Important notice

Class action against tobacco companies

If you need the Health Insurance Number of a tobacco victim, you must file a request for access to information for a deceased person. Find out more

Gouvernement du Québec
Régie de l’assurance maladie

Hearing aids

If you are eligible, the Hearing Devices Program covers the costs related to hearing aids and assistive listening devices. This includes the purchase, repair and replacement of the aids you need to carry out your daily activities.

Who is eligible?

The program is intended for persons insured under the Québec Health Insurance Plan. To be eligible, they must meet the following conditions:

AgeEligibility requirements
Age 11 and underHave a hearing impairment that could compromise speech and language development: a comprehensive assessment of the impairement(s) and functional limitations is required
Age 12 to 18Have an average hearing loss of at least 25 decibels in one ear for the required frequencies
Student aged 19 or over
  • Have an average hearing impairment of at least 25 decibels in one ear for the required frequenciesBe pursuing studies leading to a diploma, certificate or attestation recognized by the Ministère de l’Éducation or the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur
Age 19 and overHave an average hearing loss of at least 35 decibels in the better ear for the required frequencies
Everyone
  • Have a hearing loss in addition to other impairments
  • Have other functional limitations that hamper integration into society, the school environment or the workplace: a comprehensive assessment of the impairment(s) and functionnal limitations is required

Procedure for obtaining a hearing aid

Step 1

Obtain the required documents

They vary according to the hearing aid you need.

Required documentsSpecialist consulted
Audiogram, specifying the degree of hearing loss
  • Age 11 or under: Not required
  • Age 12 to 64: Otorhinolaryngologist or audiologist
  • Age 65 or over: Audiologist
Attestation that a hearing aid is necessary
  • Age 11 or under: Audiologist
  • Age 12 to 64: Otorhinolaryngologist or audiologist
  • Age 65 or over: Audiologist
Required documentsSpecialist consulted
Audiogram, specifying the degree of hearing lossAudiologist
Comprehensive assessment of the impairment(s) and functional limitationsAudiologist or speech therapist
Recommendation for an assistive listening deviceAudiologist

Step 2

Obtain an additional document

Depending on your situation, obtain an additional document in order to benefit from particular provisions of the program.

Your situationRequired document
StudentAttestation of school attendance showing that you are pursuing a recognized program of studies
WorkerAttestation showing that you hold paid employment or employment providing you with a benefit, for instance, if you are a:
  • Self-employed worker
  • Worker benefiting from support for workplace integration and job retention
  • Trainee developing employability skills
Person with a visual impairment in addition to a hearing impairmentAttestation from an accredited facility confirming visual impairment

Step 3

See the specialist

With the required documents in hand, see the specialist best suited to meet your needs:

You must see the specialist no later than 1 year after the required documents have been issued to make sure they remain valid.

Services covered under the program

The program covers the cost to purchase, repair and replace a hearing aid and an assistive listening device under certain conditions. You could benefit from a 2nd covered hearing aid if you are in one of the following situations:

  • Are age 18 or under
  • Have a visual impairment
  • Are age 19 or over, and the 2nd hearing aid would provide an essential improvement to your studies or work

In all cases, you must have a recommendation by an audiologist to obtain a 2nd hearing aid.

Hearing aids

Hearing aids covered: aids that improve hearing

Category covered : Digital (In-the-ear and behind-the-ear)

Assistive listening devices

Devices covered: Devices that compensate or reduce certain inconveniences resulting from a loss of hearing

Exemples:

  • Telephone amplifier
  • Door or telephone monitor
  • Adapted alarm clock
  • Teletypewriter

Coverage conditions

Select the topic that interests you to find out more on the conditions for coverage. To see which goods and services are covered, refer to the page Tariff hearing aids or consult a specialist.

The program covers the replacement cost of a hearing aid under the following circumstances:

  • Change in your audiological or physical condition that renders the aid ineffective
  • Loss in your ability to manipulate the controls of the aid, rendering it unusable
  • Early deterioration of the aid due to excessive toxic vapours, dust pollution or acidity in your perspiration
  • Accidental damage to the aid
  • In the first 6 years of use,the cost of a single repair exceeding 70% of the purchase cost of the aid
  • As of the 7th year of use, total repairs exceeding 60% of the purchase cost of the aid or where the aid no longer functions under normal conditions

The program covers the cost of repairing your hearing aids. Coverage includes the loan of a hearing aid.

Repairs to a hearing aid that you own are covered only at the time you first qualify for an aid under the program. This aid must be among the categories and types of aids covered by the program. To find out more, talk to a specialist.

The fees charged by audioprothetists and recognized aid facilities are covered by the program when you purchase or replace a hearing aid or when you have it repaired. You have nothing to pay for these services when you are registered for the program. Nevertheless, you are responsible for the maintenance costs of your hearing aid, for instance, to have it cleaned and checked.

The warranty is valid for at least 1 year for a hearing aid. Audioprosthetists and recognized aid facilities can provide you with further information in this regard.

Batteries are covered when you purchase or replace a hearing aid. However, thereafter, you are responsible for the cost of replacement batteries.

Loss, theft, damage or negligence

Coverage excludes the cost of repairing or replacing aids that have been lost, stolen or damaged or used negligently. You will have to pay these costs if they are not covered by your personal insurer (home insurance or other), if applicable.

Application for review

You can apply for a review of a RAMQ decision. To find out more, refer to the page Request a review of a decision.

See also

How did we do?

Was the information on this page useful to you?
Do not include any personal information. You will not receive any reply.