Does OHIP Cover Hearing Tests?
OHIP covers hearing tests only when a physician or an ENT specialist performs them, usually after a referral from your family doctor, or during a hospital visit. Hearing tests at a private hearing test centre are not OHIP-covered, but Bravo Hearing Centre offers a free hearing test, and funding programs such as ADP can help with hearing aid costs afterward.
What Types of Hearing Tests Are Covered by OHIP?
In Ontario, OHIP covers a hearing test when a physician, such as an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist, performs it or when it’s done in a hospital setting. These tests are typically arranged through a referral from your family doctor. Hearing tests conducted at private hearing test centres, including Bravo Hearing Centre, are generally not covered by OHIP, though our team can help you understand every funding option available.
Are Hearing Tests Free in Ontario?
While OHIP does not cover a hearing test at a private clinic, Bravo Hearing Centre offers a free hearing test at both our Etobicoke and Mississauga clinics. It is a helpful first step, and it is separate from an assessment performed by a physician or in a hospital.
Does OHIP Cover Hearing Tests for Seniors?
OHIP covers a hearing test for seniors under the same rules as other age groups: the test must be performed by a physician or in a hospital setting. OHIP does not pay for hearing tests for seniors at private hearing test centres. Seniors can also look into funding for hearing aids through the Assistive Devices Program (ADP), which is separate from OHIP and covers devices rather than the test itself.
Does OHIP Cover Hearing Aids for Seniors?
No. OHIP does not cover hearing aids for seniors or any other age group. The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) pays 75% of the cost, up to $500 per hearing aid, when you buy from an ADP-registered vendor. Seniors may also qualify for other funding, such as private insurance, ODSP, or Veterans Affairs Canada. Read our hearing aid coverage guide for the full breakdown.
Where to Book an Assessment in Ontario
To access an OHIP-covered hearing test, start with your family doctor, who can provide a referral to an ENT specialist or a hospital-based hearing department. If you’d prefer a private hearing test, with flexible scheduling and no referral required, you can book directly with a hearing test centre such as Bravo Hearing Centre.
Understanding ADP: Assistive Devices Program Funding
The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) is an Ontario government initiative that provides financial assistance for hearing aids and related devices. Eligible residents can receive up to 75% coverage, up to $500 per hearing aid, every five years. To qualify, you must:
- Be an Ontario resident with a valid health card.
- Have a documented hearing loss that requires a hearing aid for six months or longer.
- Obtain the hearing aid from an ADP-registered vendor.
Note that ADP does not cover the cost of hearing tests.
Speak to Our Team About Funding
Additional Funding Sources for Hearing Aids
Beyond ADP, several programs can assist with the cost of hearing aids:
- Social Services: A one-time hardship fund can, combined with ADP, help cover entry-level hearing aids. You’ll need a hearing test, a hearing aid recommendation, a hearing aid quote, and an ADP form; our team can help you gather all of these.
- Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP): May cover the cost of hearing aids with a hearing test, recommendation, and quote from your hearing aid specialist.
- Ontario Works (OW): Offers support for low-income individuals, which may include assistance for hearing aids.
- Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC): May cover the cost of hearing aids with a hearing test, recommendation, and quote from your hearing aid specialist. Group B Veterans may require an ADP form from the clinic that performed the assessment.
- Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB): May cover hearing aid costs for employees with a work-related hearing injury. Speak with your hearing care provider to see if you qualify.
- Private Medical Insurance: Many private and workplace plans, including shared spousal benefits, may fund hearing aids alongside ADP. Coverage depends on your policy and can change from year to year, so it’s your responsibility to check with your insurance provider for up-to-date information.
For a complete breakdown, read our guide to hearing aid coverage in Ontario.
FAQs About OHIP and Hearing Tests
How Often Should I Have My Hearing Tested?
It's recommended to have your hearing tested every 1 to 2 years, especially if you're over 60 or noticing changes in how well you follow conversations.
Are Hearing Tests at Private Clinics as Reliable as Those in Hospitals?
Yes. Private hearing test centres, including Bravo Hearing Centre, use modern equipment and Hearing Instrument Specialists to provide accurate, dependable results as part of our hearing services.
Will My Private Insurance Cover Hearing Tests?
It depends on your plan. Check with your provider to see if a hearing test or hearing aid is included, and our team can help with any documentation you need.
Does OHIP Cover Hearing Aids?
No, OHIP covers certain hearing tests, not hearing aids. Hearing aid costs are funded separately through programs like ADP. See our full hearing aid coverage guide for the details.
Is an ENT Specialist Visit Covered by OHIP?
Yes. A hearing test performed by an ENT specialist, usually after a referral from your family doctor, is covered by OHIP. A private hearing test centre is a faster alternative if you'd rather not wait for a referral.
How Much Does a Hearing Test Cost in Ontario?
Bravo Hearing Centre offers a free hearing test at our Etobicoke and Mississauga clinics. Costs at other providers vary. Book a free hearing test to get started.
Where Can I Get a Free Hearing Test Near Me?
Bravo Hearing Centre offers a free hearing test at our Mississauga clinic and our Etobicoke location. Contact us to check current availability near you.
Ready to Understand Your Hearing Test Coverage?
Whether or not OHIP covers your hearing test, you don’t have to navigate Ontario’s funding options alone. The team at Bravo Hearing Centre will walk you through what’s covered, what ADP and other programs can offer, and what a hearing test really involves, all as part of personalized hearing solutions built around your hearing journey. Contact our team today to get clear, honest answers and take the next step toward better hearing.
