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. While hearing aids can make a meaningful difference, the cost can be a concern, especially if you don’t have private insurance or other coverage.
If you’re an eligible First Nations or Inuit client, the Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program may help cover the cost of hearing aids and related hearing health care. Understanding what NIHB covers, who qualifies, and how the funding process works can help you know what to expect and make it easier to access the hearing care you need.
In this guide, we’ll explain how NIHB hearing aid coverage works, including eligibility requirements, what benefits may be covered, how to apply, and other funding options that may be available.
Key Takeaways
- The Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) Program provides coverage for hearing aids and related hearing care for eligible First Nations or Inuit clients.
- To qualify for NIHB hearing aid coverage, you must meet the program’s eligibility requirements, including being a registered First Nations or Inuk recognized by an Inuit land claim organization.
- NIHB coverage may include hearing aids, hearing tests, professional fittings, follow-up care, batteries, earmolds, repairs and replacements, depending on your needs and the program’s guidelines.
- The type and level of hearing aid technology covered through NIHB is based on your hearing needs, your clinician’s recommendation, and NIHB approval.
- Most of the NIHB application process is handled through your hearing care provider, who can help confirm your eligibility, complete the required paperwork, and submit the funding request to NIHB on your behalf.
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.
Find Out What NIHB Coverage Means for You
If you’re eligible for NIHB and are experiencing hearing loss, a hearing assessment can help determine whether hearing aids may be right for you. Our team can answer your questions, help you understand your coverage, and guide you through the next steps.
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.
Get Help Accessing Your NIHB Hearing Benefits
If you’re eligible for NIHB coverage, you don’t have to navigate the process on your own. Our team can help assess your hearing, explain what may be covered, and guide you through the next steps to request funding for your hearing aids.
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
Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for hearing aid coverage through another government program:
- Assistive Devices Program (ADP): Provides partial coverage for eligible Ontario residents with long-term hearing loss.
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP): May cover the cost of hearing aids for eligible individuals receiving ODSP benefits.
- Ontario Works (OW): May provide financial assistance for hearing aids to individuals receiving income support, depending on their circumstances.
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB): May provide coverage for hearing aids when when hearing loss is related to workplace noise exposure.
- Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC): Provides hearing aid coverage and related hearing care for eligible veterans.
Additional Funding Sources
Government funding is not the only way to help with the cost of hearing aids. You may also have coverage or payment options through:
- Private Insurance or Workplace Benefits: Your extended health plan may cover part of the cost of hearing aids, depending on your specific coverage and limits.
- Clinic Financing Plans: Financing can help spread the cost of hearing aids over time. Hearing Solutions offers payment options, including 0% interest for 12 months, to help make hearing aids more manageable to pay for.
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
