Audiology

Information for Audiologists

ReturnToWorkSA is committed to ensuring workers have access to high quality services to assess and treat their noise-induced hearing loss. The insurer, ReturnToWorkSA or a self-insured employer, requires the Audiology practitioner to be:

• registered with ReturnToWorkSA to provide the services;
• a Full Member of Audiology Australia who holds a ‘Certificate of Clinical Practice’ issued by Audiology Australia; OR
• either a Full/Ordinary or Fellow Member – Audiologist or Audiometrist of the Australian College of Audiology; OR
• either a Full or Fellow Member Audiometrist of the Hearing Aid Audiometrist Society of Australia.

Service expectations

Audiologists are expected to meet the Service Standards set out in the Return to Work Act 2014.

An Audiologist must not provide advice to the patient about the compensability of their noise-induced hearing loss. Audiologists should direct their patient to their employer or to ReturnToWorkSA on 13 18 55 to discuss lodging a workers compensation claim.

Workers do not need to obtain legal representation to lodge a workers compensation claim. However, where a worker is dissatisfied with a decision of ReturnToWorkSA, they may seek legal representation of their choice.

An Audiologist must not direct or refer the patient to further treatment without first disclosing any business relationship with that service and advising the patient that they have choice in who they select for assessment and treatment services.

How much the insurer will pay

A fee schedule and policy, published by the Minister for Industrial Relations in the South Australian Government Gazette, establishes the gazetted fees which are the maximum fees chargeable.

All services must be delivered face to face unless the fitting, rehabilitation and adjustment can be delivered to a high standard and with the approval of the claims manager, which must be requested in writing.

What the insurer will pay for

ReturnToWorkSA or a self-insurer will pay for:

• Audiology/Audiometry services where there is an accepted claim for the treatment of a work injury or condition;
• Audiology/Audiometry services and products that are reasonable and necessary and clinically justified;
• Replacement of hearing devices where necessary, subject to prior written approval from the claims manager;
• Binaural hearing packages for demonstrated compensable hearing loss in both ears.

What the insurer will not pay for

ReturnToWorkSA or a self-insurer will not pay for:

• Non-attendance or cancellation fees for treatment services;
• Services invoiced in advance of the service delivery;
• Audiologist/Audiometrist travel time;
• Pre-payment for services and/or products that are not pre-approved;
• Products or services that have been funded by an existing government scheme (e.g. Hearing Services Australia);
• Two monaural hearing packages within a 3-month period. If there is binaural hearing loss, the binaural fitting fee item must be used.

Consequences for non-compliance with fee schedule and policy

ReturnToWorkSA has systems for monitoring compliance with billing and payments rules. The incorrect use of any item referred to in the ReturnToWorkSA fee schedule and policy may result in the service provider being required to repay payments that have been incorrectly received.

Replacement of hearing devices

ReturnToWorkSA considers the expected life of a hearing aid is at least 5 years. A completed Request for a replacement hearing aid form will be required for a claims manager to determine if the replacement is a reasonable and necessary expense. No replacement hearing aid will be paid for without the completion of the  form and approval by the claims manager.

Need assistance?

For more information or assistance, please contact the Scheme Support Provider team on (08) 8238 5757 or email providers@rtwsa.com.

Audiology Advisor role

ReturnToWorkSA is seeking a suitably qualified and experienced Audiology Advisor to provide independent governance, clinical advisory, education and quality support services to ReturnToWorkSA in relation to work-related hearing loss claims.

About the role

The role is intended to support Return to Work scheme (Scheme) governance, provide advice on emerging trends and practice issues, assist with education for claims staff and agents, and support engagement with audiology professionals working within the Scheme. The service is advisory in nature and is not intended to replace existing treating audiologists or direct clinical treatment arrangements.

Expected hours will be variable up to 15 hours/month.

Applications will be assessed on the following criteria

1. Demonstrated experience in audiology, hearing loss matters and providing specialist advice in a claims, insurance, regulatory or similar environment.
2. Demonstrated understanding of the advisory and governance nature of the role, including the importance of independence and separation from treating audiology services.
3. Demonstrated understanding of the relevant to work-related hearing loss claims and the Return to Work scheme context.
4. Demonstrated ability to provide education, guidance and resources, and effectively engage with ReturnToWorkSA staff, claims agents, audiology professionals and other relevant stakeholders to support consistent understanding and application of audiology-related matters.
5. Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with audiology professionals and stakeholders, provide professional guidance, and support consistent clinical practice and quality standards through established industry credibility.
6. Demonstrated ability to provide timely advice and support, including flexibility to respond to emerging issues or priorities.

How to apply
Further information, including tender documentation and application requirements, is available via the SA Tenders and Contracts SA Government tender website. Applicants must log in to access the documents and submit their application.

Applications close 12:00pm (ACDT) Friday 6 November 2026.