Hearing Aid Bank
Hearing Matters Australia and Macquarie University in Sydney have established a Hearing Aid Bank to help low-income people access hearing devices.
HMA collects hearing devices that are no longer in use and sends these devices to the Hearing and Speech Clinic at Macquarie University, where they are checked and reprogrammed at a minimal cost.
The scheme assists those who meet eligibility criteria set by HMA.
5 steps to access the hearing aid bank
1. Candidates apply to HMA. To be eligible, you must:
- Hold a Health Care Card (excluding Seniors Health Care Card) and/or be a low-income earner (a statement of income from an employer is required)
- Provide a copy of a recent audiogram obtained from an audiologist (no more than six months old)
- Have a referral letter from a medical practitioner
- Provide your contact details to HMA - including an email address, postal address and telephone number
- Pay a nonrefundable $45 fee that serves both as the application fee for the Hearing Aid Bank, and to join HMA
- If not already an HMA member, you will be added to the HMA membership
2. HMA forwards your documentation to the Hearing and Speech Clinic at Macquarie University, or other participating audiology clinic if you are living outside of the Sydney NSw area, so that an initial appointment can be arranged.
3. At the initial assessment, an audiologist will assess your hearing and functional needs, and take necessary steps to select and fit one or two appropriate hearing devices. This may involve obtaining an impression of one or both ears for earmolds. The audiologist will provide a suitable hearing device from the bank of donated hearing aids. The device is fitted at a second appointment.
4. At the fitting appointment, the audiologist will set up the hearing aid or aids to suit your individual needs. They will explain the management and upkeep of the hearing device to you and discuss your expectations and some communication strategies that you can employ to help you gain the best outcome from your devices.
5. You will be able to arrange follow up appointments with the audiologist, as required.
Additional information
- Where a single hearing aid is provided to you, the charge will be $300. This fee includes the cost of the assessment, fitting of the device and any earmold that is required. Replacement earmolds incur additional fees.
- If the audiologist prescribes a second hearing aid, this can be arranged for an additional fee of $100.
- After the initial assessment, device fitting and follow up appointments, further consultations and repairs may be charged for at rates set by the clinic.
- Hearing aids that are damaged beyond repair may require reapplication to HMA, in which case a further fee of $300 may apply.
How do I apply?
Applications can be made to:
HMA Head Office
Ground Floor Suite 600, The Australian Hearing Hub,
16 University Ave,
Macquarie University, NSW, 2109
Email : admin@hearingmattersaustralia.org
Tel : ( 02 ) 9878 6089
Donating hearing aids?
Post hearing aids to HMA – including your name and address so that HMA can acknowledge your donation.
For lawyers or Executors of a will
Hearing aids can be donated to the Hearing Matters Australia Hearing Aid Bank as part of a will.
For Audiologists
Please send donations of usable hearing aids to HMA.
Contact HMA to participate in the scheme by providing clinical services to those eligible for the Hearing Aid Bank.