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. 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