Find out more about this new technology and take action
Canada is not on the list of over 100 countries where these devices are available, although they are approved by Health Canada. That is the issue CARP is raising: the technology has federal approval, but Canadians are still waiting because provincial rules are not aligned.
What the technology offers
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing-aid technology can give adults with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss a practical, lower-barrier way to act earlier on hearing health. For many people, hearing changes are gradual. The first signs may be difficulty following conversation in a busy room, missing words on the phone, turning up the television, or feeling tired after trying to keep up socially.
Statistics Canada has found that many Canadians are unaware they have hearing loss. An estimated 54% of Canadians aged 40 to 79 had at least mild high-frequency hearing loss, yet 77% of them did not perceive any hearing loss.
Read the Statistics Canada report
CARP supports responsible access to these technologies as part of a broader hearing-health system: one that continues to include audiologists, diagnostic testing, prescribed hearing aids, physicians, professional care, and public supports for those who need them.
CARP believes Canadians should have safer and more responsible ways to act early. Adults should have access to regulated options that may help them take action sooner, while professional care remains central for those who need assessment, treatment, prescription devices, or more complex support.
The problem is Canada’s patchwork of provincial rules. Health Canada regulates medical devices at the federal level. Provinces and territories regulate health professions and the circumstances under which hearing aids may be dispensed or used. That creates a challenge for mobile, app-based hearing technology. Software does not stop neatly at provincial borders. A national rollout becomes difficult when provincial rules are not aligned. Ontario is now consulting on whether to allow the sale and use of certain devices that function as hearing aids without a prescription. The province launched a 30-day consultation on April 28, 2026.
Read Ontario’s announcement
Under current Ontario rules, hearing aids are dispensed based on a prescription from a regulated health professional. Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program covers up to 75% of the cost of hearing aids for eligible residents, up to a maximum of $500 for each aid.
Read more about Ontario’s consultation
CARP supports Ontario moving forward while protecting the professional-care pathway and the Assistive Devices Program.
Take action: Ontarians should respond now
Ontario’s consultation is open until May 28, 2026.
Submit your comment to Ontario’s consultation
Suggested paragraph to submit
I support Ontario changing its rules to allow responsible access to Health Canada-approved over-the-counter hearing-aid technology for adults, while preserving the essential role of audiologists, diagnostic testing, prescribed hearing aids, physicians, and public programs such as the Assistive Devices Program. Ontario should allow access with clear age limits, consumer education, return options, and referral pathways to professional care when needed. Health Canada has already approved this technology, and provincial alignment is needed so Canadians can benefit from it across the country.
The national picture
Canada needs a coordinated provincial response. Alberta appears to be further ahead. The Alberta College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists say Alberta’s Health Professions Act does not specifically address OTC hearing aids or regulate the sale of devices, and that non-regulated individuals are not prevented by the HPA from providing OTC hearing aids.
Read ACSLPA’s update
Ontario is consulting. British Columbia and Quebec have been identified as jurisdictions with legislative barriers to OTC hearing-aid access. Nova Scotia and other provinces need clarity so Canadians are not left with a fragmented system.
Read CASLPO’s OTC hearing aids task force report
Each province should create a clear path allowing adults to access Health Canada-licensed OTC hearing-aid technology without a prescription, within defined limits and with strong consumer protections.
Professional assessment should remain the clear pathway for children, those with severe or complex hearing loss, sudden or one-sided hearing changes, ear pain, dizziness, drainage, suspected blockage, or any other medically concerning symptoms. This is how Canada can expand access while keeping hearing care safe, informed, and connected to professionals when needed.
Why CARP members should speak up
This issue matters even if your hearing is excellent today. Many Canadians will experience hearing changes over time. Seniors’ advocacy has always helped build better systems for future generations — from pensions and income supports to drug benefits, accessibility, and protections against age discrimination. Hearing health is another opportunity to act now so Canadians have better options in the years ahead.
Ontario’s consultation is an important first step. If Ontario moves forward, it can help unlock national progress and encourage other provinces to align their rules.
CARP calls on all provinces to approve responsible access. Keep professional care strong. Protect public supports.
