Hearing Aid Funding in Ontario: What Cambridge Residents Should Know

If you have been thinking about hearing aids but are concerned about the cost, you are not alone. For many people, understanding how hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More funding works can feel almost as complicated as choosing the hearing aids themselves.

Fortunately, Ontario residents may have access to several sources of financial assistance, including the provincial Assistive Devices Program (ADP), workplace benefits, Veterans Affairs coverage, private insurance, social assistance programs and other funding options.

At New Hope Hearing in Cambridge, we can help you understand your hearing needs as well as the funding and payment options that may be available to you.

Start With a Hearing Assessment

It is natural to begin the process by asking, “How much do hearing aids cost?”

Cost is important, but the first step should be determining what is actually happening with your hearing.

A hearing assessment can identify whether hearing lossA partial or total inability to hear sounds, ranging from mi... More is present, the type and degree of hearing lossA partial or total inability to hear sounds, ranging from mi... More, and which sounds or frequencies are most difficult for you to hear.

You may want to consider booking a hearing assessment if you have noticed that:

• You frequently ask people to repeat themselves.
• Conversations in restaurants or other busy environments are difficult to follow.
• Family members have commented on your hearing.
• You are turning the television or radio louder than other people prefer.
• People sometimes seem to be mumbling.
• You feel tired after trying to follow conversations.
• Phone conversations have become more difficult.

Once your hearing has been assessed, you can discuss whether hearing aids or another type of hearing support would be appropriate.

How Does Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program Help Pay for Hearing Aids?

One of the most common sources of hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More funding in Ontario is the Assistive Devices Program (ADP).

For eligible Ontario residents, ADP can contribute toward the purchase of hearing aids. If your application is approved, the program currently covers 75% of the cost of a hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More, up to a maximum contribution of $500 per ear.

That means someone requiring hearing aids for both ears may be eligible for up to $1,000 in ADP funding.

Eligibility is not based on your income. Generally, applicants must be Ontario residents with a valid Ontario health card and have a hearing-related disability requiring a device for six months or longer.

There are specific application requirements, so it is important to discuss ADP funding before purchasing your hearing aids.

New Hope Hearing can help explain the process and what steps may be required.

Other Hearing Aid Funding Options in Ontario

ADP is not necessarily the only source of assistance available.

Depending on your circumstances, you may also have coverage through:

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP)

People receiving ODSP benefits may qualify for additional assistance with the portion of an ADP-approved hearing device that would normally be paid by the patient.

Ontario Works

Ontario Works recipients may also be eligible for additional assistance toward eligible hearing devices.

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)

If your hearing lossA partial or total inability to hear sounds, ranging from mi... More is related to workplace noise exposure or another workplace injury, you may qualify for coverage through WSIB.

The eligibility requirements and approval process differ from ADP, so it is important to determine which program applies to your situation.

Veterans Affairs Canada

Eligible Canadian veterans may have hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More coverage available through Veterans Affairs Canada.

Employee and Private Health Insurance

If you have benefits through your employer, spouse or private insurance plan, check whether the plan includes hearing aids.

Coverage varies considerably between insurance providers. Some plans provide a fixed amount every few years, while others may cover a percentage of eligible expenses.

Before selecting hearing aids, it can be helpful to ask your insurer:

• How much hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More coverage do I have?
• Is the allowance per ear or for both hearing aids?
• How frequently can I use the benefit?
• Do I need a prescription or hearing assessment?
• Are accessories or repairs covered?
• Does the benefit reset at the end of the calendar year?

Knowing these answers beforehand can make it much easier to understand your actual out-of-pocket cost.

Don’t Choose Hearing Aids Based on Price Alone

Finding affordable hearing aids is important, but hearing aids are not simply a product you purchase and take home.

A successful hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More fitting involves selecting appropriate technology, programming the devices for your hearing lossA partial or total inability to hear sounds, ranging from mi... More, adjusting them for comfort and providing ongoing support as you become accustomed to wearing them.

When comparing hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More options, consider asking:

• Which hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More technology best suits my hearing lossA partial or total inability to hear sounds, ranging from mi... More?
• Which features are useful for my lifestyle?
• What is included with the purchase?
• How are the hearing aids programmed?
• Can adjustments be made locally?
• What happens if the hearing aids need repair?
• Is ongoing cleaning and maintenance available?
• Is there a trial period?
• What warranty is included?

New Hope Hearing is an independent hearing clinic, allowing us to work with hearing aids from a variety of manufacturers rather than limiting patients to one particular brand.

This gives us greater flexibility when considering your hearing needs, lifestyle and budget.

Hearing Aid Payment Plans at New Hope Hearing

Even after available funding and insurance coverage are considered, there may still be an amount that needs to be paid personally.

New Hope Hearing offers payment plans designed to make hearing aids more manageable for patients.

Our payment plans are administered directly through New Hope Hearing without financing or administration fees. Payments are generally spread over 12 months, although arrangements can be tailored to individual circumstances.

Our goal is to help you find appropriate hearing technology without making the payment process unnecessarily difficult.

What Should You Bring to Your Appointment?

You do not need to understand every funding program before coming to see us. In fact, helping you understand your options is part of the process.

It can be useful to bring:

• Your Ontario health card.
• Information about private or workplace insurance benefits.
• Any documentation relating to WSIB, ODSP, Ontario Works or Veterans Affairs coverage.
• Information about hearing aids you have previously worn.
• A list of situations where you have the most difficulty hearing.
• Questions you would like answered about hearing aids, funding or payment options.

You may also want to bring a spouse, family member or friend. They can often provide helpful observations about situations where hearing difficulties have become noticeable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hearing Aid Funding

Does everyone in Ontario qualify for hearing aid funding?

Not necessarily. Each funding program has its own eligibility requirements. Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program is available to eligible Ontario residents with a valid Ontario health card and a long-term need for a hearing device.

How much does ADP pay toward hearing aids?

For eligible applicants, ADP currently contributes 75% of the cost of hearing aids up to a maximum of $500 per ear.

Can I buy hearing aids first and apply for ADP afterward?

You should not assume that funding can be applied retroactively. The appropriate application and assessment process should be followed before purchasing hearing aids if you intend to use ADP funding.

Can insurance be used along with ADP?

In many situations, private or workplace insurance may help with costs remaining after ADP funding. Your exact coverage will depend on your insurance plan.

What if I cannot afford the remaining cost?

Talk to us before assuming hearing aids are outside your budget. There may be additional funding sources depending on your circumstances, and New Hope Hearing also offers payment plans.

Do I have to choose hearing aids immediately after my hearing test?

No. A hearing assessment gives you information about your hearing. If hearing aids are recommended, you can discuss the available technology, funding, costs and next steps before making a decision.

Hearing Aid Funding Help in Cambridge

Understanding ADP, insurance benefits and other hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More funding options can seem complicated, but you do not have to figure everything out on your own.

New Hope Hearing has served Cambridge, Hespeler and surrounding communities since 2010. As a privately owned, independent hearing clinic, we can help you understand your hearing assessment, explore hearing aidA small electronic device worn in or behind the ear to ampli... More options and discuss the funding and payment options that may be available to you.

If you have been putting off a hearing assessment because you are concerned about the cost of hearing aids, start by finding out what your hearing actually needs and what assistance may be available.

Call New Hope Hearing at 519-220-1441 to book an appointment at our Cambridge hearing clinic to get started.