Does OHIP Cover Hearing Aids and Hearing Tests in Ontario?
If you are starting to notice changes in your hearing, a question that may come up is whether OHIP will help cover the cost of hearing aids and hearing tests. The answer to this can become a bit confusing because Ontario has several different programs that working alongside OHIP, but they don’t all cover the same things.
In this guide, we will break down what OHIP covers so it’s easy to understand and provide you with options available if you need support.
Key Takeaways
- OHIP does not cover the full cost of hearing aids in Ontario.
- Hearing tests are not typically covered by OHIP, but many private clinics offer free hearing tests for adults.
- A full hearing assessment may be covered in hospitals or ENT offices with a physician referral.
- A separate program, which is the Assistive Devices Program (ADP), is the main Ontario program that helps pay for hearing aids, covering up to $1000 per pair.
- Additional funding for hearing aids may be available through other programs like WSIB, ODSP, VAC, NIHB, and Ontario Works.
- You can combine multiple programs (when allowed) with flexible payment plans and private insurance to reduce any out-of-pocket costs.
What is OHIP
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) is the province’s public health insurance program. It covers medically necessary services such as doctor visits, hospital care, surgeries, and diagnostic testing ordered by a physician.
When it comes to hearing health, OHIP plays a limited role. It covers some diagnostic testing in hospital settings but not hearing aids and most hearing assessments done in private or community clinics.
Are Hearing Tests Covered by OHIP in Ontario
No. Most routine hearing tests performed in private clinics in Ontario are not covered by OHIP.
With that said, a diagnostic hearing assessment may be covered if it is performed in an hospital or by an ENT specialist clinic and requires a special referral from your family doctor. These tests are typically ordered when there is a medical concern, such as sudden hearing loss, ear infections, dizziness, or other ear-related conditions.
For everyday hearing concerns, like struggling to hear conversations, turning up the TV volume, or wondering if you might need hearing aids, people usually visit a private hearing care provider.
Are Hearing Tests Free in Ontario
Yes, they may be free. Many private hearing clinics offer free hearing tests. These are normally a comprehensive hearing assessment and include a full audiological evaluation and do not require a referral.
At Hearing Solutions, we offer a complimentary hearing test for adults 50+, making it easy to stay on top of your hearing health as you age. Additionally, we provide a complimentary online hearing screener for individuals of all ages.
Who Qualifies for a Free Hearing Test at Hearing Solutions
You typically qualify for a free hearing test if you:
- Are an Ontario resident.
- Are 50 years of age and over.
- Experience hearing difficulties or simply want to monitor your hearing health.
At Hearing Solutions, adults 50 and over automatically qualify for a complimentary test, even if they aren’t experiencing any difficulty yet.
Children’s hearing tests and workplace assessments are also provided at an extra charge.
Will OHIP Pay for Hearing Aids
The short answer is no, OHIP does not cover the full cost of hearing aids. However, while they don’t fund hearing aids, the Ontario government does provide funding towards them through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP).
How Much Does the Government of Ontario Pay for Hearing Aids
Through ADP, eligible Ontario residents receive:
- up to $500 per ear
- For example, if a hearing aid costs $2,000 per ear, ADP would cover $500 per ear, leaving $1,500 per ear as the out-of-pocket expense.
This is a provincial assistance program separate from OHIP, and funding is applied directly at the clinic, so you don’t need to wait for reimbursement. ADP covers both first-time purchases and replacements if the equipment is worn out, no longer covered by warranty and cannot be repaired at a reasonable cost.
For an in depth look at this program read our full guide here.
Other Hearing Aid Funding Options
Apart from the ADP program, there are other programs that may still be able to help.
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB): Covers hearing aids fully if your hearing loss is related to workplace noise exposure.
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP): May cover hearing aids, batteries, and repairs for those who are already enrolled in the program.
- Ontario Works (OW): Can assist in the cost of hearing aids in certain cases with medical documentation.
- Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC): Provides coverage for eligible veterans.
- Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB): Covers hearing aids and related services for eligible First Nations and Inuit clients.
- Private Insurance: Many private insurance plans offer full or partial coverage, depending on your package.
- Financing Programs: Many hearing clinics offer flexible payment plans to make hearing aids more accessible.
Next Steps
While OHIP doesn’t cover hearing aids or most hearing tests, Ontario residents can still have access to multiple programs to help reduce costs. If you’re unsure which funding options you qualify for, a hearing healthcare professional can walk you through each program and help you apply.
References:
Hearing Solutions (30, September 2025). ADP Funding for Hearing Aids: What You Need to Know. https://www.hearingsolutions.ca/adp-funding-for-hearing-aids-what-you-need-to-know/
Government of Ontario (21, July 2025). Health care in Ontario. https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-ohip-and-get-health-card#section-0
