Ontarians with mild hearing loss could soon have access to over-the-counter hearing aids, under a regulatory change the government is considering.
The Ministry of Health has launched a 30-day consultation on allowing the sale and use of certain devices that function as hearing aids, without a prescription.
Health Minister Sylvia Jones says access to over-the-counter hearing aids would reduce barriers for people with hearing loss.
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Health Canada has issued medical device licences for some wireless earbuds that have built-in hearing aid capabilities, but Ontario law currently bans selling a hearing aid unless it is prescribed by a doctor or audiologist.
The government says the Assistive Devices Program would still provide up to 75 per cent of the cost of prescribed hearing aids.
It says allowing over-the-counter hearing aids would complement the existing hearing aid prescription system and provide people with more choice.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 28, 2026.
