Alberta Hearing Aid Funding: The Complete AADL Guide (2026)

In Alberta, the Alberta Aids to Daily Living, or AADL, helps Albertans with a long-term disability, chronic or terminal illness pay for basic medical equipment and supplies. AADL works with Alberta Blue Cross and Alberta Health Services to provide benefit funding to clients based on their health care needs. These products are provided by AADL-approved vendors.

Compared to some other provincial programs, AADL offers broader funding support, including additional assistance options for eligible lower-income Albertans.

AADL at a Glance

Who Qualifies for Alberta AADL?

To receive AADL funding for a hearing aid, you must meet all of the following:

Alberta Residency and Health Card, along with meeting specific age criteria

You must hold a valid Alberta Health card and be a resident of Alberta. Albertans between the ages of 0-17 years and those 65+ years are eligible for AADL hearing aid benefits. If you fall between these ages (18-64 years), you must be eligible for cost-share exemption based on the current income threshold identified by the program, receive assistance under AISH, or be a full-time student aged 18-24 years and still be receiving benefits under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan as a dependent under their parents’ plan.

Permanent Hearing Loss

You must have a confirmed permanent hearing loss that meets AADL’s audiological eligibility threshold, confirmed by a registered audiologist or hearing aid practitioner. Hearing impairment is considered “permanent” if it is irreversible by medication or surgery and is likely to last for six months or more. A temporary hearing loss (such as one caused by an ear infection or fluid) does not qualify.

Hearing Aid Recommendation by an Authorised Provider

A hearing healthcare professional who is authorised by AADL must assess your hearing and recommend the device. Only AADL-authorised providers can submit claims on your behalf.

Appropriate Candidate

Your hearing professional must determine you are an appropriate candidate; you are able to use and benefit from a hearing aid.

Who does NOT typically qualify:

Those with temporary or reversible hearing loss
Residents without a valid AB Health card

Those who have already received AADL funding for hearing aids within the 5-year replacement window (some exceptions apply)

What Does AADL Cover?

Covered Devices

AADL covers a range of hearing aid styles, including behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-canal (RIC/RITE), in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-canal (ITC), and completely-in-canal (CIC). AADL maintains a benefit list with set benefit amounts for approved devices.

What AADL Does NOT Cover

Disposable batteries (some rechargeable hearing aids are covered)

Wireless accessories such as TV adapters or remote microphones

Purely cosmetic upgrades

Devices from non-AADL-authorised providers

Devices purchased before AADL approval

How Much Will I Pay?

Cost-Share (Most Albertans)

AADL pays 75% of the approved benefit amount, as outlined in the Alberta Aids to Daily Living Approved Product List H for one ear every 5 years. You pay the remaining 25% of this approved benefit amount, subject to a $500-per-year maximum on your out-of-pocket share.

Important: Alberta Aids to Daily Living covers a wide range of assistive devices. This means that your annual cost-share contribution is across all services accessed through AADL.

If you choose a device that costs more than the AADL approved benefit amount, you pay the difference yourself in addition to your 25% share.

Cost-Share Exempt

If you receive benefits under the following programs, AADL covers 100% of the approved benefit amount as outlined in the Alberta Aids to Daily Living Approved Product List H per ear every 5 years.

AISH (Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped)

EI programs

Clients who quality for cost-share exemption based on AADL’s cost-share policy income thresholds

This full-coverage provision makes AADL one of the most accessible programs in Canada for low-income individuals.

It is best to consult with your hearing care provider who can determine your funding eligibility under AADL.

How to Apply

AADL applications are submitted by your hearing healthcare provider, not by you directly.

Step 1: Find an AADL-Authorised Provider

Search for a hearing clinic in Alberta that is authorised to submit AADL claims. Many clinics are authorised, but it is best to confirm before booking.

Step 2: Complete a Hearing Assessment

Your provider will conduct a comprehensive hearing test.

Step 3: Device Recommendation and Pre-approval

Your provider selects an eligible device from the AADL benefit list and submits a pre-authorisation request to Alberta Health.

Step 4: Receive Pre-Authorisation

Alberta Health reviews the request and issues a pre-authorisation.

Step 5: Receive and Pay for Your Device

Your provider orders the device(s), fits it, and invoices you for your share, if any. AADL pays the provider directly for their portion.

Combining AADL with Private Insurance

AADL and private employer benefit plans can often be combined to reduce your cost further. It is best to consult with your benefit provider to confirm coverage eligibility.

Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) provides separate, comprehensive hearing aid coverage for eligible veterans with service-related hearing loss. If your hearing loss resulted from occupational noise exposure, the Workers’ Compensation Board of Alberta (WCB Alberta) may also cover your hearing aids.

Consult with a hearing care provider, who can guide you in the process of applying for these coverages.

Replacing Your Hearing Aids through AADL

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does AADL cover for hearing aids in Alberta?

AADL covers 75% of the approved benefit amount as outlined in the Alberta Aids to Daily Living Approved Product List H every 5 years for those who are cost-share. If you are considered cost-share exempt, AADL covers 100% of the approved benefit amount as outlined in the Alberta Aids to Daily Living Approved Product List H per ear every 5 years.

Do I need to prove my income to qualify for AADL?

If you fall between these ages (18-64 years), you must be eligible for cost-share exemption based on the current income threshold identified by the program, receive assistance under AISH, or be a full-time student aged 18-24 years and still be receiving benefits under the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan as a dependent under their parents’ plan.

How often can I replace my hearing aids through AADL?

AADL eligibility is every 5 years. If your hearing changes significantly that your current hearing devices are no longer suitable, or if the devices can no longer be repaired, then AADL may cover earlier replacement.

What if the hearing aid I want costs more than the AADL benefit amount?

You can choose a device that exceeds the benefit amount and pay the difference yourself. Your provider will tell you the exact AADL benefit amount for each eligible model.

Is there a waiting list for AADL hearing aids?

There is no waitlist for the AADL program itself — approval is based on eligibility, not a queue.

Can I get AADL funding for accessories like a TV streamer?

Generally no. AADL covers the hearing aid device itself. Wireless accessories and add-ons are not covered under the hearing device benefit.

Sources

Alberta Health — Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL): alberta.ca/alberta-aids-to-daily-living.aspx

Alberta Health — AADL Hearing Device Benefit