Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Are Now Legal in B.C. — What Families Need to Know

On June 17, 2026, the B.C. government announced that adults 18 and older with mild-to-moderate hearing loss can now buy over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids — without a prescription and without a hearing test. The devices are available through retail stores and online sellers across the province.

B.C. is the first province or territory in Canada to expand access this way. The change doesn't replace the existing system of audiologists and hearing-instrument practitioners — it adds a new, more affordable route for people with milder hearing loss who might otherwise put off getting help.

For families, the practical takeaway is simple: if your parent has been saying "I hear fine" while turning the TV up to maximum, there's now a lower-cost, lower-barrier first step to try. But — and this matters — an OTC device is a starting point, not a substitute for professional hearing care. We'll walk through exactly where the line sits below.

An over-the-counter hearing aid is a Health Canada-approved device that an adult can buy directly, the same way you'd buy reading glasses off a pharmacy shelf. There's no clinical gatekeeping step — no required hearing test, no prescription, no fitting appointment.

They come in two broad forms:

• Stand-alone devices — small units worn in or behind the ear, similar in appearance to traditional hearing aids.
• App-based devices — software installed on a smartphone or smartwatch, paired with earbuds or headphones, that amplifies and tunes sound.

Here's what they aren't. OTC hearing aids are designed only for mild-to-moderate hearing loss in adults. They are not intended for significant hearing loss, not intended for children or youth, and not a replacement for a professional assessment. They won't diagnose why someone's hearing has changed — and sometimes the "why" is treatable or serious.

As Speech and Hearing BC put it when the change was announced, expanding access is "a positive step toward helping more British Columbians explore support sooner" — while hearing professionals "continue to play an important role in helping people understand their hearing needs, navigate their options and get the most benefit from whatever hearing solution they choose."

OTC hearing aids tend to be a reasonable first step for an adult who:

• Has noticed gradual, mild-to-moderate hearing loss in both ears
• Struggles mostly in specific situations — restaurants, group conversations, the TV
• Has no pain, discharge, ringing in one ear, or sudden change
• Wants to try something affordable before committing to a full clinical fitting

Some signs mean your family member should be assessed by a hearing professional or primary care provider before reaching for an OTC device. Per the Province's guidance, seek a professional assessment if there is:

• Sudden hearing loss
• Ongoing ear pain
• Ringing in one ear (rather than both)
• Rapidly worsening hearing

These can point to conditions that are treatable — or that need medical attention — and an amplifier won't fix them. And for anyone under 18, an audiologist assessment is still required before using a hearing aid. The B.C. guidance is also clear that, even for adults, it's recommended to be assessed by an audiologist before using hearing aids. OTC access lowers the barrier; it doesn't remove the value of a professional opinion.

Cost is the heart of why this change matters. B.C.'s seniors advocate, Dan Levitt, noted that prescription hearing aids "can cost up to $11,000," an amount that is "simply out of reach for many older people in B.C." on fixed incomes.

Over-the-counter devices are expected to be substantially cheaper — that's the entire point of expanding access through retail and online channels. The government's stated goals include helping "reduce barriers for people without extended health benefits or coverage" and encouraging "earlier recognition and action on hearing changes."

Why does earlier action matter so much? Untreated hearing loss in older adults is linked to social isolation, depression, and faster cognitive decline. A parent who stops going to family dinners because they can't follow the conversation is losing far more than sound. Removing the cost-and-clinic barrier means more people address hearing changes while they're still mild — which is exactly when help works best.

A word of caution on price, though: cheaper isn't automatically better, and the OTC market will include a wide range of quality. Before buying, it's worth confirming a device is genuinely a Health Canada-approved hearing aid (not just a generic "sound amplifier"), and checking the return policy so you can send it back if it doesn't help.

If you're helping a parent or partner take this first step, here's a practical path:

1. Start with the symptoms. If there's any sudden change, pain, ringing in one ear, or rapid worsening, see a hearing professional or primary care provider first — don't start with an OTC device.
2. Confirm the device is Health Canada-approved. You can check Health Canada's Medical Devices Active Licence Listing (MDALL) to verify a device is a licensed medical device rather than an unregulated amplifier.
3. Consider a professional assessment anyway. Even though it's no longer required for adults, an audiologist or hearing-instrument practitioner can confirm the type and degree of hearing loss and help you choose and fit a device that actually works for the person wearing it.
4. Check the return policy before you buy, and give any new device a few weeks of consistent use — the brain needs time to adjust.

For trustworthy background on hearing loss and hearing devices, HealthLink BC maintains a plain-language guide at healthlinkbc.ca, and you can call 8-1-1 any time to speak with a nurse or health-services navigator. Speech and Hearing BC can help you understand the role of hearing professionals and find a registered audiologist or hearing-instrument practitioner.

When you're ready to compare hearing clinics, audiologists, and related support in your community, CareCompare lists hearing services across B.C. by city. Search hearing services near you to see local options and contact them directly.

Ready to find hearing support near you? Find hearing services in B.C. →

Do I need a hearing test or prescription to buy an OTC hearing aid in B.C.?

No. As of June 17, 2026, adults 18 and older with mild-to-moderate hearing loss can buy Health Canada-approved over-the-counter hearing aids without a hearing test or prescription. That said, the Province still recommends adults with hearing concerns be assessed by an audiologist before using hearing aids, and for anyone under 18 an audiologist assessment is required.

Are over-the-counter hearing aids as good as prescription ones?

It depends on the device and the person. OTC hearing aids are designed for mild-to-moderate hearing loss and are a reasonable, affordable first step. They are not intended to replace professional hearing care, and they won't be the right fit for significant hearing loss. An audiologist can fine-tune a device to a person's specific hearing profile, which often produces better results than a self-fitted OTC unit.

How much do over-the-counter hearing aids cost?

Exact prices vary by device and retailer, but OTC hearing aids are expected to cost far less than prescription models, which B.C.'s seniors advocate notes can run up to $11,000. Lowering that cost barrier is the main reason B.C. expanded access. Be sure to confirm a device is a Health Canada-approved hearing aid and check the return policy before buying.

When should I see an audiologist instead of buying OTC?

See a hearing professional or primary care provider first if there is sudden hearing loss, ongoing ear pain, ringing in one ear, or rapidly worsening hearing. These can signal a treatable or serious condition that an OTC amplifier won't address. An audiologist assessment is also required for anyone under 18.

How do I know an OTC hearing aid is safe and approved?

Check Health Canada's Medical Devices Active Licence Listing (MDALL), which lets you confirm a device is a licensed medical device rather than an unregulated "sound amplifier." You can also call 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC) to speak with a nurse, or consult a registered audiologist through Speech and Hearing BC.