Ontario government all ears on expanding hearing aid access

Province will hold brief consultation process on potential sale and use of over-the-counter earpieces

Published Apr 28, 2026  •  Last updated 1 hour ago  •  2 minute read

A woman with a hearing aid communicates with her daughter and granddaughter on a smartphone. Photo by iStock /Getty Images

The Ontario government says it will listen to ways it can expand access to hearing aids, including the potential sale and use of over-the-counter earpieces.

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The government announced the consultation process on Tuesday in an effort to allow more people with mild hearing loss to have easier access to hearing aids.

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“Connecting Ontarians to more accessible health-care solutions is one more way our government is protecting the province’s health-care system,” Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, said in a statement.

“Expanding access to over-the-counter hearing aids without a prescription would reduce barriers to treatment for hearing loss, enabling more people to return to the activities they enjoy most.”

Prescription needed for hearing aid

Currently, people with some level of hearing loss need a prescription from a doctor.

But that could soon change if the province, following a brief consultation process, allows the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids by companies that manufacture in-ear headphones and earbuds with built-in listening capabilities.

The province says opening up the sale of listening devices will have no impact on current care, as patients would continue to be able to receive prescribed hearing aids covered under the Assistive Devices Program.

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Raymond Cho, the minister for seniors and accessibility, says he understands the impact of expanding access to hearing aids as a person who uses one himself.

“By exploring over-the-counter options, we are expanding personal choice while ensuring people continue to have access to professional care and coverage whenever necessary,” he said.

Consultation process over next month

The government says the consultation process will be held over the next 30 days, which will include individuals, industry partners, health organizations and others who will be invited to provide feedback on the proposed changes.

Following the consultation, the government says it will consider feedback received before making any future policy and regulatory decisions.

“Modernizing how health technologies are introduced helps foster a more competitive and affordable marketplace,” Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery and Procurement Stephen Crawford said.

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“By using procurement to support innovations such as over-the-counter hearing aids, Ontario is increasing choice, delivering better value and helping to sustain our health-care system over the long term.”

The announcement comes after a report published in March by the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario recommending access to hearing aids be expanded.

In Canada, hearing aids are regulated and can only be prescribed by a licenced audiologist or physician, while over-the-counter access is available in the United States to adults 18 years and older without an exam.

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