NIHB Hearing Aid Funding Guide
For many people, hearing aids are essential for staying connected with loved ones, participating in community life, and maintaining independence. But the cost of hearing aids can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t have private insurance. Fortunately, Canada’s Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program provides coverage for eligible First Nations and Inuit peoples, including benefits for hearing aids and related services.
If you or a family member are First Nations or Inuit and need hearing support, the NIHB program can help make hearing care more affordable and accessible.
Key Takeaways
- The NIHB Program provides coverage for hearing aids and audiology services for eligible First Nations and Inuit peoples.
- Funding can include devices, fittings, batteries, and repairs.
- To qualify, you must be a registered First Nations person or recognized Inuit under federal criteria.
- Applications typically go through a hearing care provider, who submits requests directly to NIHB.
What Is the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program
The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program is a federal health program administered by Indigenous Services Canada. It provides coverage for a range of medical needs that are not covered by provincial or territorial health plans, including dental care, vision care, medical transportation, prescription drugs, and hearing aids.
The program’s goal is to ensure that First Nations and Inuit individuals have access to medically necessary services and devices, reducing financial barriers to care. For hearing health specifically, NIHB covers hearing aids, repairs, batteries, and related services, making it a valuable resource for those living with hearing loss.
Who Qualifies for NIHB Hearing Aid Funding
To receive coverage under NIHB, you must be:
- A registered First Nations individual under the Indian Act, or
- An Inuk recognized by an Inuit land claim organization.
In addition, you must be a resident of Canada and not covered by another federal health benefit program (such as Veterans Affairs Canada or Correctional Service Canada).
Children, youth, and adults who meet these criteria may all qualify. Proof of eligibility is usually required when applying for benefits, and your hearing provider can confirm the necessary documentation.
Does NIHB Pay for Hearing Aids
Yes, NIHB does cover hearing aids for eligible clients. The program typically pays for:
- Hearing aids: A range of technology levels from standard to advanced, depending on medical need.
- Professional services: Hearing tests, fittings, and follow-up appointments.
- Supplies: Batteries, earmolds, and assistive listening accessories.
- Repairs and replacements: Coverage for maintenance or new devices when needed.
The type of hearing aid and level of technology approved depends on the assessment by your audiologist and NIHB guidelines. While the program generally covers the full cost, some upgrades or optional features may require additional payment.
How to Apply For NIHB Hearing Aid Coverage
The application process for NIHB is designed to be as simple as possible for patients, since most of the paperwork is handled by your hearing care provider. The typical steps include:
- Schedule a Hearing Test – Visit a licensed audiologist or hearing instrument specialist to assess your hearing needs.
- Confirm Eligibility – Provide proof of First Nations or Inuit status so your provider can submit the request to NIHB.
- Provider Submission – The clinic will prepare and submit the required forms and medical documentation directly to NIHB.
- Approval – NIHB reviews the application and confirms coverage.
- Fitting and Follow-Up – Once approved, your hearing aids are ordered, fitted, and supported with follow-up care.
This process ensures that patients don’t have to navigate federal paperwork on their own.
Other Ways to Reduce Hearing Aid Costs
If you’re not eligible for NIHB, or if you’d like to explore additional resources, there are other programs that can help make hearing aids more affordable:
Other Government Funding Programs
- Assistive Devices Program (ADP): Provides partial coverage for Ontario residents with long-term hearing loss. For a more in depth look at the ADP program, click here.
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP): Fully covers hearing aids for eligible individuals with disabilities. Read our full ODSP guide here.
- Ontario Works (OW): May provide financial assistance for hearing aids to individuals receiving income support. Click here for more information on Ontario Works.
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB): Offers funding if hearing loss is connected to workplace noise. For more information on ODSP click here.
- Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC): Covers hearing aids and audiology services for eligible veterans. To learn more about the VAC program, read our guide.
Additional Funding Sources
- Private Insurance or Workplace Benefits: Extended health plans often cover part of hearing aid costs.
- Clinic Financing Plans: Many clinics, including Hearing Solutions, offer payment options such as 0% interest for 12 months, making devices easier to afford.
Next Steps
For eligible First Nations and Inuit peoples, the NIHB program is one of the most valuable resources for accessing hearing aids and related services. By reducing the financial burden, NIHB ensures that individuals can maintain communication, independence, and quality of life.
If you think you may qualify, the best first step is to schedule a hearing test. Your hearing care provider can then confirm eligibility, guide you through the application, and ensure you get the benefits you’re entitled to.
References:
Hearing Solutions (n.d.) Financing and Funding Support. https://www.hearingsolutions.ca/hearing-aids/hearing-aid-prices/financing-and-funding-support/
Hearing Solutions (13, March, 2025) Is There Government Funding for a Hearing Aid Purchase. https://www.hearingsolutions.ca/is-there-government-funding-for-a-hearing-aid-purchase/
Government of Canada (28, July 2025) About the Non-Insured Health Benefits Program. https://sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1572537161086/1572537234517
Government of Canada (26, April 2023) Who is eligible for the Non-Insured Health Benefits program. https://sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1574187596083/1576511384063
Government of Canada (26, August 2025) Benefits and services under the Non-Insured Health Benefits program. https://sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1572545056418/1572545109296
Government of Canada (16, July 2025) Audiology equipment and supplies benefit list. https://sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1585321635593/1585321656771#s2-3-1
