FIND US

Find a centre
Other Languages

Our history

Australian Hearing had its origins in the Acoustic Research Laboratory, set up in 1942 to investigate military problems associated with noise, such as the efficiency of communication systems in noisy environments and protecting military personnel's hearing.

The laboratory's role was changed in 1945 to take on the assessment and rehabilitation of children affected by two rubella epidemics in Australia (1939-1941).

Key milestones

In 1947, the Acoustic Research Laboratory was renamed the Commonwealth Acoustic Laboratories and taken over by the then Commonwealth Department of Health. Initially the services were only available for children and veterans.

Between 1948-49, branches were established in every state.

In 1968, the Department of Social Security pensioners became eligible for hearing services.

In 1973, the organisation had another name change, becoming the National Acoustic Laboratories.

In 1992, National Acoustic Laboratories became a Commonwealth Government Statutory Authority and was renamed Australian Hearing Services. The name National Acoustic Laboratories was retained by Research.

In 1993, eligibility was extended to part pensioners. In order to manage the increase in demand, private providers were contracted to provide services on behalf of Australian Hearing.

In 1996, the Government announced the introduction of a voucher system for hearing services, greater private sector involvement in the provision of government-funded services, and some important administrative changes to separate the purchaser and provider roles.

In March 1997, the Office of Hearing Services (OHS) was formally established to regulate and administer the hearing services program.

In 2004, Australian Hearing came under the newly formed Department of Human Services.

Hearing aids
Initially hearing aids were imported from the USA, but as these were expensive, the Commonwealth Acoustic Laboratories started designing and manufacturing their own hearing aids, at first on their own and later in a joint venture with Bernafon. This arrangement ceased in 2003 and Australian Hearing is no longer involved in designing or manufacturing hearing aids.