Are hearing tests free in Australia? HSP, screenings and what they cost

Are hearing tests free in Australia? HSP, screenings and what they cost

Sometimes — it depends on which test, and on your eligibility. Free hearing screenings are widely available, and eligible pensioners and DVA card holders may access subsidised hearing tests through the government's Hearing Services Program. Private comprehensive assessments carry a fee. The key is knowing which of the three pathways fits you — and the difference between a free screening and a full hearing assessment.

Is a free hearing check the same as a full hearing assessment?

No — and this is the distinction that matters most. A free hearing check or screening takes 5 to 15 minutes and gives a pass/refer indication: it tells you whether your hearing might need attention. A comprehensive hearing assessment takes 60 to 90 minutes and includes otoscopy, pure tone audiometry in a sound-treated booth, speech testing and middle ear checks — producing an audiogram and an actual answer. Screenings are a useful first step. They are not a diagnosis, and a "pass" on a quick screen can still miss the early high-frequency loss that makes conversation hard work in noise.

Who gets subsidised hearing tests under the Hearing Services Program?

The Australian Government Hearing Services Program (HSP) provides subsidised hearing services — including hearing assessments and hearing aids — to eligible people. Eligibility generally includes Pensioner Concession Card holders and DVA Gold or White Card holders (for accepted conditions), among other categories. A Commonwealth Seniors Health Card on its own does not qualify. Eligibility criteria apply and are set by the program, not by clinics; you can check yours at hearingservices.gov.au or ask any accredited provider to check electronically.

What does a private hearing assessment cost in Australia?

Fees vary by clinic and by how much testing is included, so ask two questions when booking: what tests are included, and is the results consultation part of the appointment? A thorough assessment includes otoscopy, pure tone audiometry, speech testing and tympanometry, with your results explained on the day. At Hearingcare in Caloundra, Queensland, we publish our fees — inclusive of GST — when you book and explain exactly what is included — and appointments are unhurried, because the conversation about your results is the point of the visit.

"My advice is simple: never make a decision about your hearing from a five-minute screen. A full assessment tells you what is actually happening, and what — if anything — to do about it," says Linda Whittaker, Qualified Audiometrist at Hearingcare in Caloundra.

If you want certainty rather than an indication, book a comprehensive hearing assessment at our Bulcock Street clinic — serving Golden Beach and the Sunshine Coast. No referral is needed, and we can help you check your Hearing Services Program eligibility before you book.

The information on this page is general in nature, and hearing outcomes, results and experiences vary from person to person. It is not a substitute for professional advice about your individual hearing health. Eligibility criteria apply to government programs, such as the Hearing Services Program. For advice specific to you, book an appointment with our Qualified Audiometrist.

Last reviewed July 2026 by Linda Whittaker, Qualified Audiometrist.

Take the next step

If anything in this guide reflects your own situation, a comprehensive hearing assessment is the most reliable next step. At Hearing Care on the Sunshine Coast, Linda Whittaker — a Senior Clinical Audiometrist with over 20 years of experience and ACAud accreditation — provides unhurried, individualised hearing care in a supportive environment.

We see clients from Caloundra, Maroochydore, Mooloolaba, Buderim, Noosa and across the wider Sunshine Coast region. Eligible patients can access fully funded hearing services through the Australian Government's Hearing Services Program.

Individual results vary. Professional hearing assessment is required to determine the most appropriate management approach for your specific situation.