Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)

WSIB hearing loss coverage

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, as their name suggests, covers hearing loss when it is rooted in the workplace. It could be constant exposure to noise, or sudden exposure to loud noise. WSIB may cover hearing aids and hearing-health services when a worker has an allowed claim for work-related hearing loss. This can include noise-induced hearing loss or traumatic hearing loss.

Before a provider can prescribe and fit hearing aids through the WSIB hearing services program, the claim must be approved. Note that a claim number by itself does not necessarily mean that the claim has been accepted. Your case worker needs to approve your case for hearing claims.

Who may qualify for WSIB hearing services?

You may be considered for WSIB hearing services if:

1. You have an approved WSIB claim for work-related hearing loss.

2. The hearing loss is noise-induced or traumatic.

3. You require new hearing aids or related hearing services.

4. No additional injury prevents you from participating in the hearing services program.

Noise damages are the most common cause of WSIB hearing loss claims. For noise-induced hearing loss, WSIB considers factors such as occupational noise exposure, the pattern of hearing loss, and the degree of hearing loss. The claim must be assessed and approved by WSIB.

What WSIB may cover for my hearing aids

The WSIB hearing services program is organized into service bundles. Depending on the person’s needs, services may include:

• Audiometric assessment.

• Communication-needs evaluation.

• Hearing aid selection.

• Prescription by an audiologist or physician.

• Pre-fitting counselling.

• Hearing aid dispensing and fitting.

• Programming and verification.

• Real-ear measurements.

• Batteries.

• Cleaning and minor repairs.

• Follow-up visits.

• Reprogramming and fit adjustments.

• Education about use, care, and maintenance.

• Assistive listening devices when clinically appropriate.

The initial service bundle covers the first year of services. WSIB also provides ongoing services after the first year, and a mini-services bundle may apply when a new hearing aid is required during the five-year cycle because of a significant change in hearing.

For the most updated information, you may also refer to the dedicated WSIB page.

Making a WSIB hearing loss claim

If you believe your hearing loss is work-related:

1. Speak with your physician, audiologist, or hearing-care provider.

2. Gather information about your work history and noise exposure.

3. Submit a hearing-loss claim to WSIB.

4. Wait for WSIB’s decision on the claim.

5. Provide your approval letter to your hearing-care provider.

6. Complete the assessment and hearing services process through a WSIB-registered provider.

Remember, WSIB needs to approve your case for hearing first. You should not purchase hearing aids privately while your claim is being adjudicated without first asking WSIB or your provider about payment arrangements.

WSIB states that workers with claims under review should not have out-of-pocket expenses for covered hearing devices and services.