Noise-Cancelling Headphones in the NDIS
- First2Care Team
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Noise‑cancelling headphones may be considered helpful for people who experience sensory sensitivities. Many participants, families, and support providers say that these devices reduce sensory overload, help with emotional regulation, and make busy environments more manageable.
Despite their perceived benefits, noise‑cancelling headphones are not typically funded under the NDIS. This article summarises our guidance as your Plan Manager to support you in making NDIS claims.
Why Noise‑Cancelling Headphones Are Usually Not Funded
Under the NDIS Act (2013), the NDIA defines an NDIS Support as something that directly meets a participant’s disability‑related needs and satisfies the requirements of the legislation and NDIS Rules. Items considered day-to-day living costs are generally not funded.
Noise‑cancelling headphones fall into this category as ‘Lifestyle Related’ because:
They are widely bought and used by people without disability.
They offer features unrelated to disability support, such as listening to music or taking phone calls.
They are not specialised or modified for sensory regulation.
What to Do if You Believe They Are Needed
If you think noise‑cancelling headphones are reasonable and necessary for your disability-related needs, here are some steps to take:
Discuss with your myNDIS Contact.
Ask for the need to be recorded in your plan’s support details and seek written advice where possible.
Review alternatives.
Consider whether simpler or more disability‑specific options, such as sensory earmuffs, could meet the same functional needs without added recreational features.
Check whether they replace another support.
If the noise-cancelling headphones could replace and serve the same purpose as an existing core or capacity‑building support, a replacement support application may be appropriate.
Gather clear evidence.
Ask your allied health professional to provide functional, goal‑linked justification, instead of just a general recommendation.
Our role as Plan Manager
First2Care’s role in supporting our clients with their enquiries and requests for assistive technology, such as headphones, is to provide assessment against the NDIS Supports Lists.
Plan managers do not approve supports and services or decide what is reasonable and necessary. However, we can help you make informed decisions if the support aligns with your plan and budget.
We can only process claims for assistive technology items that are not considered day-to-day living costs and are clearly included in your plan. If not, we will recommend that you seek advice, preferably written confirmation, from their myNDIS Contact before we can proceed.
Final Notes
Noise‑cancelling headphones can genuinely improve daily life for some participants, but NDIS funding rules are strict. Plan Managers, including First2Care, must comply with the NDIS Act and can only process claims for supports that meet its requirements as outlined in this article.
If you are considering purchasing headphones and hoping to claim the cost, seek advice early. Contact your myNDIS representative or speak with First2Care before making the purchase to avoid declined claims later.
