Key Takeaways
- A hearing test with an audiologist at a private clinic is not usually covered by OHIP, so the fee is paid directly or claimed through a benefits plan.
- OHIP covers hearing tests only when they are done through a physician, such as an ear, nose and throat specialist.
- Ontario's Assistive Devices Program contributes up to $500 per ear toward eligible hearing aids and up to $1,350 toward an FM system.
- We bill Green Shield directly and provide a detailed invoice for other plans, and some workplace and private plans cover the fee in part or in full.
- No referral is required to book, and our fee is confirmed with you before the appointment goes ahead.
Have you been turning up the TV more often, asking people to repeat themselves, or struggling to follow conversations when there's background noise? These are often the first ways people notice hearing changes. You might be wondering whether it's time for a hearing test, and how much it will cost.
In Toronto, hearing tests aren't always covered by OHIP, particularly when you book directly with an audiologist at a private clinic. However, your workplace benefits or other Ontario funding programs may help with certain hearing-related expenses.
At Toronto Hearing Consultants, we'll confirm the cost of your appointment before you come in and explain what you can expect. Here's what you need to know about hearing test fees, OHIP coverage, and the financial assistance available in Ontario.
Is a Hearing Test Covered by OHIP in Ontario?
The short answer is that OHIP generally doesn't cover hearing tests performed by audiologists at private clinics. If you book a hearing assessment directly with Toronto Hearing Consultants, you'll usually pay for the appointment yourself or submit the fee through your insurance benefits.
There are some exceptions. OHIP may cover diagnostic hearing testing when it's medically necessary and performed by a physician, such as an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist. However, a referral from your family doctor doesn't automatically make a hearing test with an audiologist eligible for OHIP coverage.
Under Ontario's OHIP regulation, hearing aid fitting and evaluation services are not insured. The province also has specific rules about tests requested by third parties, including schools, an employer, or the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.
If you're unsure what applies to your appointment, the Ontario government's What OHIP covers page explains which medical services are insured.
At Toronto Hearing Consultants, we confirm your appointment fee when you book, so you can check your insurance coverage before coming in.
What Does Ontario's Assistive Devices Program Pay?
If your hearing test shows that you would benefit from hearing aids, Ontario's Assistive Devices Program (ADP) may help cover part of the cost.
It's important to know that ADP funding is primarily for hearing devices, not the cost of a routine private hearing assessment. The program helps eligible Ontario residents purchase prescribed hearing aids and certain assistive listening equipment.
According to Ontario's hearing devices page, ADP provides:
| What ADP covers | Amount |
|---|---|
| Hearing aids | Up to $500 per ear |
| FM systems | Up to $1,350 |
An FM system uses a wireless microphone to send someone's voice directly to compatible hearing devices. It can be particularly useful when you're trying to hear a speaker in a classroom, meeting or noisy environment.
If you receive support through the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), you may qualify for additional funding. The province's Hearing Aid Benefit fee schedule outlines the amounts available for eligible assessments and hearing equipment.
Who Qualifies for ADP Hearing Aid Funding?
You generally need to live in Ontario, have a valid Ontario health card and require the hearing equipment for at least six months. Your income doesn't determine whether you qualify for standard ADP funding.
There are a few other details worth checking:
- Hearing aids must be prescribed by an audiologist or physician. A hearing instrument specialist can assist with the application but cannot issue the prescription.
- If the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board or Veterans Affairs Canada is responsible for covering your hearing equipment, ADP generally won't fund the same device.
- People receiving Ontario Works, the Ontario Disability Support Program or Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities may qualify for additional assistance under those programs.
Your audiologist can explain the ADP application process if your hearing test shows that hearing aids are recommended.
Hearing Test Costs Across Toronto and Ontario
Hearing test fees vary between clinics in Toronto, and the amount you pay can depend on your insurance coverage and the type of assessment you need.
As a reference, Ontario's ODSP Hearing Aid Benefit fee schedule lists $146 for an eligible full hearing aid assessment, including testing both ears, once every 12 months. This is a program reimbursement amount, not a standard fee charged by every hearing clinic.
At Toronto Hearing Consultants, we'll confirm the appointment fee when you book. We also bill Green Shield directly, while patients with Manulife, Sun Life, Canada Life and other insurance providers receive a detailed invoice they can submit for reimbursement.
Before booking, it's worth checking whether your workplace or private insurance plan includes audiology assessments. Some plans cover the full fee, while others reimburse a portion.
If your results show that you would benefit from hearing aids, the assessment fee may be waived when you purchase hearing aids at your first visit. Our hearing aid packages range from $2,400 to $6,500 per pair after the government subsidy and include three years of ongoing clinical care.
Parents can also book a children's hearing test to understand how well their child hears and whether they need extra support with speech, learning, or communication. Available from age 3.5, these appointments take about 30 minutes.
What Does a Diagnostic Hearing Test Include?
If you've never had a hearing test before, you may be wondering what happens during the appointment. Will you need to wear headphones? Does anything go inside your ears? And will you find out your results right away?
