Deafness & Hearing Impairment — NDIS Support
Yes — Deafness & Hearing Impairment can qualify for NDIS support. Deafness & Hearing Impairment is on the NDIA’s List B — permanence is recognised, and you evidence the functional impact on daily life. Funding covers reasonable and necessary supports across daily living, therapy, social participation and capacity building.
Hearing impairment is one of the most prevalent disabilities in Australia, affecting approximately 3.8 million Australians — over 15% of the population. Hearing loss is classified by type (conductive, sensorineural, mixed, auditory neuropathy), degree (mild: 26–40 dB HL; moderate: 41–60 dB HL;…
Deafness & Hearing Impairment & the NDIS FAQs
- Does hearing impairment automatically qualify for NDIS?
- Hearing impairment is a List B condition. NDIS requires permanent and significant functional impairment. Mild-to-moderate hearing loss managed by standard hearing aids through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program (HSP) typically does not meet the NDIS functional impairment threshold. Profound deafness,…
- Does NDIS fund hearing aids?
- Generally no — hearing aids for eligible Australians (children under 26, concession card holders, veterans, and those under the community service obligations) are funded through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program (HSP) managed by Hearing Australia. NDIS does not typically duplicate hearing aid funding…
- Does NDIS fund Auslan interpreters?
- Yes. NDIS Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living and Core Supports can fund Auslan interpreting for NDIS participants in a range of situations — including accessing therapy appointments, community activities, employment (in some circumstances), NDIS planning meetings, and education activities. The number of…
- Can deaf children access NDIS from birth?
- Yes. Children identified through newborn hearing screening with significant hearing impairment can access NDIS Early Childhood Approach supports from birth. Early intervention supports including auditory-verbal therapy or Auslan/bilingual communication programs, speech pathology and family guidance are funded from the…
- What employment supports does NDIS provide for deaf people?
- NDIS Capacity Building — Finding and Keeping a Job funds employment supports including: Auslan interpreting in the workplace (noting Disability Employment Services may also fund this), assistive technology for deaf-accessible workplaces, vocational rehabilitation, and employment planning. The Disability Employment…
Deafness & Hearing Impairment & the NDIS — practical guides
- Applying for the NDIS with Deafness & Hearing Impairment
- Assistive Technology for Deafness & Hearing Impairment
- Day Programs & Community Participation for Deafness & Hearing Impairment
- NDIS Employment Support (SLES & DES) for Deafness & Hearing Impairment
- NDIS Funding & Budget for Deafness & Hearing Impairment
- Therapy & Allied Health for Deafness & Hearing Impairment
- Finding & Managing Support Workers for Deafness & Hearing Impairment
Related conditions
- Deafblindness and the NDIS
- Auditory Processing Disorder and the NDIS
- Sensory Processing Disorder and the NDIS
- Schizophrenia and the NDIS
- Schizoaffective Disorder and the NDIS
- Bipolar Disorder and the NDIS
- Major Depression and the NDIS
- Borderline Personality Disorder and the NDIS
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and the NDIS
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and the NDIS
Sources
Reviewed by the Novida editorial team · last reviewed 2026-07-12. General information only — not medical advice.