Cost is usually the first thing people bring up when hearing aids come into the picture. And honestly, it makes sense — these devices aren’t cheap, and not everyone can just walk into a clinic and drop a few thousand dollars on one.
But here’s what a lot of people don’t realise: there’s actual government money available to help cover this. Subsidies, grants, co-funding — depending on your situation, you might end up paying a fraction of the retail price.
This guide covers how the hearing aid government subsidy in Singapore works, who gets it, how much you can actually save, and what the application process looks like. I’ll keep it practical.
What Is the Hearing Aid Government Subsidy?
Think of it as a government-backed discount on your hearing aid. The Agency for Integrated Care (AIC) is the main body behind this, sometimes working alongside hospitals and private clinics.
It’s also referred to as the Singapore hearing aid grant. What it covers varies by scheme, but at minimum it brings down the cost of the device itself. Some programmes also throw in fitting, accessories, and follow-up appointments — which adds up.
The whole point is to make sure people who actually need hearing aids can get them. Seniors on fixed income, kids born with hearing problems, working adults who can’t afford the full price — these programmes exist because of them.
Who Can Apply?
There are a few boxes you need to tick:
- You’re a Singapore Citizen or Permanent Resident
- A licensed audiologist or ENT has confirmed you have hearing loss
- You use (or need) a hearing aid for daily communication
- Your household income falls within the scheme’s limits
One number worth knowing: the monthly per capita household income cap is $4,800. This was updated in January 2026 it used to be $2,600 so more families now qualify than before. If your household income per person is below $4,800 a month, you’re likely within range for at least one scheme.
Seniors have extra options through CHAS and PAssion Silver. Kids under seven may qualify under EIPIC (Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children). So the criteria aren’t rigid — your age and household situation both play a role.
Not sure if what you’re experiencing counts as hearing loss? Check out our hearing frequency test guide to understand what the tests measure and what the results mean.
Which Subsidy Schemes Are Available?
There’s more than one route here, which is good — more chances to qualify under at least one programme.
Scheme | Who It’s For | Subsidy Range |
SMF (Seniors’ Mobility and Enabling Fund) | Singapore citizens 60+ | Up to 90% |
CHAS + PAssion Silver | Lower-income elderly | Up to $300 per ear |
MSF | Low-income families | Extra top-up on top of CHAS |
EIPIC | Children under 7 with hearing loss | Full or partial funding |
ATF (Assistive Technology Fund) | Persons with disabilities, below 60 | Up to 90%, lifetime cap $40,000 |
One thing to ask your clinic: what’s bundled in? Some centres include ear measurements, custom fittings, even a few follow-up sessions under the same programme. Others charge separately. Worth clarifying before you commit.
How to Apply — The Actual Process
Step 1: Get a Hearing Test Done
This is non-negotiable. You need a written diagnosis from an MOH-accredited audiologist or ENT before any subsidy application can go through.
Tests you might get:
- Pure Tone Audiometry — the standard one, you press a button when you hear a beep
- Tympanometry — checks how your eardrum and middle ear respond
- ABR or ASSR — used for babies or people who can’t respond verbally
You’ll leave with a report. Hold onto it — you’ll need it for the next steps.
Step 2: Figure Out Which Scheme Fits You
Go to a polyclinic or CHAS-participating GP clinic first and ask for a subsidised referral to a Restructured Hospital ENT. The SMF subsidy can only be processed through Restructured Hospitals — not through private clinics or AIC directly. The hospital’s team handles the application for you once you’re assessed.
Step 3: Find an Approved Clinic or Hospital
Not every hearing centre is on the approved list. Government hospitals tend to offer higher direct subsidies. AIC-partnered private clinics can also help, usually through co-funding arrangements. The AIC and CHAS directories list accredited providers — check those before booking.
Step 4: Pick Your Hearing Aid
Your audiologist will help narrow it down based on your hearing profile, lifestyle, and budget. You’re not stuck with basic models either — brands like Signia, Phonak, Resound, and Starkey are all available through subsidised schemes.
If Starkey’s on your radar, our Starkey hearing aid price guide gives you a realistic idea of what to expect cost-wise.
Step 5: Get Your Quote
The subsidy comes off the top before you’re billed. So whatever number they quote you is what you actually pay — no claiming it back separately.
Step 6: Fitting and Follow-Up
After choosing your device, you’ll have a proper fitting session. The audiologist sets it up for your specific ear, explains maintenance, and books your follow-ups. First follow-up is usually a week or two later.
Why Bothering With the Subsidy Is Worth It
The obvious reason is money. But a few other things are worth mentioning.
Modern subsidised hearing aids aren’t the clunky, squeaky devices people imagine. You’re getting digital technology — rechargeable options, Bluetooth, noise filtering, app control. The subsidy doesn’t mean you’re stuck with outdated equipment.
There’s also the follow-up care angle. A lot of schemes include ongoing support: reprogramming when your hearing shifts, cleaning, small adjustments. That kind of continued support matters more than people realise, especially in the first few months of wearing a new device.
