Ontario to allow over-the-counter hearing aids for sale in the province
Ontario is planning to make over-the-counter hearing aids available in the province for people with mild hearing loss. The government says a legislative change set to be included in the fall economic update later this year will enable the devices to be used in Ontario. Health Minister Sylvia Jones says it will give Ontarians more […]
Ontario is set to permit the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids within its borders, according to government plans. The legislative alteration, slated to feature in the upcoming fall economic update, will facilitate the use of these devices in the province. Health Minister Sylvia Jones expressed that this change will provide Ontarians with additional options and flexibility to obtain the necessary hearing support, available at their convenience and location.
Although Health Canada has authorized medical device licenses for certain wireless earbuds equipped with hearing aid functionalities, Ontario law has historically prohibited the sale of hearing aids without a doctor or audiologist's prescription. Post the legislative amendment and subsequent regulatory adjustments, producers of in-ear headphones and earbuds featuring embedded hearing aid capabilities will be empowered to activate these features in products marketed in Ontario.
The government clarifies that the new regulation does not supersede or alter existing prescription requirements and coverage for hearing aids.
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