Report under Section 23 of the Social Welfare (No. 2) Act 2019 on the Cost of Hearing Aids and the Adequacy of Financial Supports Available – August 2020

This report was prepared to satisfy the statutory requirement set out in Section 23 of the Social Welfare (No. 2) Act 2019.

The Treatment Benefit Scheme, administered by the Department of Social Protection, contributes towards the cost of the supply and repair of hearing aids. The report examines the cost of hearing aids and the financial supports available for hearing aid purchase through the social welfare system. The role of hearing services and supports provided through the Health Service Executive is also considered, given the role of the Executive in much of the State’s provision for hearing needs.

The report looks at requirements for hearing aids, uptake and use; how hearing aids are acquired; availability of hearing services; the cost of hearing aids; the financial supports available; and identifies options for future consideration.

One of the recommendations in the report was to consider moving from a matching grant to a flat rate grant for hearing aids under the Treatment Benefit Scheme. This was implemented from April 2020.