Hearing aids The Hearing Devices Program covers the costs related to the allocation, repair and replacement of hearing aids you need to carry out your daily activities. This includes hearing aids and assistive listening devices. 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: Age 11 and underHave a hearing impairment that could compromise speech and language developmentAge 12 to 18Have an average hearing loss of at least 25 decibels in one ear for the required frequenciesStudent aged 19 or overHave an average hearing impairment of at least 25 decibels in one ear for the required frequenciesAge 19 and overHave an average hearing loss of at least 35 decibels in the better ear for the required frequenciesPersons with another impairmentHave a hearing impairment accompanied by another impairment that hamper social, educational or professional integration (deafblindness, for example) Services covered under the program The Hearing Devices Program covers the costs related to the allocation, repair and replacement of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. For the complete list of hearing devices and aids covered by the Program, refer to the page Tariff for hearing aids and related services or ask your specialist. Hearing aids Hearing aids covered: 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 (examples: telephone amplifier, door or telephone monitor, adapted alarm clock) Coverage of a 2nd hearing aid You may benefit from a 2nd covered hearing aid only if you have a recommendation of an audiologist. You must also meet one of the following conditions: Are aged 18 or underHave a visual impairmentAre age 19 or over, and the 2nd hearing aid would provide an essential improvement to your studies or work Procedure for obtaining a hearing aid Step 1 Obtain the required documents The documents vary according to the hearing aid you need. Make sure you know who you need to contact to obtain the documents required for your situation. Hearing aid Age 11 or under Attestation that a hearing aid is necessary Age 12 to 64 Audiogram (assessment of the degree of hearing loss) obtained from the otorhinolaryngologist or audiologistAttestation of the necessity of a hearing aid obtained from the otorhinolaryngologist or audiologist Age 65 or over Audiogram (assessment of the degree of hearing loss) obtained from the audiologistAttestation of the necessity of a hearing aid obtained from the audiologist Assistive listening device Audiogram (assessment of the degree of hearing loss) obtained from the audiologistComprehensive assessment of the impairment(s) and functional limitations obtained from the audiologist or speech therapistRecommendation for an assistive listenig device obtained from the audiologist Step 2 Obtain an additional document If applicable, you must also provide the following documents: Student Attestation of school attendance showing that you are pursuing a recognized program of studies Worker Attestation showing that you hold paid employment or employment providing you with a benefit, for instance, if you are a: Self-employed workerWorker benefiting from support for workplace integration and job retentionTrainee developing employability skills Person with a visual impairment in addition to a hearing impairment Attestation from an accredited facility, confirming visual impairmentorAttestation from a health professional, confirming the other impairment Step 3 See the specialist Using the documents described in steps 1 and 2, see the specialist best suited to meet your needs: A Québec audioprosthetist (French only) to obtain a hearing aidA specialized facility in Québec to obtain an assistive listening device You must see the specialist no later than 1 year after the required documents have been issued. Coverage conditions The Hearing Devices Program covers the costs related to the allocation, repair and replacement of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. Repair conditions The program covers the cost of repairing your hearing aids. Coverage includes the loan of a hearing aid. If the repair is too expensive, the aid could be replaced instead. Replacement conditions 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 ineffectiveLoss in your ability to manipulate the controls of the aid, rendering it unusableEarly deterioration of the aid due to excessive toxic vapours, dust pollution or acidity in your perspirationAccidental damage to the aidAid for which the repair exceeds 70% of the initial cost (within the first 6 years of use)Aid for which the repair exceeds 60% of the initial cost or aid that can no longer function under normal conditions (from the 7th year of use) Fees, warranties and batteries 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 private 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 Recognized facilities specialized in assistive listening devicesFind an audioprosthetist (French only) Hearing Devices Program
