Is Hearing Loss a Disability in Canada?

If you’re constantly asking people to repeat themselves, cranking up the TV volume to “stadium mode,” or wondering if your microwave even beeps anymore, you might be asking: Is hearing loss considered a disability? And more importantly – can it help lower your tax bill? Let’s dig in.

Is Hearing Loss a Disability in Canada? Yes – but it depends on how it affects your daily life. In Canada, the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) is designed to help people with severe and prolonged impairments – and how much your condition limits your ability to function.

For hearing loss, this means:

• Severity: Even with hearing aids, you’re unable to hear or understand spoken conversation in a quiet setting.
• Duration: The condition has lasted (or is expected to last) at least 12 months.
• Frequency: It affects your hearing 90% of the time or more.

Who Can Sign the Disability Tax Credit Form?

Only two types of professionals can certify your hearing loss for the Disability Tax Credit:

• Audiologists
• Medical doctors

You can get your audiogram from your Hearing Aid Practitioner as well to bring to your family doctor. These practitioners must complete Part B of the DTC application and confirm how your hearing loss impacts your ability to hear spoken language.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the Disability Tax Credit

Here’s a no-fluff guide to getting it done:

1. Download Form T2201
The official form is called the Disability Tax Credit Certificate. Grab it from the CRA website.

2. Fill Out Part A
This section is all about you. Name, contact info, a few boxes to tick – nothing scary.

3. Get Part B Completed by a Medical Doctor or Audiologist
Take the form to your audiologist or doctor for completion. If you’ve had a hearing test recently, your hearing professional can provide you with a copy of your audiogram, which helps demonstrate the severity of your hearing loss.

4. Submit the Application
You can mail the completed form to the CRA or submit it online through your CRA My Account.

5. Wait for a Decision
The CRA will review your application and let you know if you’re approved.

More info how to apply on DTC here.

Quick Tips for Success

• Use Clear Language: When describing your hearing challenges, be honest and specific.
• Gather Documentation: That audiogram? Keep it handy.
• Get Help if You Need It: Tax pros or DTC consultants can take care of the heavy lifting if forms make your head spin.

Final Word

Hearing loss can be frustrating – but the process of applying for the Disability Tax Credit doesn’t have to be. Visiting a hearing clinic in Calgary for a professional assessment can make all the difference in securing the support you deserve.