Hearing aids are an investment, but very few people pay the full sticker price. Between provincial programs, federal benefits, workers’ compensation, and tax credits, most Canadians qualify for help with the cost. Here is a plain-language guide to who covers what, starting close to home.
Alberta: AADL
For our patients in Edmonton and Calgary, the main program is Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL). It covers a share of the cost of approved hearing aids for eligible Alberta residents of any age with documented hearing loss, on a 75/25 cost-share basis, up to a set amount per device. Low-income Albertans can be fully covered with no cost-share, and hearing aids can typically be replaced about every five years. As a registered AADL vendor, Medicine Place Hearing Care handles the paperwork for you. We break this down in detail in our AADL Alberta guide.
The rest of Canada at a glance
| Province | Program | What it covers |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | ADP (Assistive Devices Program) | 75% up to $500 per hearing aid, any age, no income test |
| Quebec | RAMQ | Hearing aids at no cost for eligible residents who meet hearing thresholds |
| Manitoba | Seniors Hearing Aid Program | Up to $2,000 every five years for residents 65+ under an income limit |
| Saskatchewan | Supplementary Health Benefits | Limited, income-tested, with a co-pay on replacements |
| Nova Scotia | ESIA | Limited to income-assistance recipients, clinical care through Hearing and Speech NS |
| New Brunswick | Social Development program | Limited, payer of last resort, mainly income assistance |
| British Columbia | No broad program | Coverage mainly through WorkSafeBC, NIHB, or Veterans Affairs |
| Prince Edward Island | Social Assistance | Limited to social assistance recipients; no broad public program |
| Newfoundland & Labrador | Eastern Health / Social Assistance | Clinical services through Eastern Health; device funding limited to income support recipients |
| Yukon, NWT, Nunavut | Territorial health programs | Coverage varies; generally available through Extended Health Benefits for residents who meet eligibility criteria |
A note on coverage amounts
These figures change regularly as provinces adjust fee schedules and approved device lists. Before assuming any dollar amount, confirm with the program directly or with an audiologist who works with that province’s system. Here in Edmonton, we stay current on Alberta AADL schedules so our patients always get an accurate estimate.
Private insurance and employer benefits
Provincial programs are only part of the picture. Most employer group health plans include a hearing aid benefit, typically ranging from $500 to $2,500 per ear over a three to five year period. If you and a spouse each carry separate plans, you can often coordinate benefits between the two to cover a larger share of the cost.
Retirees on a pension plan, union members, and professional associations often have hearing aid coverage as well. Check the fine print for the replacement cycle and whether batteries and accessories are included.
Stacking multiple sources
One of the most overlooked strategies is combining funding from more than one source. In Alberta, an AADL eligible patient with employer benefits can apply the AADL grant first and then submit the remaining balance to their private insurer. Whatever is still left qualifies for the federal and provincial medical expense tax credits at year end. Our Edmonton clinic walks every patient through this process so nothing is left on the table.
Federal programs
- Veterans Affairs Canada (POC 3): covers hearing aids, accessories, fittings, and maintenance for eligible veterans who meet the audiogram threshold.
- Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB): for eligible First Nations and Inuit, covers one hearing aid per ear every five years, plus batteries, repairs, and more.
Workers’ compensation
If your hearing loss came from a noisy job, workers’ compensation often provides the most complete coverage of all, including ongoing batteries, repairs, and replacements. In Alberta that is WCB. See our guide on filing an Alberta WCB hearing loss claim.
Do not forget the tax credit
Whatever you pay out of pocket for hearing aids, batteries, and repairs usually qualifies for the federal Medical Expense Tax Credit, plus a provincial credit on top. Our hearing aid tax credit guide explains how to claim it.
Not sure which path is yours?
You do not have to figure this out alone. Book a hearing test with our registered audiologist, and we will assess your hearing, tell you exactly what you qualify for, and handle the AADL paperwork. Book a hearing test at either Edmonton clinic or our Calgary location.