Understanding Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program (ADP)

If you’ve been told you might need hearing aids, one of the first questions is usually cost. That’s where Ontario’s Assistive Devices Program (ADP) comes in. It helps cover part of the cost, but the process isn’t always clear to patients. This guide breaks it down in simple terms, what ADP is, what it covers, and what you actually need to do, which for most patients, ADP is simple and handled by the hearing clinic.

What is ADP?

The Ontario Assistive Devices Program (ADP) is run by the Ontario Ministry of Health. It provides funding toward hearing aids for people with long-term hearing loss.

ADP:

• Is not based on income
• Is available to Ontario residents with a valid health card (regardless of age)
• Pays part of the cost of hearing aids 
• Pays the hearing clinic directly, not the patient (we take the portion off right away)

What ADP Covers

For adult hearing aids, ADP typically provides:

• Up to $500 per hearing aid
• Up to $1,000 for a pair

This amount is applied as part of the hearing aid purchase. ADP does not usually cover batteries, repairs, or lost devices. 

The Most Important Thing to Know

Patients do not need to apply to ADP themselves. Our hearing clinic manages the application and submission. For patients, ADP mostly involves reviewing information and signing consent forms.

ADP Process Made Simple:

Below is the ADP process, written as a simple flow so it’s easy to follow.

Step 1: Hearing Test

A licensed hearing professional completes a hearing test.

If hearing aids are recommended:

• ADP eligibility is reviewed
• No funding is submitted yet

Step 2: Decision to Proceed

If the patient decides they would like to move forward with hearing aids:

• Our certified audiologist helps you decide on a hearing device
• Pricing is explained
• The ADP contribution is shown as part of the total cost

Step 3: Patient Signs ADP Consent (page 3)

On the day of testing or the day the patient decides to proceed, the patient signs page 3 of the ADP form.

This signature:

• Confirms the hearing test was completed
• Confirms the patient agrees to proceed
• Allows the clinic to submit ADP later

This step is only a consent and acknowledgment.

Step 4: Hearing Aid Fitting and Purchase

The hearing aids are ordered and fitted.

On the day the hearing aids are fitted and the purchase is completed:

• The patient receives their hearing aids
• Any remaining balance (after ADP) is settled

Step 5: Clinic Submits ADP

After the fitting and purchase:

• The hearing clinic submits the ADP claim
• ADP pays the clinic directly
• The patient does not receive money and does not submit paperwork

For patients, this part happens behind the scenes.

How Often Can ADP Be Used?

ADP funding for hearing aids is generally available once every five years.

In some cases, ADP may allow funding earlier if:

• Hearing has changed significantly, or
• You listening device cannot be reasonably repaired

These situations are reviewed individually.

Patients do not need to:

• Apply to ADP themselves
• Send paperwork to the government
• Call ADP
• Wait for a cheque

How Hearvana Helps With ADP

ADP is designed to make hearing aids more accessible, without adding extra work for patients. Once you decide to move forward, our team handles the paperwork and applies the funding directly, making the whole process simple and straightfoward. If you’re considering hearing aids, understanding how ADP works helps you move forward with confidence and fewer surprises.

At Hearvana Audiology, we:

• Complete hearing assessments
• Explain ADP clearly and simply
• Prepare and submit all ADP paperwork
• Apply ADP funding correctly at the time of purchase