DVA Hearing Services for Veterans

We strongly recommend contacting a local DVA Advocate to support your claim. We work closely with advocates from:

• RSL Wide Bay and Burnett District Office, Maryborough Street
• Bundaberg Legacy, Williams Road
• Defence Veterans Drop In Centre, corner of Pitt and May Street
• Advocates across Hervey Bay, Gladstone, Agnes Water and surrounding regions

As part of your claim we provide a comprehensive hearing and tinnitus assessment. Where clinically indicated we prepare a detailed audiology report recommending that hearing loss or tinnitus be accepted as a condition on your DVA White Card. That report goes to your GP for signing, then back to your advocate for submission. While DVA may approve your condition under PAMT (Prior Approval for Medical Treatment), the treatment itself is delivered through the Hearing Services Program, and because the two federal systems do not talk to each other, we forward the right paperwork to the HSP to generate your DVA Hearing Services voucher.

Then the process is much faster. Just visit AIM Hearing Bundaberg and our team will confirm your eligibility, help with the required documentation, and make sure your details are registered through the Hearing Services Program so a DVA Hearing Voucher can be issued. From there we arrange your comprehensive hearing test and begin your personalised rehabilitation plan. We will work with your advocate of choice, and we can even give you a step by step handout so nothing gets missed.

If you have hearing loss accepted as a condition on your DVA White Card or Gold Card, you should not pay out of pocket for clinically appropriate DVA funded hearing aids. The current generation of fully funded devices includes modern features such as Bluetooth connectivity and improved noise management. In some cases basic devices may not suit your situation, for example if you still work and need to perform in background noise, or if reduced hand dexterity means rechargeable aids are a better fit. Where clinically justified we can apply to DVA for higher level or specific technology, with supporting documentation from your GP or specialist. This is an application process and approval is determined by DVA policy.

There is ongoing misinformation suggesting veterans can buy higher level hearing aids privately and then claim the money back from DVA. This is incorrect. DVA does not reimburse privately purchased hearing aids unless they were formally approved through the correct DVA process before fitting. If you privately fund upgraded technology without prior approval, you cannot claim it back afterward. All DVA funded aids and devices must be prescribed, documented and approved under official pathways. We give you clear, accurate advice so you avoid unnecessary out of pocket costs based on bad information.

The DVA Rehabilitation Appliances Program (RAP) provides eligible veterans, war widows and widowers and dependants with approved aids and equipment to live safely and independently. Under RAP, certain hearing related Assistive Listening Devices may be available, including remote and table microphones for speech in background noise, partner microphones for clearer one on one conversations, TV streamers and television listening devices, and devices that support tinnitus management and sound therapy to help with sleep. Our team is experienced with the RAP application process and completes applications on your behalf, making sure they meet clinical justification and program guidelines.