Median Age of First-time Recipient of Subsidised Hearing Aid

Dr Tan Wu Meng asked the Minister for Health (a) what is the median age of a first-time recipient of a subsidised hearing aid; and (b) what is the median, 10th percentile, and 90th percentile operational lifespan of a subsidised hearing aid device.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: The Seniors' Mobility & Enabling Fund (SMF) supports seniors as they age by providing eligible Singaporeans aged 60 years and above with means-tested subsidies to offset the cost of home healthcare items and assistive devices. The median age of seniors receiving hearing aids under the SMF is 77.

A standard hearing aid can typically last for three to five years. However, the actual lifespan differs depending on factors such as how well the device is maintained.