Summary : If you live in Saskatchewan and need hearing aids, the first question is usually who pays. For most adults, including most seniors, the honest answer is: you do, or your private insurance does. The province covers hearing aids only for specific groups. Here's who qualifies, what hearing aids cost, and how the 2026 OTC rule changes give Saskatchewan residents a lower-cost option.
Key takeaways
- There is no general provincial hearing aid plan for adults. Saskatchewan ended its public hearing aid plan in 2017, and adults now buy hearing aids from private clinics.
- Free or covered hearing aids are limited to eligible groups, mainly people with Supplementary Health Benefits (such as SAID or SIS clients, and some special-care-home residents), plus federal programs for First Nations and Inuit clients and eligible veterans.
- Most seniors pay out of pocket, so compare the total price for a pair, private insurance and the medical expense tax credit before you buy.
How much do hearing aids cost in Saskatchewan?
Saskatchewan doesn't publish a price list. The province states that hearing tests and hearing aids for adults "are available only through private clinics," and that there is a charge for both (Government of Saskatchewan). Prices vary with the technology level and the services bundled in.
For a benchmark, one Canadian clinic network puts typical prices at about $1,500 to $4,500 per hearing aid (Hearing Solutions). Most people need two, so a pair from a clinic often costs several thousand dollars. You'll find a province-by-province comparison in our guide to costs across Canada.
Before you compare quotes, ask whether the price is per ear or per pair, and whether it includes the hearing test, fitting, follow-up visits and warranty.
Are hearing aids covered by Saskatchewan Health?
Not for most adults. Your Saskatchewan health card does not pay for hearing aids. The province eliminated the Saskatchewan Hearing Aid Plan in its 2017 budget, and the Health Minister said at the time that the private system would provide these services (Global News). Today, coverage exists only through specific programs, described below.
For children, hearing tests are available through Saskatchewan Health Authority clinics in Regina and Saskatoon, which also sell children's hearing aids. Families may get help through Family Health Benefits.
Free hearing aids for seniors in Saskatchewan: who qualifies?
There is no free hearing aid program for all seniors. Help depends on which benefit program you belong to.
Supplementary Health Benefits
Supplementary Health Benefits cover "audiology services, hearing aids and certain supplies available through approved suppliers" (Government of Saskatchewan). You may be eligible if you are:
- enrolled in Saskatchewan Assured Income for Disability (SAID), Saskatchewan Income Support (SIS) or the Saskatchewan Employment Incentive (SEI);
- a resident of a special care facility who qualifies for the Seniors' Income Plan;
- a government ward, or an inmate of a provincial correctional institution.
Coverage applies to products from approved suppliers. Replacing a lost or broken hearing aid is decided case by case, with a 30% co-payment for clients over 20. Call Supplementary Health at 306-787-3124 or 1-800-266-0695 before you buy, to confirm what's covered and which suppliers you can use.
Federal programs for First Nations, Inuit and veterans
- First Nations and Inuit clients may be covered through the federal Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) program. Hearing aids must be on NIHB's approved list, and prior approval with a recent hearing test is required (Indigenous Services Canada).
- Eligible veterans may receive hearing aids through Veterans Affairs Canada's Audio Services program, usually with pre-authorization and a recent audiogram (Veterans Affairs Canada).
Work-related hearing loss
If your hearing loss is linked to your job, the Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board may cover hearing services for accepted claims (WCB Saskatchewan).
Other ways to lower the cost
Private and workplace health insurance
Many group and private plans include hearing aids, often up to a set amount every few years. Ask your insurer how much is covered, how often, whether you need a prescription or an audiogram, and whether an OTC purchase qualifies. Get the answer in writing before you order.
The medical expense tax credit
The Canada Revenue Agency lists hearing aids, including repairs and batteries, as eligible medical expenses (CRA). You can claim the amount you paid that wasn't reimbursed, above a minimum threshold, on your federal and Saskatchewan returns. It reduces the tax you owe; it isn't a refund of the purchase price.
