In October 2025, Audiology Australia provided a submission to the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing on the Hearing Services Program (HSP) Simplification Survey.
Please check back on this page for further updates.
About the survey
The HSP Simplification Survey, developed by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, sought feedback on proposed updates to the requirements of the HSP service items, reducing the number of items from 49 to 11.
Submission focus areas
Audiology Australia’s submission emphasised the need for:
- recognising the full scope of audiology practice, including counselling and rehabilitation, not just device fitting
- clear communication about the future of the voucher system
- practical and equitable implementation of new clinical requirements
- processes that reduce administrative burden while supporting high-quality, person-centred care.
Updates
Consultation Summary
The Department of Health, Disability and Ageing released a summary of the 41 responses that were received.
Highlights from the summary:
- Overall, respondents found the draft updates clear for most service items, particularly for fittings, follow-ups, replacements and spare devices
- Feedback highlighted strong support for clearer guidance on clinical sessions and the importance of clinical discretion and decision making
- Proposed updates to maintenance service items attracted the most concern, with suspected increased administrative burden and unclear requirements.
Read more about HSP simplification Read the consultation summary
Audiology Australia’s response
Audiology Australia will continue to track the changes to HSP service items by engaging with future consultations, and will provide information to members about how Audiologists will be affected once the changes are enacted.
Please contact us if you have any concerns.