Now available in British Columbia
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
BC now lets adults buy hearing aids over the counter. Here is what changed, who it is for, and how our independent clinic can help you choose well.
Talk to our teamA change worth knowing about
Better hearing just got more accessible.
British Columbia is the first province in Canada to allow adults 18 and older to buy Health Canada-approved hearing aids over the counter, through retail stores and online, without a hearing test or prescription. For people with mild to moderate hearing loss, that means a faster, lower-cost first step toward hearing well again.
We think this is a good thing. The sooner people act on hearing changes, the better they tend to do. As an independent, BC-owned clinic, we are here to help you make a smart choice, whether that is an over-the-counter device or a full professional fitting.
Effective in BC
June 17, 2026
- A Canadian first: BC leads the way
- Adults 18 and older can buy over the counter
- No hearing test or prescription required to purchase
- Intended for mild to moderate hearing loss
- Devices must be approved by Health Canada
Source: Government of British Columbia, June 17, 2026.
Is this right for you
A great option for some, not everyone.
Over-the-counter hearing aids are built for mild to moderate hearing loss in adults. Some situations still call for a professional first. Here is a simple way to tell them apart.
An over-the-counter device may suit you if
- You are 18 or older.
- You notice mild to moderate changes in your hearing.
- You ask people to repeat themselves in noisy rooms or turn the volume up more than you used to.
- You want an accessible first step before committing to a full prescription fitting.
See us first if you notice
- Sudden or rapidly worsening hearing loss.
- Ringing, pain, or pressure in one ear.
- Hearing loss in children or youth, which still requires an audiologist assessment.
- Dizziness, drainage, or a history of ear surgery.
Over-the-counter hearing aids are not intended to replace professional hearing care. When in doubt, a quick conversation with us is free and easy.
Why involve a clinic at all
Over the counter, with expert guidance.
You can buy an over-the-counter device entirely on your own. Many people do better with a little independent guidance on which one to choose and what to expect.
Independent and BC-owned
We are not tied to any manufacturer, so our guidance is about your hearing, not a sales quota. The same independence applies whether you choose an over-the-counter device or a prescription fitting.
Professional backup, on hand
Over-the-counter devices are not meant to replace professional care. If your needs are more complex, our audiologists and hearing instrument practitioners are right here in North Vancouver.
Help choosing the right device
There are a lot of over-the-counter options now. We help you compare features, fit, and value so you spend on what actually helps your hearing.
A clear next step if you need more
If an over-the-counter aid is not enough, we can book a full hearing assessment and walk you through prescription options without pressure.
What leaders are saying
A Canadian first, welcomed by advocates.
British Columbia is the first province in Canada to allow over-the-counter hearing aid sales, a change health leaders and seniors advocates have called a meaningful step toward earlier, more affordable care.
Making over-the-counter hearing aids available will help more people recognize hearing changes earlier.
BC Ministry of Health
This change is a welcome, necessary step toward improving access to hearing care for seniors, particularly older people living on fixed incomes.
Office of the BC Seniors Advocate
How it works
A simple path, at your pace.
Step 01
Tell us what you are noticing
Call or drop by and describe the listening situations that have become harder. We will help you tell typical age-related changes from signs that need a professional look.
Step 02
Choose an over-the-counter device
For mild to moderate hearing loss, we help you compare Health Canada-approved over-the-counter options and pick one that suits your hearing and budget.
Step 03
Come back any time
Hearing changes. If your device stops keeping up, or your needs grow, a full assessment and prescription fitting are always available right here.
Common questions
Over-the-counter hearing aids, explained.
Still not sure where you fit? Call us. A short, honest conversation usually clears it up faster than reading another page.
(604) 677-4832As of June 17, 2026, adults 18 and older in British Columbia can buy Health Canada-approved hearing aids over the counter, through retail stores and online sellers, without a hearing test or prescription. BC is the first province in Canada to allow this. The change is intended to make a first step toward better hearing more accessible and more affordable.
Hearing changes are easier to handle early
New options, same trusted team.
Whether an over-the-counter device is the right first step or you want a full assessment, our independent North Vancouver clinic is here to help you hear your best.