A diagnostic hearing test examines more than whether you can hear certain sounds. It checks how well each ear hears different pitches, how clearly you understand speech and whether anything may be affecting sound as it travels through your ear.
At Toronto Hearing Consultants, a full assessment takes about 60 minutes and typically includes:
- A conversation about your hearing: Your audiologist will ask what you've noticed, when the changes started and which situations are giving you trouble. This might include conversations in restaurants, phone calls or hearing the television.
- An examination of your ears: Using a small lighted instrument, your audiologist checks your ear canals and eardrums for anything unusual, including a buildup of wax.
- Middle-ear testing: A small probe measures how your eardrum responds to changes in air pressure. This can help identify problems affecting the middle ear.
- Hearing tests with headphones: You'll listen for soft sounds at different pitches and indicate when you hear them. Additional testing through a small device placed behind your ear helps determine whether hearing loss is conductive, sensorineural, or both.
- Speech testing: You'll repeat words or sentences to show how clearly you understand speech. Testing may also include background noise, particularly if you find conversations difficult in busy places.
- A review of your results: Your audiologist will explain your audiogram, show you how each ear performed, and discuss whether any further assessment or hearing support is recommended.
Not every hearing concern leads to hearing aids. Sometimes your results show that your hearing is within the expected range, or that another issue needs attention. You'll have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss what your results mean before leaving.
What Happens After You Book Your Hearing Test?
When you contact Toronto Hearing Consultants, we'll ask a few questions about your hearing concerns and whether you need the assessment for a particular reason, such as employment or school documentation.
During your appointment, your audiologist will complete the assessment and explain the results before you leave. You'll have time to discuss any hearing changes and ask about your options.
If hearing aids are recommended, your audiologist can prepare the prescription and help complete your ADP application. You don't have to decide on hearing aids during the appointment.
We can also assist with the required paperwork for eligible patients receiving support through ODSP, Ontario Works, WSIB, Veterans Affairs Canada, or Non-Insured Health Benefits.
Will You Need Another Hearing Test?
That depends on your results and whether your hearing changes over time.
If your hearing is within the normal range and you aren't experiencing new symptoms, your audiologist may recommend another assessment in approximately three years. If hearing loss is identified, annual testing may be recommended to monitor changes and review your hearing needs.
You can book a hearing test at either of our Toronto clinics.
Do You Need a Referral, and Who Performs the Test?
You don't need to see your family doctor before booking a hearing test with Toronto Hearing Consultants. You can contact either clinic directly and arrange an appointment.
Your assessment will be performed by an audiologist registered with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario. Audiologists are trained to assess hearing, explain different types of hearing loss, and identify results that may require medical attention.
If hearing aids are recommended, your audiologist can also write the prescription needed for ADP funding.
As an independent clinic, Toronto Hearing Consultants works with major hearing aid manufacturers rather than limiting patients to one brand. This gives you the opportunity to compare devices suited to your hearing needs and preferences.
If you're considering hearing aids, our pricing is published so you can review the available options before making a decision.
Find Out What's Affecting Your Hearing
If conversations have become harder to follow or you've noticed changes in how well you hear, a hearing assessment can help you understand what's happening.
Toronto Hearing Consultants has two convenient locations, in Bloor West Village at 2368 Bloor St W and The Annex at 980 Bathurst St. Appointments take approximately one hour, and your audiologist will explain your results during the visit.
We'll confirm your appointment fee in advance and provide the information you need to check your insurance benefits. If your hearing test shows that hearing aids may help, we'll also explain the funding options available through ADP and other eligible programs.
Contact Toronto Hearing Consultants to book your hearing test and discuss any questions about appointment fees or insurance coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a Hearing Test Covered by OHIP in Ontario?
OHIP generally doesn't cover hearing assessments performed by audiologists at private clinics. Some medically necessary hearing tests performed by physicians may be insured. If you're booking directly with an audiologist, check whether your workplace or private insurance plan covers the appointment.
How Much Does a Hearing Test Cost in Toronto?
Fees vary depending on the clinic and type of assessment. At Toronto Hearing Consultants, we'll confirm the cost when you book. We bill Green Shield directly and provide invoices for patients claiming through other insurance providers. The assessment fee may also be waived if you purchase hearing aids at your first appointment.
Does ADP Cover the Hearing Test or Just the Hearing Aids?
ADP primarily helps eligible Ontario residents pay for prescribed hearing devices. The program contributes up to $500 per ear toward hearing aids and up to $1,350 toward eligible FM systems. For the cost of your hearing test, check your private insurance or workplace benefits.
What's the Difference Between a Hearing Screening and a Diagnostic Test?
A hearing screening is a brief check to see whether you can hear certain sounds. A diagnostic hearing test examines your hearing in greater detail, including how each ear responds to different pitches and how clearly you understand speech. It can help identify the type and degree of hearing loss and whether further assessment is needed.
Do I Need a Referral for a Hearing Test in Toronto?
No. You can book directly with Toronto Hearing Consultants without seeing your family doctor first. Your audiologist will explain your results during the appointment and recommend medical follow-up if anything needs further investigation.