Where OTC hearing aids fit after the 2026 rule changes
In September 2026, Saskatchewan amended its Hearing Aid Sales and Services Regulations to define over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. You can now buy an OTC hearing aid online or in a store without the hearing test that licensed hearing aid dealers require. Read more about Saskatchewan's new OTC rules.
Keep two things in mind:
- OTC isn't for everyone. If you have sudden hearing loss, ear pain, drainage, hearing loss in one ear only or dizziness, see a doctor or hearing professional first.
- Funding programs have their own rules. An OTC purchase is not automatically reimbursed. If you're covered by Supplementary Health, NIHB or another plan, check the approved supplier and prior-approval rules before you buy.
Comparing your options in Saskatchewan
| Option | Who it suits | What you typically pay |
|---|---|---|
| Private clinic (licensed dealer) | All degrees of hearing loss; includes testing, fitting and follow-up | Often several thousand dollars per pair, less any insurance |
| Supplementary Health, NIHB or VAC | Eligible clients only, through approved suppliers | Covered according to program rules |
| OTC hearing aid such as Warbler Series 7 | Adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss | $999 per pair (regular price), with remote support |
Warbler Hearing is a Canadian-owned company founded by hearing clinicians. Series 7 is a Health Canada-licensed hearing aid that you can self-fit with the Warbler Clarity app, or have programmed by our hearing professionals from your audiogram. It ships anywhere in the province: see Series 7 for Saskatchewan.
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Regular price: $999 per pair. Sign up to unlock our exclusive Black Friday offer on Warbler Series 7, sent straight to your inbox.
Unlock the Series 7 Black Friday offer
Offer for subscribers, valid until November 30, 2026, while supplies last. Cannot be combined with other promotions, discounts or promo codes. Series 7 is intended for adults 18+ with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. The 45-day trial is subject to our return policy.
Frequently asked questions
Are there free hearing aids for seniors in Saskatchewan?
Not for all seniors. Hearing aids are covered through Supplementary Health Benefits for eligible groups, including residents of special care facilities who qualify for the Seniors' Income Plan, and people on SAID, SIS or SEI. First Nations and Inuit clients and eligible veterans may be covered by federal programs.
Are hearing aids covered by Saskatchewan Health?
No, not for most adults. Saskatchewan ended its public hearing aid plan in 2017. Adults buy hearing aids from private clinics unless they qualify for Supplementary Health Benefits or another program.
Is there hearing aid funding in Saskatchewan?
Yes, for eligible residents. Supplementary Health Benefits cover audiology services, hearing aids and certain supplies through approved suppliers. Federal programs (NIHB, Veterans Affairs Canada) and WCB Saskatchewan may also help. Everyone else can use private insurance and the medical expense tax credit.
How much do hearing aids cost in Saskatchewan?
Prices vary by clinic. A Canadian clinic network lists about $1,500 to $4,500 per hearing aid, so a pair often costs several thousand dollars. Warbler Series 7 costs $999 per pair at regular price.
Do I need a hearing test to buy hearing aids in Saskatchewan?
Not for an OTC hearing aid. Since the 2026 amendments, adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss can buy OTC hearing aids without a test. Licensed hearing aid dealers still require a hearing test within the previous 12 months.
The bottom line
In Saskatchewan, most adults pay for hearing aids themselves, so the total price matters. Check whether you qualify for Supplementary Health or a federal program, ask your insurer, keep your receipts for tax time, and compare a clinic pair with an OTC option. Not sure what fits your hearing? Book a free consultation with our hearing professionals.
Sources
- Government of Saskatchewan: Audiology and hearing services
- Government of Saskatchewan: Supplementary Health Benefits
- Global News: Saskatchewan hearing aid plan cut, April 3, 2017
- Indigenous Services Canada: NIHB audiology benefits list
- Veterans Affairs Canada: Audio Services (POC 3)
- WCB Saskatchewan: Hearing service fees and fee codes
- Canada Revenue Agency: Eligible medical expenses (lines 33099 and 33199)
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