Hearing and Balance
Funding for Hearing Aids
Funding
Almost half of our customers receive partial, or even full funding for their hearing aids through a third party payer. When you come in for your appointment, we will complete a thorough history to help you determine if you are eligible to apply for coverage.
Veterans' Affairs Canada
If you served in the military, you may be eligible to receive benefits through VAC. You can set up an account with VAC here. Alternatively, you can call the General Inquiries line at VAC (1-866-522-2122) and advise them that you feel you have a hearing loss and/or tinnitus. They will mail you the application forms; a questionnaire for you to complete and a letter for the audiologist, requesting the specific tests they would like completed. If approved, VAC covers the cost of hearing aids, batteries, and repairs for the rest of your life.
Workers' Compensation Board
If you have worked in noise, you may be eligible for coverage for hearing aids through the Workers' Compensation Board in the province where the noise exposure occurred. Schedule a hearing test and if you meet the minimum criteria for application in that province, we will provide you the appropriate forms to initiate your WCB claim. If approved, workers' insurance typically covers hearing aids, batteries and repairs for life.
Non-Insured Health Benefits
Health Canada provides eligible First Nations and Inuit people with hearing aids when they are not covered through other insurance plans. If your test results indicate a hearing loss that would benefit from hearing aids, we will apply for hearing aids on your behalf.
Ministry of Social Development
The least expensive, appropriate hearing instruments and associated repairs and supplies are provided to eligible recipients who lack the financial resources to meet the need.
Hearing instruments and associated repairs and supplies are available under the Employment and Assistance Regulation and Employment and Assistance for Persons with Disabilities Regulation.
Extended Benefits
Prior to your appointment, call your benefits provider to find out if you have coverage for audiology services and hearing aids. Be sure to ask if the amount quoted is per ear or in total. Also find out if there are any special requirements (ex. Audiologist prescription) or limitations.
WorkBC Assistive Technology Services
WorkBC Assistive Technology Services support individuals that need assistive technology products and services to overcome disability-related barriers in the workplace.
People with disabilities can access assistive technologies through WorkBC to help them find a job, or if they need a piece of equipment to keep working at their current job. WorkBC provides employment related:
- assistive devices, equipment and technology
- communication and hearing devices
- ergonomic supports and other personal devices
- interpreting and captioning services
- workplace access and modification
More information on WorkBC Assistive Technology Services can be found here: WorkBC Assistive Technology
Unbundled Service Option
Service Plan vs Unbundled
We offer package options to consider when purchasing your hearing aids. Both packages include:
- Selection of hearing aids
- Verification of the physical and acoustical appropriateness of the hearing aids
- Instruction on care and use
- Pairing to phone, tablet and accessories
- 90 day trial period
- Follow up appointments during trial
- 3 year repair warranty
- 2 year loss and damage warranty
Service Plan
All services and consumables required to use the hearing aids are included for a 5 year period. This includes:
- Annual hearing wellness check
- Hearing test
- Hearing aid service
- Firmware update
- REAR test if change in hearing
- Warranty information
- Consumable provision for the year (ex. Non-rechargeable batteries, domes, wax guards)
- All walk-in appointments for hearing aid service
- All appointments for adjustments and maintenance
- Pairing of additional devices
- Pre and post repair appointments
- Loaner aids for trips and when aids away for repair
Unbundled Plan
This option separates the cost of the hearing aids from the related products and services. You pay for the hearing aids and fitting upfront and then pay for additional items services only as needed.
Considerations
Factors that may impact your decision are your:
- History with hearing aids – are you an experienced hearing aid user with a track record of requiring minimal support in the use of hearing aids?
- Budget – will a lower entry price be the difference between getting hearing aids or not, or being able to upgrade to hearing aids that will better suit your communication needs?
- Finances – is it easier for you to move the money from your savings all at once?
- Lifestyle – do you spend a significant amount of time somewhere else (ex. Travelling) and may need to acquire and pay for services from audiologists elsewhere?
- Are you planning on relocating soon?
- Reimbursement Opportunity - Have you applied for coverage through a third party, such as WSBC, but want to proceed with hearing aids rather than wait for the claim decision?
- Taxes – hearing aids can be included as a medical expense on your income tax but audiology services typically cannot. Would you benefit from claiming the cost of the aids and services on your income taxes all at once?
- Extended benefits – Can you claim audiology services on your extended benefits plan or just hearing aids? It’s best to check with your specific coverage.