There is no average DVA payout for hearing loss, and DVA doesn't publish one. If DVA accepts your hearing loss as service-related, it's converted into impairment points from your hearing test, and the payment depends on your total points, your lifestyle rating and your type of service. Hearing loss has a lower threshold than most conditions: it can be compensated at 5 impairment points instead of 10. From 1 July 2026, DVA accepts sensorineural hearing loss as service-related after any defence service.
Getting hearing loss accepted
All new claims from 1 July 2026 are assessed under the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2004 (MRCA). Under presumptive liability, sensorineural hearing loss is accepted after any defence service, unless there's clear evidence something other than service caused it. You need a confirmed diagnosis, and DVA considers presumptive liability automatically. A claim with a diagnosis and all the required information may be decided in less than 2 weeks.
Other types of hearing loss, such as conductive hearing loss, aren't on the presumptive list. DVA assesses those against the Statements of Principles (SOPs). The current SOPs for sensorineural hearing loss are No. 98 of 2019 and No. 99 of 2019, as amended.
You lodge the claim in MyService. Sensorineural hearing loss is one of the 20 conditions covered by Provisional Access to Medical Treatment, so DVA can pay for treatment while it assesses a claim lodged by 30 June 2027.
Read about presumptive liability
How DVA turns a hearing test into impairment points
Hearing loss is assessed under Part 7.1 of the Guide to Determining Impairment and Compensation (GARP M 2026). The assessment needs a pure tone audiogram, and your hearing is measured without any hearing aid. The steps are:
- Work out the type of accepted hearing loss (sensorineural, conductive or mixed, in one ear or both).
- Check the audiogram is reliable enough to use.
- Calculate the Accepted Percentage Hearing Loss from your hearing thresholds at 500, 1000, 1500, 2000, 3000 and 4000 Hz.
- Subtract an age adjustment for normal age-related hearing loss, based on your age when the audiogram was done.
- Convert the result to impairment points using the GARP M formula, rounded to a whole number.
- If hearing loss is accepted in one ear only, DVA applies a paired organs rule, which compares the result with your total hearing loss in both ears and can change the rating.
All accepted hearing loss is rated as one condition, even if it's described under several diagnoses. Tinnitus is rated separately, and if both are accepted, both ratings are combined with your other accepted conditions.
The 5-point threshold
Under section 69 of the MRCA, a single condition consisting of hearing loss qualifies for permanent impairment compensation at 5 impairment points or more. The same applies to loss of fingers or toes and loss of taste or smell. Points from more than one condition can't be combined to reach this 5-point threshold. For everything else the threshold is 10 points, and points from several accepted conditions can be combined to reach it.
Read DVA's permanent impairment information
How much the payout can be
DVA publishes weekly rates by total impairment points. For example:
| Impairment points | Weekly rate, warlike or non-warlike service | Weekly rate, peacetime service |
|---|---|---|
| 20 | $99.32 | $55.48 |
| 15 | $69.35 | $38.92 |
| 10 | $49.66 | $27.74 |
| 5 | $29.98 | $16.55 |
These are DVA's published MRCA rates from 1 July 2026, using the higher expected compensation factor for each level. Your lifestyle rating can move the amount up or down. See the full impairment points table.
As an illustration only: if your hearing loss were assessed at 5 impairment points, it was your only accepted condition and your service was peacetime service, the weekly amount would be the 5-point figure in the peacetime column. Your lifestyle rating, earlier compensation or a mix of service types would change it.
The amount is paid fortnightly and is tax-free. You may be able to convert some or all of it to a lump sum based on your age. Permanent impairment compensation isn't counted as income by Centrelink, but it may be counted as an asset.
Hearing aids and listening devices
If you have a Gold Card, or a White Card with hearing loss or tinnitus as an accepted condition, DVA can help you get hearing treatment. Most needs are met through the Australian Government Hearing Services Program, which gives you at no cost:
- the first appointment with your hearing provider
- prescribed hearing devices from the program's fully subsidised range
- training in using them, follow-up rehabilitation and ongoing support
- repairs, maintenance and batteries for those devices
Assistive listening devices, such as TV headsets, induction loops, alerting doorbells and smoke alarms, come at no cost when your provider prescribes them and DVA approves them. Tell your provider you hold a Veteran Card and don't pay for a device, because DVA doesn't reimburse devices you've already bought. To find a provider, call the Hearing Services Program on 1800 500 726.
Read DVA's hearing services information
If you disagree or your hearing gets worse
Your decision letter explains the reasons and the time limit. For most decisions made from 21 April 2025, you apply to the Veterans' Review Board within 12 months. Free advocates at ex-service organisations can help. Read about DVA reviews and appeals.
If your hearing gets worse, you can claim additional compensation once your overall impairment has increased by at least 5 points. DVA takes the compensation you've already received into account.
Common questions
Is my hearing tested with my hearing aids in?
No. GARP M says hearing loss is measured without the benefit of any hearing aid. DVA applies the same rule to cochlear implants, which are assessed switched off.
Does age-related hearing loss reduce my points?
Yes. GARP M subtracts an age adjustment for normal age-related hearing loss, based on your age at the date of the audiogram. The adjustment is larger at older ages.
Can I be paid for hearing loss and tinnitus together?
Yes, if both are accepted. They're rated separately and combined with your other accepted conditions into one total. Read how DVA rates tinnitus.
Checked against DVA's website on 25 September 2026.