Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Hearing Aid Coverage: What You Need to Know
Hearing loss affects thousands of Canadian veterans, and for many, it’s a direct result of their time in service. Years spent around aircraft engines, firearms, heavy machinery, or active combat environments can leave lasting effects on hearing health. Even mild hearing loss can create challenges like struggling to follow conversations, difficulty using the phone, or missing important sounds in daily life.
To make sure veterans get the care they deserve, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) provides hearing aid coverage and related support services. These benefits can help ease financial stress while ensuring veterans have access to the technology they need to stay connected, independent, and engaged with family and community.
Key Takeaways
- Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) provides funding for hearing aids and audiology services.
- Eligibility depends on your service history and whether your hearing loss is service-related.
- Both basic and advanced hearing aid technology may be covered.
- An assessment with a hearing professional is the first step to confirm eligibility and start the process.
What is Veterans Affairs Canada
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is the federal government department dedicated to supporting veterans and their families. Its role extends far beyond just financial benefits. VAC provides medical care, rehabilitation programs, education and training support, financial aid, and services that help veterans reintegrate into civilian life.
One of the biggest challenges veterans face is hearing loss. According to reports, hearing problems are among the most frequently reported service-related health issues. That’s why VAC includes hearing aid coverage as part of its health benefits. By doing so, it ensures that veterans can access treatment and technology that directly impacts their quality of life.
Think of VAC as both a financial support system and an advocacy group. It doesn’t just cover costs, it also helps veterans navigate the process of applying for benefits, arranging medical assessments, and connecting with the right professionals for care.
Who Qualifies for VAC Hearing Aid Funding
Not every veteran automatically qualifies for full VAC hearing aid coverage, but many do. The main factor is whether the hearing loss is linked to military service.
For example, if a veteran’s hearing loss can be traced back to repeated exposure to loud noise during training or deployment, they are usually eligible for coverage.
Eligibility may also extend to veterans who:
- Have a disability pension or award for hearing loss.
- Can demonstrate through medical records and assessments that their hearing decline is connected to service.
- Require hearing aids as part of ongoing health care needs documented by an audiologist.
In cases where hearing loss is not directly service-related, veterans may still qualify for partial coverage or additional support under other VAC health benefit programs. The best way to confirm eligibility is through an assessment with a hearing care professional, who can prepare the medical documentation needed for VAC.
Does Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) Pay for Hearing Aids
Yes, Veterans Affairs Canada does cover the cost of hearing aids for eligible veterans. In fact, VAC’s coverage is designed to go beyond just the devices themselves. Depending on your needs and level of eligibility, VAC may pay for:
- Hearing aids: Both standard and advanced models, based on an audiologist’s recommendation.
- Professional fittings: Ensuring the hearing aid is properly adjusted for comfort and clarity.
- Follow-up care: Appointments to fine-tune settings and monitor hearing health.
- Maintenance supplies: Batteries, cleaning tools, and accessories needed for daily use.
- Repairs or replacements: If the device becomes damaged or outdated, VAC may cover servicing or new devices.
- Assistive listening devices: In some cases, additional technology such as amplified phones or TV systems may also be included.
The goal is to remove financial barriers so veterans can get the hearing support they need without worrying about cost. For many, this means full coverage of all hearing aid-related expenses.
How to Apply for VAC Hearing Aid Funding
The application process may seem complicated at first, but most hearing clinics that work with veterans are experienced in guiding patients through it step by step.
Here’s what the process usually looks like:
- Book a Hearing Test – The first step is to have your hearing evaluated by a licensed audiologist. This test will determine the level and type of hearing loss you have.
- Confirm Eligibility – The audiologist or clinic will review your medical history and service records to see if your hearing loss is likely service-related.
- Submit Documentation – Your provider can prepare and send the necessary forms to VAC on your behalf, along with medical records that support your application.
- Await Approval – VAC will review your file. Once eligibility is confirmed, you’ll receive approval for coverage.
- Get Fitted – After approval, you’ll be fitted with hearing aids that suit your needs and lifestyle. The clinic will also teach you how to care for and use them properly.
- Ongoing Care – Follow-up appointments will ensure your hearing aids are working well. VAC typically covers adjustments, repairs, and supplies as long as you remain eligible.
By working with a clinic familiar with VAC, much of the paperwork and communication with the department is handled for you, making the process far less overwhelming.
Other Ways to Reduce Hearing Aid Costs
Not every veteran will qualify for full hearing aid coverage through VAC, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t other options available. If you don’t currently have VAC benefits or need additional support, here are some programs and resources to explore:
Other Government Funding Programs
- Assistive Devices Program (ADP): Helps Ontario residents with long-term hearing loss by covering a portion of the cost of hearing aids and related services. (link to ADP blog once published)
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP): May fully cover hearing aids for eligible individuals with disabilities who meet income and program requirements. (Link to ODSP blog once published)
- Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB): Provides hearing aid coverage for eligible First Nations and Inuit peoples.
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB): May fund hearing aids if your hearing loss is linked to workplace noise exposure.
- Ontario Works (OW): In some cases, individuals receiving income support may qualify for hearing aid assistance through Ontario Works.
For a deeper look at government-funded programs in Ontario, click here.
Additional Funding Sources
- Private Insurance or Workplace Benefits: Many extended health plans cover part of the cost of hearing aids, sometimes even including batteries and repairs.
- Financing Plans: For those paying out-of-pocket, most clinics offer flexible payment options. At Hearing Solutions, we provide a 0% interest plan for 12 months, along with longer-term financing to make hearing aids easier to afford.
By considering these options, veterans and their families can still find ways to reduce costs and access the hearing care they need, even if VAC coverage isn’t available or doesn’t cover the full amount.
Next Steps
Veterans Affairs Canada plays a crucial role in supporting Canadian veterans with hearing loss. By offering hearing aid coverage and related benefits, VAC helps remove financial barriers and ensures veterans can access the care they’ve earned through their service.
If you think you may qualify, the most important step is to schedule a hearing test with a qualified provider. From there, your clinic can guide you through the application process and connect you with the right VAC benefits. Even if you don’t meet full eligibility requirements, there are still other ways to reduce hearing aid costs and get the help you need.
References:
Hearing Solutions (n.d.) Cost of Hearing Aids. https://www.hearingsolutions.ca/hearing-aids/cost-of-hearing-aids/
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/
Hearing Solutions (3, August, 2023) How to Receive Hearing Aid Financial Assistance in Ontario. https://www.hearingsolutions.ca/how-to-receive-hearing-aid-financial-assistance-in-ontario/
Government of Canada (11, April, 2024) Veterans’ Hearing Problems. https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/about-vac/research/info-briefs/veterans-hearing-problems
Government of Canada (22, April, 2024) Organization. https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/about-vac/who-we-are/organization
Government of Canada (14, April, 2025) Disability Benefits. https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/mental-and-physical-health/hearing-loss-and-tinnitus/compensation-your-hearing-loss-or-tinnitus
Government of Canada (15, April, 2024) Treatment Benefits. https://www.veterans.gc.ca/en/mental-and-physical-health/hearing-loss-and-tinnitus/hearing-aids-services-and-more