And the broader impact? Better hearing affects more than just conversations. It touches concentration, mental health, relationships, confidence. Our piece on hearing aid benefits goes into the less obvious ways better hearing changes daily life.
Brands Available Under Approved Subsidy Schemes
Most accredited centres carry these:
- Signia — clean designs, Bluetooth-ready, popular with first-time wearers
- Phonak — handles more severe or complex hearing loss particularly well
- Resound — wide range of behind-the-ear and in-ear models
- Starkey — strong custom-fit options, good Bluetooth integration
All of these meet the quality standards for approved schemes. You’re not compromising on the brand just because you’re using a subsidy.
Ongoing Maintenance — What Happens After the Fitting
Getting the device is one thing. Keeping it working properly is another.
Expect to come back for:
- Routine cleaning and checks
- Battery swaps or charging unit replacements
- Reprogramming if your hearing changes over time
- Repairs if something physically breaks
A lot of this is covered or discounted through your scheme or service package. Our hearing aid care and maintenance guide covers what day-to-day upkeep actually looks like if you want the detail.
Making a Smart Choice: Things to Think About
Check the Clinic’s Subsidy Level
Not all approved clinics offer the same subsidy amount. Government hospitals typically give higher direct subsidies. Private clinics under AIC tend to vary. Always ask: “Are you an AIC-accredited provider, and what subsidy tier do you offer?”
Match the Hearing Aid to Your Actual Life
There are broadly two form factors:
- Behind-the-ear (BTE) — sits behind the ear, works for most levels of hearing loss, easier to handle
- In-ear (ITE/IIC/CIC) — sits inside the canal, more discreet, slightly harder to manage
Digital models within both categories come with varying features depending on price point. Our guide on behind-the-ear vs in-the-ear hearing aids helps you figure out which type fits your situation better.
Rechargeable vs Disposable Batteries — the Honest Comparison
People ask about this constantly. Here’s the real picture:
Rechargeable:
- Higher purchase price upfront
- No ongoing battery spend
- More convenient day-to-day
- Better long-term value if you’re consistent
Disposable:
- Lower initial cost
- Easy to replace anywhere
- Ongoing expense adds up quietly
- Some people prefer the flexibility
If you’re going to wear the device every day for the next three to five years, rechargeable almost always wins financially. Our rechargeable vs battery-operated hearing aids guide lays this out in full.
Ask What’s In the Service Package
Some clinics bundle in a lot. Some don’t. A good package typically covers:
- Regular cleaning visits
- Battery replacements or charging support
- Programming tweaks
- Warranty coverage
Ask for this in writing before signing off on anything. And ask how long the package lasts — some are one year, some are longer.
Think About Upgrades Down the Line
Hearing aids have a lifespan of roughly three to five years. Your hearing may also change during that time. Keep your audiogram reports (the documents from your hearing tests) so you have a baseline to compare against.
Some subsidies can be re-accessed when it’s time to upgrade. But you’ll need to go through a fresh application each time, including a new hearing test.
Your Five-Step Plan to Get Started
Step 1 — Book a hearing test. Go to an MOH-accredited audiologist or ENT. Get the diagnosis report.
Step 2 — Check your subsidy options. Bring your NRIC, income documents, and test report. Ask about AIC, CHAS, MSF, or EIPIC depending on your age and situation. For SMF specifically, the route is polyclinic referral first, then Restructured Hospital ENT — not a direct AIC inquiry.
Step 3 — Choose your hearing aid. Work with your audiologist. Don’t just pick the cheapest option — pick the one that fits your hearing profile and daily routine.
Step 4 — Attend the fitting and follow-ups. Show up. These sessions matter — the fitting is where the device gets tuned to your ear specifically.
Step 5 — Stay on top of long-term care. Six-month or yearly check-ins are the norm. Keep your provider’s number saved and reach out if anything feels off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents with confirmed hearing loss who meet the income criteria for AIC, CHAS, or other related schemes. Children, adults, and seniors can all qualify — the specifics depend on which programme applies to you.
Roughly 50 to 70 percent of the device cost, depending on the scheme. A $2,000 hearing aid could end up costing you $600 to $1,000 out of pocket. The exact figure depends on your household income and which programme you’re under.
Yes. Children with hearing loss can access full or partial funding through EIPIC, Special Education School subsidies, or MSF grants.
Yes. A written diagnosis from a licensed audiologist or ENT is required before any subsidy application can be processed.
Sometimes. Basic repairs may be included in a service package. Major repairs or parts replacement usually cost extra. Always check what your plan covers.
Yes, from the approved list. Signia, Phonak, Starkey, and Resound are all common choices at accredited clinics.
First follow-up is usually one to two weeks after fitting. After that, every six to twelve months is standard for maintenance and hearing checks.
Your device can be reprogrammed to match your updated hearing levels. If the device itself can no longer meet your needs, you may be eligible for a subsidised upgrade — but you’ll need a fresh assessment and a new application.
Yes, upfront. But they save you money over time because you’re not buying batteries constantly. Most people find the convenience worth it too.
No. The subsidy can be accessed again when your device needs replacing or your hearing changes significantly. Eligibility is reviewed fresh each time.