No Prescription Needed: B.C. Allows Over-The-Counter Sale of Hearing Aids

Adults with mild to moderate hearing loss can now buy over-the-counter hearing aids without a prescription, the B.C. government said in a statement. B.C. becomes the first province in Canada to allow such sales after approval by Health Canada.

Health Minister Josie Osborne said people too often put off buying hearing aids because of cost and other barriers. The change will help more people recognize hearing changes and get help earlier, she said. The change will provide more choice for people with hearing issues, supporting “greater awareness and normalization of hearing health.”

“Over-the-counter hearing aids may be available as stand-alone devices or as applications installed on mobile computing devices, such as smartphones or smartwatches, paired with earbuds or headphones,” the province’s statement said.

For example, Apple’s newer iPhone models have a hearing aid feature built in that hasn’t been activated for use in Canada because of federal and provincial restrictions. The feature works through certain versions of Apple’s AirPods.

Apple hasn’t announced a timeline yet for activating the hearing aid feature.

The provincial government is still recommending that people with hearing concerns be assessed by an audiologist. “These hearing aids are not intended to replace professional hearing care,” the statement said. But hearing tests or prescriptions won’t be required to buy over-the-counter hearing aids.

B.C. seniors advocate Dan Levitt said many seniors have told him that they can’t afford hearing devices, which can cost thousands of dollars.

He said improved access will help seniors age with dignity and live more independent lives. “This change is a welcome, necessary step toward improving access to hearing care for seniors, particularly older people living on fixed incomes.”

This is a reprint of the article published in the June 18th edition of the Times Colonist. The original information can be found in the BC Ministry of Health June 17th Media Release.

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