Hearing aids aren’t just medical devices. For millions of Canadians, they’re essential tools that help maintain an active lifestyle, keep social connections strong, and stay employed. The challenge is cost: a pair of hearing aids can run into several thousand dollars. This guide walks through the coverage options available in Canada, what you can expect, and how to reduce your out-of-pocket expenses.
Why It Matters
Hearing loss is one of the most common issues in older age, but younger people are affected too. According to Statistics Canada, roughly 40% of adults over 50 have some degree of hearing loss. Even so, hearing aids aren’t automatically covered by the public healthcare system in every case.
If you live in Alberta, regular hearing tests in Calgary are often the first step in identifying the right device and understanding what coverage options are available.
Provincial Support Programs
Healthcare is largely administered by provinces and territories in Canada, which means reimbursement rules vary.
Ontario
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) provides a fixed subsidy that covers up to 75% of the cost. For example, if a device costs CAD 1,000, the province covers CAD 750 and the patient pays CAD 250.
Alberta
The Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) program provides partial funding. Most patients pay 25% of the device price, subject to program limits. Residents often start by visiting a licensed audiologist or a hearing aid clinic in Calgary to confirm eligibility and begin the application process.
British Columbia
There’s no broad provincial subsidy. However, residents may qualify for support through WorkSafeBC (for job-related hearing loss) or federal programs for veterans.
Manitoba & Saskatchewan
Funding is more limited. Assistance is most often available for children, low-income seniors, or people with disabilities.
Note: Each province sets its own rules, so always confirm details where you live.
Private Health Insurance
Many Canadians have supplemental health benefits through their employer or individual plans.
- Coverage: Most private plans reimburse up to CAD 500–1,000 per device every 3–5 years.
- Limits: If the device costs more than the allowance, patients pay the difference.
- Tip: Always confirm the maximum reimbursement and replacement cycle with your insurer before buying.
Federal Programs
Some groups qualify for special federal support:
- Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC): Covers hearing aids for eligible Canadian Armed Forces veterans.
- Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB): Provides coverage for registered First Nations and Inuit.
- Workplace Safety Programs: Workers’ compensation boards may cover costs when hearing loss is job-related.
Tax Relief
Even if insurance doesn’t cover everything, you may claim part of the expense through medical expense tax credits.
- Hearing aids qualify as eligible medical expenses.
- The higher your expenses (relative to income), the greater your credit may be.
How Much Do People Actually Pay?
Hearing aids typically cost CAD 1,000–4,000 each, meaning two devices may cost up to CAD 8,000.
Example: Alberta (with AADL)
- Base price: CAD 8,000
- AADL coverage (75%): CAD 6,000
- Patient share (25%): CAD 2,000
Adding Private Insurance (e.g., Sun Life, Manulife)
- Coverage: CAD 1,000 per device (CAD 2,000 total)
- This eliminates the patient’s share under AADL.
Final outcomes:
- AADL + insurance: CAD 0 out-of-pocket
- AADL only: CAD 2,000 out-of-pocket
- No AADL, no insurance: CAD 8,000 out-of-pocket
Tax Deduction Example
If you pay CAD 2,000 yourself, you can claim it as a medical expense. Depending on your income, the credit could reduce your net cost to CAD 1,400–1,700.
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Get tested by a licensed audiologist.
- Check provincial programs for local subsidies.
- Review your private insurance benefits.
- Compare clinics and providers – prices can vary.
- Keep receipts, prescriptions, and approvals for tax filing.
Bottom Line
Coverage for hearing aids in Canada varies widely. Some provinces, like Alberta, offer generous support, while others provide minimal help. Private insurance helps but rarely covers the full amount. Federal programs and tax credits add further relief.
Key takeaway: Hearing aids are a major investment, but with the right mix of public funding, private insurance, and tax benefits, you can significantly cut – or even eliminate – your out-of-pocket costs.
