Veterans Affairs Canada Hearing Aid Benefit (POC 3): 2026 Guide for Eligible Veterans

If you served in the Canadian Armed Forces, hearing loss is one of the most common service-related conditions, and Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) has a benefit for it. Here is how Program of Choice 3 (POC 3), Audio (Hearing) Services, works in 2026.

What POC 3 covers

• Hearing aids across entry, intermediate, and advanced tiers
• Accessories and FM systems
• Fitting fees
• Ongoing maintenance, batteries, and repairs

This is comprehensive coverage compared with most provincial programs.

Who qualifies

Eligibility generally requires:

• An audiogram showing a total loss of 100 dB over the speech frequencies, or 50 dB or more at 4000 Hz in both ears, and
• Eligibility for a treatment benefit under the Veterans Health Care Regulations or related legislation.

Your hearing loss does not always have to be formally linked to service to qualify for the treatment benefit, depending on your status with VAC.

How to get started

Get a hearing assessment from an audiologist, then work with VAC (or your case manager) to have the benefit applied. VAC-registered providers can bill the program directly.

For veterans in Edmonton and Calgary

We welcome veterans at our Edmonton clinics and our Calgary location. Our registered audiologist can assess your hearing and help you navigate the VAC benefit. Not a veteran, or want to understand other options? See our funding by province guide.

Book a hearing test to get started.