ADP Funding for Hearing Aids & FM Systems

The Assistive Devices Program (ADP) is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health & Long-Term Care. It provides funding to Ontario residents who have long-term physical disabilities, and the program allows for greater access to needed assistive equipment (ie. prostheses, wheelchair/mobility aids, hearing aids, respiratory equipment, oxygen equipment, etc…).

FUNDING AMOUNT FOR HEARING AIDS & FM SYSTEMS:

For eligible applicants, the ADP will contribute 75% up to a maximum of $500 towards the cost of one hearing aid, and 75% up to a maximum of $1000 towards the cost of two hearing aids. The ADP will contribute 75% up to a maximum of $1350 towards the cost of an FM System.

ADP’s contribution includes funding towards the cost of the eligible hearing aid (not all hearing aids are considered eligible for funding), the cost of the earmold, and the cost of the applicable dispensing fee.

TYPES OF HEARING DEVICES FUNDED BY THE ONTARIO MINISTRY OF HEALTH & LONG-TERM CARE:

  • Hearing Aids
  • FM Systems
  • Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid Replacement Sound Processors
  • Cochlear Implant Replacement Speech Processor
  • Teletypewriters (TTY)

ELIGIBILITY:

Eligibility includes any Ontario resident who has a valid Ontario Health (OHIP) card issued in their name and has a physical disability of six months or longer. Equipment cannot be used only for certain or specific activities (ie. sports, work or school). ADP does not pay for equipment for individuals who have benefits for hearing aids through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, or to Group “A” Veterans (WSIB and Group “A” Veterans would have their hearing aids funded completely by WSIB or DVA).

DESIGNATED FUNDING PERIOD:

The designated funding period identifies how long the hearing device should, in most cases, remain in good repair under normal use. The program does not automatically provide funding towards a replacement hearing device at the end of the designated funding period. This designated funding period for hearing aids and FM Systems has also recently changed, as of May 1st, 2015. The funding period was previously 3 years, and now it is 5 years.

The ADP may provide funding during or following the designated funding period for a new hearing device, under certain conditions:

a) Significant change in hearing (must be determined by an Otolaryngologist)

b) Change in medical condition (must be determined by an Otolaryngologist)

c) Physical growth/atrophy – relates to fit and proper retention of the device in the ear (must be determined by the Audiologist or Hearing Instrument Specialist)

d) Normal wear – if the device is 1) no longer working; 2) no longer covered under warranty; 3) and the cost to repair the device is more than one third of the original purchase price, then the individual can apply for funding assistance towards the cost of a new hearing aid (if all eligibility criteria are met).

WHAT ABOUT LOST HEARING AIDS?

In cases of lost hearing aids, the ADP will not provide funding for replacements within the designated funding period (year 1 to year 5 after date of last access). The Ministry of Health recommends the purchase of insurance to cover such situations. If the designated funding period has passed, the ADP will provide funding for a replacement, if all other eligibility criteria are met.

For more information about the Ministry of Health’s Assistive Devices Program (Hearing Devices Policy & Administration Manual), Click Here.