Funding
Insurance, financing and funding for hearing aids
OHIP does not cover hearing aids for seniors or anyone else. But in Ontario, there is more help than most people expect. The provincial Assistive Devices Program contributes toward the cost. Many private and workplace insurance plans pay part of the cost. WSIB covers work-related hearing loss. Veterans Affairs Canada and Non-Insured Health Benefits cover eligible clients. Hearing aids qualify for the medical expense tax credit. And Hear & Co offers monthly financing and a complimentary hearing test for those who are 55 and older. This page explains each one and how we help you use them.
Independent, not tied to one manufacturer
Complimentary hearing tests for anyone 55+
Complimentary hearing aid demos
State of the art equipment
OHIP
Does OHIP cover hearing aids?
No. OHIP does not pay for hearing aids, hearing aid batteries or repairs, and it does not cover routine adult hearing tests at private clinics either, unfortunately. This surprises many people, especially seniors who assume hearing aids are covered the way many medical devices are. The provincial help that does exist comes through a different program, the Assistive Devices Program.
ADP
Ontario Assistive Devices Program (ADP)
The Assistive Devices Program is run by the Ontario Ministry of Health and contributes a fixed amount toward the purchase of hearing aids for Ontario residents with a valid health card and a hearing loss that meets the program's criteria. The contribution is up to $500 per hearing aid, paid directly to the clinic so you only pay the balance. You can apply again when your hearing aids need replacing, subject to the program's rules on timing.
To use ADP, you need a hearing test and an authorization from a registered ADP authorizer. Hear & Co is a registered ADP vendor, and our clinicians are registered ADP authorizers, so we complete the authorization in the clinic, submit the paperwork and apply the funding to your invoice. There is nothing to claim back afterward.
ADP also covers some hearing aid accessories and FM systems for eligible people. Ask us if you think that applies to you.
Insurance
Private and workplace insurance
Most extended health plans through an employer, a union or a private insurer include some hearing aid coverage, generally a few hundred to a few thousand dollars every three to five years. Plans from insurers such as Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield, Blue Cross and Desjardins vary a great deal, and the details are in your benefits booklet under hearing aids or hearing devices.
Things to check:
- The maximum amount and how often it renews
- Whether it is per ear or per pair
- Whether a prescription for hearing aids, a physician's note or a hearing test report is required (we provide both the report and the prescription)
- Whether the plan pays the clinic directly or reimburses you
Bring your plan details, and we’ll read the fine print with you. We provide the itemized receipt, the audiogram and any letter the insurer asks for.
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WSIB
WSIB for work-related hearing loss
If your hearing loss was caused by noise at work, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) may cover hearing aids, batteries, repairs and replacements in full. WSIB claims for noise-induced hearing loss are common in manufacturing, construction, transportation and other noisy trades, including for people who retired years ago. A claim needs a hearing test and a work history. We can do the test and help you understand what the claim involves.
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Veterans
Veterans Affairs Canada
Veterans with a hearing loss related to their service may be eligible for hearing aids and related services through Veterans Affairs Canada. If you have a VAC health identification card or an existing entitlement for hearing aids, tell us when you book. We are registered with Veterans Affairs Canada and follow the VAC process for you.
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NIHB
Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB)
First Nations and Inuit clients registered with Indigenous Services Canada may be eligible for hearing aids, repairs and batteries through the Non-Insured Health Benefits program. The program has its own approval process. We are registered with NIHB and submit the request on your behalf.
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Tax
Hearing aids and the medical expense tax credit
Hearing aids, batteries and repairs are eligible medical expenses under the federal medical expense tax credit. You claim the portion you paid yourself, after any insurance or program contribution, on your tax return. Keep your receipts; we itemize them for this purpose. Speak with your accountant or tax preparer about how the credit applies to you.
Financing
Monthly financing
If you would rather spread the cost, Hear & Co offers monthly financing through a third-party organization, Medicard. The Medicard team can take you through the options, and the application is quick and simple. We explain the total cost, the monthly payment and any interest clearly before you sign, and financing can be combined with ADP and insurance so the amount financed is only what is left after funding.
The paperwork
How we handle the paperwork
Funding is the part of buying hearing aids that puts people off, so we do most of it for you. At your appointment we:
Ask about your health card, insurance, work history, veteran status and any program membership.
Tell you which sources you appear to qualify for and roughly what each contributes.
Prepare the insurance and WSIB documents that need our signature or your audiogram, and the ADP, VAC or NIHB paperwork.
Apply program funding directly to your invoice where the program pays us, and give you an itemized receipt for anything you claim yourself.
You should never have to guess if you missed an eligible support program.
Good to know
Common hearing aid funding questions
Does OHIP cover hearing aids for seniors?
No. OHIP does not cover hearing aids for individuals of any age, including seniors. Seniors in Ontario get help through the Assistive Devices Program, which contributes a fixed amount toward each hearing aid.
Does the Canadian government pay for hearing aids for seniors?
There is no federal program for the general public. Provincial help comes through Ontario's ADP. Federal programs exist for specific groups: Veterans Affairs Canada for eligible veterans and Non-Insured Health Benefits for eligible First Nations and Inuit clients.
Are hearing aids free for seniors in Ontario?
No. ADP contributes a set amount, insurance may add more, and the rest is paid by the individual or financed.
Are hearing aids tax deductible in Canada?
Yes. They are an eligible medical expense for the medical expense tax credit. You claim what you paid out of pocket. Ask your tax preparer how it applies to you.
Does Blue Cross cover hearing aids?
Many Blue Cross plans include hearing aid coverage, but the amount and frequency depend on your specific plan. Check your benefits booklet or bring it in, and we will read it with you.
Can I combine ADP with my insurance?
Yes. ADP is applied first, your insurer usually covers part of the remaining balance, and financing can cover what is left.
Book
Find out what support you qualify for
Bring your health card and your benefits information to a hearing test, complimentary if you are 55 or over, and we will tell you what help is available before you make any decision.