The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing shared a survey with stakeholders on 3 October 2025. Feedback was sought on updates to the requirements of the simplified Hearing Services Program service items. While most information shared remained unchanged from 2024, additional details were provided regarding service provision and maintenance requirements.
The survey was open from 3 to 31 October 2025.
Consultation Outcomes
41 responses were received from hearing health stakeholders, including service providers, professional bodies, industry groups and practitioners.
Program staff collated and reviewed the stakeholder feedback provided, and identified the key themes, concerns and suggestions.
Findings and Analysis
The survey was arranged by service item type and contained questions seeking respondents' feedback on proposed service item requirements and their clarity. Respondents were also able to provide additional comments and suggestions.
Respondents found the draft updates were clear for most services. An overview of the responses by service item and key themes is outlined.
General services
59% of respondents found the general updates clear.
Assessment
71% of respondents reported currently conducting speech in noise testing.
76% reported having access to equipment to conduct speech in noise testing.
There were reports from some respondents that there may be costs associated with introducing speech in noise testing. Concerns were also raised about whether speech in noise testing is appropriate for all clients and sites and that clinical discretion is important.
Clinical sessions
65% of respondents found the updates to clinical sessions clear.
90% respondents indicated that a list of rehabilitation resources would be useful.
45% of respondents indicated that the updated activities would make it easier to provide aural rehabilitation services. 35% were unsure.
Fittings and Follow ups
75% of respondents found the updates to the fitting and follow up clear.
Replacements
73% of respondents found the updates to replacements clear.
Spare devices
90% of respondents found the updates to spare devices clear.
Maintenance
Only 29% of respondents found the updates to maintenance clear. 44%indicated the updates were not clear and 27% were unsure.
There were concerns raised regarding client's ability to accept maintenance agreements usual digital methods and requests to allow acceptance of agreements in the clinic. Respondents wanted to ensure that there would not be increased administration burden and delays in providing maintenance to clients. A clear process for reconciling payments was also flagged.
Revalidated services
64% of respondents found the updates to the requirements for revalidated services clear.
Respondents wanted the revalidation process to be simplified and processing of applications to be timely, to ensure there are no delays in providing services to clients. Some respondents requested that for specific scenarios a refitting should be available without requiring a revalidation.
Program standards
62% of respondents found the updates to the program standards clear and 28% were unsure.
Departmental response
The department thanks all stakeholders who have contributed to the consultation process. Feedback received from the consultation will be used to inform any further updates to the service item requirements.
An updated version of the schedule of service items and fees will be shared with stakeholders following review and incorporation of the feedback.
