids. Eligible pensioners and veterans are covered by the Hearing Services Program instead, and some private health extras policies contribute to hearing aids for everyone else.
Are the free hearing aids any good?
Yes. They are made by the same major manufacturers as the expensive models and suit many people well. Premium models mainly add better performance in noisy places, smaller styles and extra features. We let you compare both honestly.
How do I apply?
Book with an accredited provider such as NeuroAudiology Australia. We check your eligibility, complete the application and lodge it for you. No GP referral is needed.
Where can pensioners get free hearing aids in Sydney?
At any accredited Hearing Services Program provider. NeuroAudiology Australia is accredited, with clinics in Alexandria, Merrylands, Winston Hills, Campbelltown and Auburn.
Sources: Australian Government Hearing Services Program; Hearing Services Program application form, May 2026.
