Finding an early intervention service

From 1 July 2011, children with a four frequency hearing loss of 40dB or greater in the better ear are eligible to access Better Start funding – an initiative of the Australian Government. Parents of eligible children will be able to access up to $12,000 (with a maximum of $6,000 per financial year) to pay for certain early intervention services.

Your child is eligible for Better Start funding

The information provided in the early intervention tables lists only the government departments and non-government organisations who provide specialist early intervention services for children with hearing loss.  Families whose child is eligible for Better Start funding can find a complete list of service providers for their State on the Better Start Provider Panel. It is recommended families choose services who have experience with both hearing loss and babies. 

Your child is not eligible for Better Start funding

Families whose children are not eligible for Better Start funding are still able to access early intervention services at minimal or no cost to the family.

The information provided below only lists the government and non-government organisations who provide early intervention services for children with hearing loss and their families.

	Child with bilateral hearing loss of 40dB or greater in the better ear -  i.e. a moderate, severe, or profound hearing loss in the better ear. (Eligible for Better Start funding) Early intervention services ACT | NSW | NT | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA
	Child with bilateral hearing loss of 40dB or greater in the better ear and additional needs - i.e.  a moderate, severe, or profound hearing loss in the better ear. (Eligible for Better Start funding - one funding package only) Early intervention services ACT | NSW | NT | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA
	Child with bilateral hearing loss between 20 and 40dB in the better ear -  i.e. a mild hearing loss in the better ear. (Not eligible for Better Start funding) Early intervention services ACT | NSW | NT | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA
	Child with bilateral hearing loss between 20 and 40dB in the better ear and additional needs - i.e. a mild hearing loss in the better ear. (May be eligible for Better Start funding) Early intervention services ACT | NSW | NT | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA
	Child with a unilateral hearing loss i.e. a hearing loss in one ear only. (Not eligible for Better Start funding) Early intervention services ACT | NSW | NT | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA

More information...

• Questions you can ask the early intervention service provider
• Better Start for Children with Disability 
• Better Start Registration and Information Service
• Better Start Early Intervention Providers