Retail and online sales of non-prescription hearing aids now allowed in B.C.

A hearing aid is pictured Friday, April 15, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (Rick Bowmer / AP / The Canadian Press)

VICTORIA — B.C. has turned up access to hearing aids.

The provincial government says in a statement that adults with mild to moderate hearing loss can now buy over-the-counter hearing aids without a prescription.

It says B.C. becomes the first province in Canada to allow such sales after approval by Health Canada.

Health Minister Josie Osborne says people too often put off buying hearing aids because of costs and other barriers, adding the change will help more people recognize hearing changes and get help earlier.

Seniors Advocate Dan Levitt says he hears from many seniors, who can’t afford devices, which can cost up to $11,000.

He says improved access will help seniors age with dignity and live more independent lives.

“This change is a welcome, necessary step toward improving access to hearing care for seniors, particularly older people living on fixed incomes,” he says.

This report by Wolfgang Depner of The Canadian Press was first published June 17, 2026.