Treatment Benefit pays toward hearing aids for people with enough PRSI, and whatever you pay yourself gets 20% back as health expenses relief.
Quick facts
- Free hearing aids
- Medical card, under 18, HAA card
- Referral
- From your GP
- Repairs
- Free for HSE aids
- Children
- All hearing care free to 18
- No medical card
- Treatment Benefit, tax relief
Who gets them free
"If you need a hearing aid you can get it free from the HSE audiology service if you: Have a medical card Are aged under 18 Have a Health Amendment Act Card". "If you have received a HSE hearing aid, you can get it checked and repaired for free."
"Hearing tests and any help with hearing loss (such as hearing aids) are free for children up to the age of 18."
How to get one
"To use the HSE audiology service, you'll need a medical professional such as your family doctor (GP) to refer you." "If you do not have a medical card and your GP has referred you, there is no charge to attend a public hospital outpatient clinic."
Without a medical card
"If you are not eligible for a free hearing aid, you may be able to get help with the costs of repairing or getting a new hearing aid paid for under the Treatment Benefit Scheme." Hearing aids also count for health expenses tax relief, and some health insurance policies contribute.
Common questions
Can I get free hearing aids in Ireland?
Yes, from the HSE audiology service if you have a medical card, are under 18, or have a Health Amendment Act Card.
Do I need a referral for a HSE hearing aid?
Yes. A medical professional such as your GP must refer you.
Are HSE hearing aid repairs free?
Yes. HSE hearing aids can be checked and repaired for free.
What if I don't have a medical card?
Treatment Benefit may help with the cost if you have enough PRSI, and you can claim tax relief.