Quebec Hearing Aid Funding: The Complete RAMQ Funding Guide (2026)

Quebec's provincial health insurer, the Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ), provides coverage for hearing aids and assistive listening devices for eligible residents insured under the Québec Health Insurance Plan.

The program covers the cost of hearing aids included on RAMQ's official list of approved devices, according to predefined program tariffs.

Eligibility is based primarily on the severity of hearing loss and, in some cases, the presence of additional functional limitations that affect social, educational, or professional integration.

The program also covers services related to the provision, repair, and replacement of hearing devices.

It is best to consult with a hearing care provider to learn more about the approved devices.

RAMQ Hearing Aid Coverage at a Glance

Eligibility for a Second Hearing Aid

Coverage for a second hearing aid requires:

A recommendation from an audiologist

AND meeting one of the following conditions:

Aged 18 or under

Have a visual impairment

Aged 19 or over, if the second hearing aid is needed to provide a significant improvement to your studies or work

Additional documentation may be required:

Student: proof of school attendance showing enrollment in a recognized program of studies

Worker: proof that you hold paid employment or employment providing you with a benefit, for example:
- Self-employed worker
- Worker benefiting from support measures for workplace integration and job retention
- Trainee developing employability skills

Person with a visual impairment in addition to a hearing impairment:
- Attestation from a recognized facility confirming the visual impairment, OR
- Attestation from a health professional confirming the other impairment

If these conditions are not met, RAMQ generally covers only one hearing aid.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for RAMQ hearing aid coverage:

RAMQ Insurance

You must be a Quebec resident insured under the Quebec Health Insurance Plan.

Confirmed Hearing Loss Meeting RAMQ Thresholds

Your audiologist must confirm that your hearing loss meets RAMQ's minimum audiometric criteria. The threshold is based on your pure-tone average measured at specific frequencies, and varies depending on your age

Clinical Assessment

The audiologist evaluates the hearing loss and provides an attestation of the necessity of a hearing aid. The audioprosthetist provides and adjusts the hearing aid.

Who does NOT qualify:

Those whose hearing loss does not meet the minimum audiometric threshold

Individuals not covered by RAMQ

Those whose hearing loss is temporary or treatable by medical or surgical means without a hearing aid

What Does RAMQ Cover?

Approved Devices

RAMQ covers hearing aids included on its official list of approved devices.

What Is Included

The hearing aid device (within the approved benefit amount)

Audiological assessment for the purpose of the RAMQ claim

Initial fitting and programming

The program covers the cost of repairing your hearing aids

The cost of replacing a hearing aid under specific circumstances, such as a change in your audiological or physical condition that renders the aid ineffective. For more information, consult with your hearing care provider.

What RAMQ Does NOT Cover

The maintenance costs of the hearing aid (cleaning, checkups, etc.)

The repair or replacement of aids that have been lost, stolen, destroyed, or damaged through negligence

Devices purchased from a provider not registered with RAMQ

Devices purchased before receiving RAMQ approval

Hearing aid accessories such as TV streamers or remote microphones

How to Apply

The process involves multiple professionals:

Step 1: Hearing Evaluation

An audiologist performs a complete hearing assessment and confirms eligibility.

Step 2: Medical Attestation

An audiologist (or an ENT specialist, depending on the case and age) provides documentation confirming the need for a hearing aid.

Step 3: Device Selection and Pre-authorisation

Your audioprosthetist selects a device from RAMQ's approved list and submits the authorization request on your behalf. Do not order the device before receiving confirmation of RAMQ's approval.

Step 4: RAMQ Review and Approval

RAMQ reviews the request and issues approval.

Step 5: Fitting and Delivery

Once approved, your audioprosthetist orders the device, fits it, and invoices RAMQ directly.

The One-Device Limitation: What You Need to Know

Adults aged 19 or older who are not employed, not enrolled in school, and who do not have a visual impairment in addition to a hearing impairment, are only eligible for one hearing aid covered by RAMQ.

Why This Matters Clinically

Bilateral hearing aids generally provide significantly better outcomes than a single hearing aid for people with bilateral hearing loss, including better speech understanding in noise, better sound localization, and reduced listening fatigue.

What You Can Do If You Need Two Aids But RAMQ Covers Only One

Private insurance: Many employer benefit plans or personal health plans cover part of the cost of hearing devices. It is best to check with your plan to see what coverage you may be eligible for.

Pay out-of-pocket for the second device: RAMQ's approval for one device does not prevent you from purchasing a second one independently.

Quebec provincial tax credit: For individuals aged 70 or older, a refundable tax credit from the Quebec government applies to the purchase of hearing aids and/or assistive listening devices. This credit equals 20% of the eligible amount exceeding $250, based on the total costs paid that year by the individual or their spouse

Coordinate with your hearing care provider and insurance provider before purchasing. Private plans may ask for RAMQ’s explanation of benefits (EOB) before processing a supplementary claim.

Veterans with service-related hearing loss may be covered through Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC). If you think you may be eligible for services through VAC, see a hearing care provider for more information.

Replacing Your Hearing Aids

RAMQ covers replacement under specific conditions, including:

The device no longer functions adequately due to a change in your hearing or physical condition

A decreased ability to manipulate the device's controls, making it unusable

Premature deterioration of the device caused by toxic vapors, dust, or the acidity of perspiration

Accidental breakage of the device

Repair costs exceeding the program's thresholds

Important: replacement of a device that has been lost, stolen, or damaged through negligence is not covered by RAMQ. These costs are the responsibility of the insured person, unless covered by private insurance (such as home insurance).

Routine replacement at fixed intervals (e.g., every 5 years) is not guaranteed and depends on program criteria.

It is best to consult with a hearing care provider to determine if you are eligible for an earlier replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Quebec RAMQ cover hearing aids?

Yes, for eligible Quebec residents with qualifying hearing loss. Specific eligibility depends on various factors, and it is best to consult with a hearing care professional to learn more.

Can I get a better hearing aid than what RAMQ covers?

Only devices listed on RAMQ's approved list are covered by the program. That said, an eligible person can choose to pay the price difference to obtain a more advanced or rechargeable model, while still benefiting from the base amount covered by RAMQ. It is best to discuss this with your audioprosthetist.

Who provides hearing aids under RAMQ?

Audiologists completed the hearing evaluation. Audioprosthetists supply and adjust devices based on an audiologist’s evaluation. It is best to consult with your hearing care provider to confirm their ability to provide services under this program.

Sources

RAMQ — Programme d’aides auditives (Hearing Aids Program): ramq.gouv.qc.ca

Ordre des audiologistes et des orthophonistes du Québec (OOAQ): ooaq.qc.ca

Canadian Hard of Hearing Association — Quebec Chapter