According to a 2021 study, 60% of adults in Canada have hearing health issues. Among this demographic, a large majority of people aged 60 to 79 experience hearing loss. As the technology of hearing assistive devices is ever-changing, there are many options for everyone to explore to help them reconnect with the sounds around them. However, you may be asking: How much are hearing aids in Canada? If this question has made you put off improving your quality of life, you’re not alone. Let’s explore in more detail how much you can expect to pay for hearing aids in Canada and other frequently asked cost-related questions so you can better understand this type of personal health investment.
How Much Are Hearing Aids in Canada?
The primary influence on the price range of hearing aids comes from the technology built into the device and the clinical services involved. Clinical services include ongoing maintenance such as cleanings, reprogramming, and adjustments. Typically, these overall costs vary from $1,500 to $4,000.
When deciding on which hearing aid is most suitable for your needs, you’ll likely have to consider the following factors:
- The results of your hearing test
- Lifestyle
- Your occupation
- Budget
- Any cosmetic concerns you have
The style you choose, such as Behind the Ear (BTE) or Invisible Hearing Aids, has little bearing on the price. Instead, the technology and services involved organize the cost per device in the following four levels:
- Essential ($1,500 to $2,000): This is the cheapest and most basic level of hearing aid. These devices work best in quiet environments, so if you spend most of your time at home, this could be a good option.
- Standard ($2,000 to $2,500): Standard hearing aids are a step up from essential ones and offer extra features for enhanced audio quality. However, these still only work best in low-noise atmospheres.
- Advanced/Mid-Range ($3,000 to $3,5000): You can experience improved hearing in moderately noisy environments at this level. Advanced hearing aids have better sound quality and more features and require lower listening efforts than the previous two price bands.
- Premium ($3,500 to $4,000): This is the most expensive and highest-quality hearing aid. It has advanced technology and improved natural sound and requires little listening effort compared to the other levels. With these devices, you will get more features to help you clearly and accurately hear complex sounds like wind and music. You can also make many adjustments based on your lifestyle.
Your audiologist can recommend suitable styles and levels based on an assessment of your needs. No matter which one you choose, you will experience improved hearing in your daily life. Ultimately, the price differences come from the quality and the number of unique features embedded in the technology.
Keep in mind that the amount you pay depends on where you buy from, if there are any special deals, and if you have any funding options from private insurance or government subsidies.
Does OHIP Cover Hearing Aids?
The Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) covers hearing aids under the Assistive Devices Program (ADP). To qualify, you must be an Ontario resident, possess a valid Ontario health card, and have a disability that requires hearing assistive devices for six months or longer. Those who match these criteria can receive 75% coverage for up to $500 for each type of device. In some exceptional cases, you can get 100% coverage if you receive financial support through Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program.
How Much Does Hearing Aid Insurance Cost?
Most health insurance providers do not include hearing aids in their standard plans. It is best to talk to your insurer to see if you are covered or if you can add coverage to your existing policy.
Often, these added benefits will only include a portion of the total price of your hearing aid, such as up to $500 or $1,000, which can renew after a certain period, usually contingent on the average lifespan of the technology. Alternatively, your insurer may have contracts with specific providers for which you can receive an allowance if you buy from them.
Ultimately, the cost of hearing aid insurance depends on your insurance provider. If you have insurance through your work’s policy, you may have a certain amount deducted from your paycheque. If you have private insurance, you likely will have to pay out of pocket, which can increase if you add hearing aid coverage to your existing plan.
How Much Do Hearing Aid Batteries Cost Per Year?
As you plan your budget, don’t forget to consider the cost of battery replacements. Hearing aid batteries generally last four to ten days, depending on the size and time you spend using your device. The four battery sizes are 10, 13, 312, and 675, and the price typically can range between $20 to $35, with the amount per package varying between brands.
Suppose you have one hearing aid and change your battery every ten days. This means you would need a replacement approximately 37 times per year. If one pack of 40 costs $34 and each device requires one battery, your yearly replacement cost would be $34. However, this annual figure can change if you replace your batteries more often than every ten days or if you have two hearing aids.
At Robillard Hearing Centres, hearing aid purchases come with 360-AfterCare, which includes a three-year battery supply, so you don’t have to worry about the extra annual cost.
Alternatively, rechargeable hearing aids are an excellent way to save money on battery replacements and are more environmentally friendly. Rechargeable batteries can last a whole day unless you connect to an electronic device via Bluetooth for an extended period. You can conveniently place your hearing aid in its charging station overnight and be ready to use it again in the morning. These batteries typically last as long as the hearing aid, for around three to five years.
Where Can I Get Hearing Aids?
You can visit a hearing clinic to speak with an audiologist or hearing aid practitioner. They can test your hearing, assess your needs, and recommend products and solutions that work best for you.
While the FDA in the United States allows for the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids, the same is not true in Canada, where you will require a prescription from a hearing expert. While the devices sold in the U.S. can be less expensive, they are more generic and short-term, limited in their customizability features, and don’t come with the same clinical services.
Enhance Your Life
Hearing aid purchases are an investment in your quality of life. With technology ever-evolving, devices continually improve to help you with your listening needs so you can hear the great sounds of the world around you and engage more attentively in conversations with those you love most.
At Robillard Hearing Centres, we understand the importance of hearing for your overall well-being while acknowledging that hearing aids can be a costly, sometimes intimidating, financial decision. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the process and find the right fit for your situation. Reach out to us today to book your appointment.