Hearing Aids and Hearing Tests on a Medical Card
· All About Hearing Team
Adults with a medical card can get free hearing aids through the HSE audiology service, and so can anyone under 18. The route in is usually through your GP, who can refer you for a hearing test. Here's how it works, what's included, and what your options are if you don't have a medical card.
Who gets free hearing aids from the HSE?
According to the HSE, “The HSE audiology service gives free hearing aids to anyone under the age of 18”, and “Adults with a medical card can also get free hearing aids.” The HSE's hearing aid information doesn't say a GP visit card gives the same entitlement, so if you have a GP visit card rather than a full medical card, check with your GP.
How do you get referred?
Contact your GP if you notice a problem with your hearing. The HSE explains that you need a medical professional, such as your GP, to refer you to its audiology service, and that your GP may instead refer you to an ENT consultant at a hospital. ENT departments deal with hearing problems that need medical or surgical treatment, and an ENT consultant may then refer you on to audiology for longer-term hearing loss. If you're referred, you'll be told which audiology centre to go to.
What's included?
- A hearing assessment and, where needed, hearing aids at no cost.
- A follow-up appointment. The HSE says adults have one around six weeks after getting a hearing aid.
- Checks and repairs on HSE hearing aids for children and adults with a medical card.
- A replacement hearing aid, according to the HSE, “if there is a clinical reason.”
What if you don't have a medical card?
If you're over 18 without a medical card, the HSE points to the PRSI Treatment Benefit scheme, which can contribute toward the cost if you've made enough PRSI contributions. If you don't qualify, you pay for the hearing aid yourself, but you may be able to claim tax relief. See our hearing aid grant guide and hearing aid prices in Ireland.
Some people with a medical card also choose to go privately, for example to have the appointment at home. If that suits you, we can arrange a hearing test with a qualified, independent audiologist. This is a private service, not covered by the medical card. For ear wax problems, see ear wax removal with a medical card.
Sources: HSE: hearing aids; HSE: using the audiology service; HSE: worried about your hearing.
Frequently asked questions
- Can I get free hearing aids with a medical card?
- Yes. According to the HSE, adults with a medical card can get free hearing aids through the HSE audiology service, and anyone under 18 can too. You'll usually need a referral from your GP.
- How do I get a hearing test on a medical card?
- Start with your GP. The HSE says your GP may refer you to the HSE audiology service for hearing tests, or to an ENT consultant at a hospital, which treats acute hearing problems.
- Does a GP visit card cover hearing aids?
- The HSE's hearing aid information refers to the medical card and doesn't say a GP visit card gives the same entitlement. Ask your GP or the HSE what applies to you.
- What if I don't have a medical card?
- You may qualify for help through the PRSI Treatment Benefit scheme if you have enough PRSI contributions, and you may be able to claim tax relief on what you pay yourself. See our hearing aid grant guide.
Prefer to go privately?
Leave your details and we'll call you back, usually the same day, to arrange a private hearing test at home or in a clinic. There's no obligation.