If you hold a Pensioner Concession Card or a DVA card and you live in Hurstville or the surrounding St George area, you may be entitled to a fully subsidised hearing assessment at no cost to you. Here is exactly what that appointment covers and how to access it through the Government Hearing Services Program.
Who Is Eligible for a Free Hearing Test in NSW?
The Government Hearing Services Program is open to Australian citizens or permanent residents aged 21 or older who hold a Pensioner Concession Card, a DVA Gold Card, or a DVA White Card issued for a hearing-specific condition. Spouses of cardholders may also qualify. Note: a Commonwealth Seniors Health Card does not meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
Members of the Australian Defence Force (Navy, Army, or Air Force) in continuous full-time service are also eligible. If you are unsure, Telex Hearing Centre can check your eligibility at your first appointment — no GP referral is required to attend.
What the 60-Minute Assessment Covers
The assessment runs for approximately one hour at our Hurstville or Miranda clinic. Our certified audiologists and audiometrists use equipment calibrated within the last 12 months across a soundproof consultation room. The appointment includes:
- Hearing history: A thorough review of your ear health history, lifestyle, and communication concerns — the starting point for an accurate diagnosis.
- Otoscopy: The audiologist inspects the ear canal for blockages, wax build-up, or signs of infection.
- Tympanometry: Tests how well the eardrum and middle ear are functioning.
- Bone conduction testing: Identifies whether hearing loss originates in the outer/middle ear or the inner ear.
- Speech testing: Measures how clearly you can hear and distinguish words at different volumes.
At the end of the session, your clinician will explain your results clearly and, where hearing loss is confirmed, discuss the next steps — which may include access to fully subsidised hearing aids under the program.
What Else Does the Program Cover?
Beyond the free hearing assessment, eligible participants can access: subsidised hearing aids (basic models at no cost, premium models at a partial co-payment), hearing aid batteries at a discounted rate, annual review appointments, and assistive listening devices for everyday situations such as watching television or following group conversations.
Telex Hearing Centre has been accredited to the Government Hearing Services Program and has served pensioner, veteran, and private patients from our Hurstville and Miranda clinics since 1969.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a GP referral to get a free hearing test?
No. Our hearing tests do not require a referral from your GP. You can book directly with our Hurstville or Miranda clinic. A GP referral is only needed for home visits for seniors who cannot travel to the clinic.
Does the program cover hearing aids as well?
Yes. If your assessment shows you would benefit from hearing aids, the program provides access to fully subsidised models at no cost to eligible participants. You can also choose a premium device for a partial contribution.
Can I get a home visit if I cannot travel?
Yes. For eligible seniors in the St George and Sutherland Shire area who cannot come to the clinic, home visits can be arranged within one to two weeks. A GP letter confirming inability to travel is required (not required for nursing home residents). Contact our Hurstville or Miranda clinic for details.
Book Your Free Hearing Test in Hurstville or Miranda
Telex Hearing Centre is an accredited Government Hearing Services Program provider serving Hurstville, Miranda, and the St George and Sutherland Shire community since 1969. Call our Hurstville clinic on (02) 9570 6164 or our Miranda clinic on (02) 9524 5777, or book online. No GP referral needed.