Hearing aids are a significant purchase for most people. In this article we discuss some of the ways clients can offset the overall cost or reduce the up-front cost of purchasing hearing aids. If you have any questions about hearing aids, please don't hesitate to reachout and contact us - we like to listen.
Before You Buy: Consider Value Over Price
We emphasize clients buy the best value hearing aids and service to support them in their hearing journey. While the lowest cost, or the newest features may be attractive, the cheapest hearing aids or priciest features rarely represent the best deal for most people. We always recommend choosing hearing aids that have the technology level & features you will use with the quality of sound you are comfortable with. Buy hearing aids based on the best value for the dollar, including a good warranty, as you will have the same hearing aids for 3-5 years typically. That's the best deal.
Health Insurance
Private health insurance and work-related health insurance often have some provisions for funding the cost of hearing aids or hearing assistive devices. Spending limits vary as do the deductibles.
In House Financing for Hearing Aids
Our in-house financing, Financeit, finances more than just hearing aids. In fact, they will finance any purchase over $400. The approval rates are high and the interest rates much lower than credit cards. The first year’s interest rate is a low 0%. To learn more click hearing aid financing.
Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba – WCB
Workers employed in all Manitoba workplaces minus those excluded by provincial regulation are covered by workers compensation legislation. Only work-related injuries or occupational illnesses are covered. Any accident, illness or injury that occurs outside the workplace is not covered. For more information you can begin with either their FAQ
Non-insured health benefits for First Nations and Inuit - NHIB
The federal government provides funding to cover the cost of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. The program information states that prescriptions or recommendations for coverage must be initiated by the health professionals identified as prescribers or recommenders of the specific item listed on the website. You can find the list here.
or contact them directly 1-855-954-4321 or [email protected].
Department of Veterans Affairs – DVA
According to the Veterans Affairs website, hearing aids and assisted listening devices are eligible for the health benefits program. We noted that “If the benefits covered by VAC do not meet your particular needs, your hearing health professional may submit a request to VAC to provide coverage for a different type of auditory aid. “ The information was found on the web page Treatment Benefits – Programs of Choice (POC). The website also suggests they have provisions for hearing aid batteries.
Non-insured health benefits for First Nations and Inuit - NIHB
The federal government offers financial assistance that covers the purchase of hearing aids and assistive listening devices. The NIHB's program information states that prescriptions or recommendations for coverage must be initiated by the health professionals identified as prescribers or recommenders of the specific item listed on the website. You can find the list here. The information also suggests they have financial support for hearing aid batteries, repairs, and bone conduction hearing systems.
SMD Assistive Technology Support Program
The Society for Manitobans with Disabilities (SMD) provides funding assistance for people with disabilities. There program assists people with disabilities gain access to products that will improve their daily lives by helping pay for the costs of hearing assistive technology. Eligible applicants may be funded for up to 20% of the actual cost of their assistive technology product purchase (up to a maximum of $2500 per fiscal year). To read more about the Manitoba Health Services Plan click here.
Single Grants for Medical Equipment and Supplies
From the same government of Manitoba website, there are more option for assistance with purchasing hearing aids. The webpage says that if you can pay for your basic living costs but cannot afford to pay for your or your family’s health needs, you may be eligible for health care costs. People are then told to contact the staff for more information. Links are available here.
Employment and Income Assistance
The province of Manitoba offers “Health Needs and Other Benefits” to people qualify for social assistance. As per government website, there is funding available for the cost of hearing aids and hearing aid repairs. The webpage and contact information can be found here.
Questions?
We love answering questions! Please feel free to send us a message through the form on this page or call us at (204) 788-1083. If you would like to know more about testing a hearing evaluations, click hearing tests. To get an idea of the shapes and capabilities of hearing aids, click this link - hearing aids. Thanks for reading!
