Hearing > Coverage

Many hearing services are offered through schools, health centres, hospitals, and treatment centres. These services are publicly funded or have a minimal charge.

In BC, there are also a number of specialized programs, such as specialized early intervention programs for children diagnosed with a hearing loss.

For more information about services for children, contact your local health unit or children’s hospital. For adults, contact a local private hearing clinic for more information.

Where to get hearing services in BC

Age Location and cost Who can refer

Babies
  • BC has a universal hearing screening program for babies born in BC. The program provides free screening, follow-up diagnostic assessments, first set of hearing aids, and communication and family supports.
  • if your baby’s hearing was not screened in the hospital after birth, contact your public health authority for information on local public health audiology clinics

Children
  • preschool and school-aged children receive services at public health audiology clinics
  • some services may not be available at a public health clinic (e.g., auditory processing assessment & treatment), but may be available at a private clinic
  • anyone can refer a child with a parent or guardian’s permission (e.g., parent, nurse, doctor)
  • contact your contact your public health authority for information on local public health audiology clinics

Adults (19+)
  • adult services are generally provided at local private audiology clinics. The Medical Services Plan (MSP) does not cover hearing tests.
  • some adults may be eligible to receive services at the public health audiology clinic. Services provided at public health audiology clinics are free.
  • self-referral
  • private audiology services are listed on the internet and the yellow pages, or through BCASLPA’s list of private audiologists
  • adults may be eligible for free services if they are dependant and require 24-hour care, or reside in a care facility. Contact your public health authority for information on local public health audiology clinics.