Hearing Services in Saskatchewan
Children's hearing tests are available in the Saskatchewan Health Authority through clinics in Regina and Saskatoon. These clinics also have children's hearing aids available for purchase. Hearing tests and hearing aids for children may also be accessed in private clinics where available.
To access hearing tests and hearing aids for children through the Saskatchewan Health Authority, please contact:
- Saskatoon and area at: 306-655-4170
(located at the Sturdy Stone Building in Saskatoon); or
- Regina and area at: 306-766-5625
(located at Wascana Rehabilitation Centre in Regina).
Hearing tests and hearing aids for adults are available only through private clinics.
The Hearing Services Q&A provides more information.
Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program
The Saskatchewan Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program is available in hospitals across the province that regularly deliver babies. Newborns receive a hearing screening test before being discharged from the hospital to identify any early signs of hearing difficulty. By identifying any early signs of hearing loss, the language and literacy skills of children who are deaf or hard of hearing can be improved.
Communities that offer the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening Program include:
- Estevan
- Fort Qu'Appelle
- Humboldt
- Kindersley
- La Ronge
- Lloydminster
- Meadow Lake
- Melfort
- Moose Jaw
- Moosomin
- Nipawin
- North Battleford
- Regina
- Rosetown
- Saskatoon
- Swift Current
- Yorkton
- Prince Albert
Newborn hearing screening is painless, safe, simple and quick. Sound is delivered to a baby's ear and audiology equipment registers if the baby heard the sound. If the baby does not pass their hearing screen, an appointment will be scheduled with an audiologist for more detailed testing.
Newborn hearing screening tests are currently available only to babies born in hospitals. Newborn hearing tests for babies born outside the hospital may be available in the future as the program is further developed.
For more information about hearing health services, please contact the Saskatchewan Health Authority at 306-655-6747.
Public Coverage for Hearing Tests and Hearing Aids
There is a charge for hearing tests and hearing aids whether purchased through the health authority or private clinics. Hearing tests and hearing aids are a benefit for individuals with coverage under the Supplementary Health Benefits (children and adults) and Family Health Benefits (children). For more information about hearing services covered through these programs, contact Supplementary Health at: 306-787-3124 or 1-800-266-0695 or visit the Supplementary Health Benefits page.
Specialized Audiology Services in Saskatchewan
The Saskatchewan Health Authority provides auditory brainstem response testing and support services for cochlear implants and bone anchored hearing devices. These services are available for adults and children. The Hearing Services Q&A provides more information.
Cochlear Implant Processor Replacement Program
The Saskatchewan Cochlear Implant Processor Replacement Program provides children and adults with assistance toward the cost of external sound processor replacement. This program is a co-pay model. The client co-pay is $840 per processor. This provincial program is intended for individuals who do not have coverage through other programs. The typical replacement timeframe is once every five to seven years, or the lifespan of the sound processor. The program is administered by the Saskatchewan Health Authority under the direction of the Ministry of Health.
Eligibility Criteria:
Program implementation date is December 1, 2022.
The SHA administers this cost-shared replacement service. Clients must have a valid Saskatchewan Health card. the following eligibility criteria will determine how clients are prioritized for replacement:
- Sound processors must be provided through the SHA.
- Client must meet clinical indicators for a sound processor replacement. Clients will be assessed based on greatest need; clients with no sound would be considered a priority.
- The current sound processor is within the typical five to seven year replacement timeframe.
- The current sound processor has been deemed obsolete by the manufacturer.
Exclusion criteria:
- The release of new technology or a client seeking the newest technology when their sound processor is functional; and
- Implants other than for a cochlear implant.
Licensing Private Hearing Aid Dealers
Private sector hearing aid businesses are licensed under The Hearing Aid Sales and Services Act and regulations in order to operate in Saskatchewan. Only those with licensed audiologists may provide services to children.
The business is required to post the annually issued licence in a prominent location on the premises.
The Ministry of Health is responsible for issuing the licence, monitoring compliance to the legislation and investigating complaints. If you have concerns about the hearing aid services you received in the private sector and wish to make a complaint, please complete the Complaint Reporting Form or contact the Ministry of Health:
Community Care Branch
1st Floor, T.C. Douglas Building
3475 Albert Street
Regina, SK S4S 6X6
306-787-1957