If you live in Calgary, Edmonton or rural Alberta and have trouble following conversations, you may have heard that you can now buy hearing aids without a prescription. That's true, but there's more to it. Here's what Alberta's rules actually allow, how the Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) program fits in, and what to check before you buy an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid.
Key takeaways
- Yes, OTC hearing aids are permitted for sale in Alberta, according to the Alberta College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (ACSLPA). They're meant for adults 18+ with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.
- The hearing aid must hold a Health Canada medical device licence. Check it before you buy.
- AADL funds hearing aids through approved vendors after a full hearing assessment. An OTC hearing aid you buy on your own isn't an AADL purchase.
Can I buy hearing aids without a prescription in Alberta?
Yes. ACSLPA, the college that regulates audiologists in the province, states that "over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are available for sale in Alberta" (ACSLPA). You can buy them online or in stores, without a prescription or a hearing test.
Two conditions still apply:
- Health Canada licensing. OTC and prescription hearing aids are regulated as Class II medical devices, and any hearing aid sold in Canada must be licensed by Health Canada. You can check a licence in Health Canada's Medical Devices Active Licence Listing.
- The right user. OTC hearing aids are intended for adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. They aren't intended for children or youth.
What do Alberta's rules actually say?
Unlike British Columbia and Saskatchewan, Alberta didn't need a new law to allow OTC hearing aids. ACSLPA explains that it "does not regulate the sale of hearing devices or the vendors that sell them." Its role is to regulate audiologists and speech-language pathologists, not stores or online sellers.
In practice, that means two routes exist side by side in Alberta:
- OTC hearing aids, bought directly online or in a store, for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss;
- Hearing aids from a clinic or AADL-approved vendor, after a hearing assessment, for any degree of hearing loss, with in-person fitting and follow-up.
Not sure what makes a device "OTC"? Our guide to what OTC hearing aids are explains the difference from prescription hearing aids and simple amplifiers. To see how Alberta compares with other provinces, check OTC status across Canada.
Who shouldn't use an OTC hearing aid?
ACSLPA recommends a professional assessment instead of an OTC hearing aid if you have:
- sudden hearing loss;
- ear pain, drainage or dizziness;
- a noticeable difference in hearing between your ears;
- new or severe tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
The college also notes that "a hearing test is one of the best ways to understand what you are experiencing," even if you plan to buy OTC. A test gives you an audiogram that can be used to program a hearing aid to your hearing.
Does AADL cover OTC hearing aids?
Not as an OTC purchase. AADL funds hearing aids obtained through approved vendors, after a complete hearing assessment by an AADL vendor or an Alberta Health Services audiologist. You get a trial of at least 28 days and sign a validation certificate only if you're satisfied (Government of Alberta). A hearing aid you buy on your own, online or in a store, doesn't go through that process.
If you qualify, AADL can be worth it. Eligibility depends on your age and income:
- Under 18, or 18 to 24 in full-time post-secondary studies: funding toward 2 hearing aids once every 5 years;
- 18 to 64 with low income: funding toward 2 hearing aids or a personal listening device once every 5 years;
- 65 and older: funding toward 2 hearing aids with low income, or 1 hearing aid or personal listening device with higher income, once every 5 years.
Most clients pay a cost-share of 25% of the benefit cost, to a maximum of $500 per family per benefit year, while low-income Albertans and people on income assistance are exempt (Government of Alberta). Seniors who need hearing aids can also apply for a cost-share exemption. Read our full guide to AADL hearing aid coverage for the details.
OTC or clinic hearing aids: how to choose in Alberta
| Criterion | OTC hearing aid | Clinic or AADL-approved vendor |
|---|---|---|
| Prescription or test required | No (a test is recommended) | Yes, a complete hearing assessment |
| Who it suits | Adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss | All degrees of hearing loss, children and complex cases |
| Fitting and follow-up | Self-fitting or remote programming, depending on the brand | In-person fitting and follow-up visits |
| AADL funding | No | Yes, if you're eligible |
| Convenience | Delivered to your door, anywhere in Alberta | Clinic visits, which can mean travel outside Calgary and Edmonton |
Price is often the deciding factor. Our guide to how much hearing aids cost in Canada breaks down clinic and OTC prices, and our comparison of OTC vs. clinic hearing aids covers care and support in more detail.
What about AirPods?
Since October 26, 2026, the AirPods Pro Hearing Aid feature is also available in Alberta. It can be a useful starting point, but it works differently from a dedicated hearing aid: see how the AirPods hearing aid feature compares.
Before you buy: a 4-step checklist
- Get a hearing test if you can, especially if you've never had one.
- Confirm the Health Canada licence of the device.
- Read the trial and return policy, including who pays return shipping.
- Ask about support: who helps with setup and adjustments, and for how long.
Warbler Series 7 in Alberta
Warbler Hearing was founded by hearing clinicians JB and Julia Robillard and is Canadian-owned. Series 7 is a Health Canada-licensed hearing aid for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, at $999 per pair (regular price). You can self-fit it with the Warbler Clarity app, or send us your audiogram and our hearing professionals will program it to your hearing. It ships anywhere in Alberta, with lifetime remote support and a 45-day trial.
Black Friday at Warbler Hearing: our biggest savings of the year, until November 30
Regular price: $999 per pair. Sign up to unlock our exclusive Black Friday offer, sent straight to your inbox.
Unlock the Black Friday offer on Warbler Series 7 for Alberta
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
Can I buy hearing aids without a prescription in Alberta?
Yes. ACSLPA states that OTC hearing aids are permitted for sale in Alberta. They're intended for adults 18+ with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss and must be licensed by Health Canada.
Does AADL cover OTC hearing aids?
No, not as an OTC purchase. AADL funds hearing aids from approved vendors after a complete hearing assessment, with a trial of at least 28 days. A hearing aid you buy on your own isn't funded by AADL.
Are OTC hearing aids legal in Alberta?
Yes. Alberta's rules don't block OTC sales, and ACSLPA confirms they're available. Choose a device with an active Health Canada medical device licence.
How much do hearing aids cost in Alberta?
It depends on the route. AADL clients usually pay 25% of the benefit cost, up to $500 per family per benefit year. Clinic prices vary, and Warbler Series 7 is $999 per pair at regular price.
Can I use AirPods as hearing aids in Alberta?
Yes. Since October 26, 2026, the AirPods Pro Hearing Aid feature is available in Alberta for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.
The bottom line
Alberta allows OTC hearing aids, giving adults with mild to moderate hearing loss a convenient, lower-cost option, especially outside the big cities. Check the Health Canada licence, know when to see a professional, and compare OTC with AADL if you qualify. Questions about your hearing? Book a free consultation with our hearing professionals.
Sources
- Alberta College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (ACSLPA): OTC Information, July 28, 2026
- Government of Alberta: AADL, what is covered (hearing benefits)
- Government of Alberta: AADL cost-sharing of benefits
- Health Canada: Medical Devices Active Licence Listing (MDALL)
Share:
AirPods Hearing Aid in Canada: Provinces & How It Compares