Frequently Asked Questions
We are now accepting applications.
What is the Hear@Dal Hearing Aid Assistance Program?
The Hear@Dal Hearing Aid Assistance Program is a program that provides donated new, or refurbished hearing aids to eligible low-income Nova Scotians, mostly seniors, who have absolutely no other sources of funding for hearing aids. The program was established to provide audiology students at Dalhousie University with more hands-on experience fitting hearing aids while at the same time providing a service to the community.
Who is eligible to apply to the program?
While we understand that hearing aids are expensive and are a financial burden for many people, our program is strictly for low-income Nova Scotians who do not have any savings, investments or other sources of funding that they can use for hearing aids. Their annual household income must be less than $25,000 for a single-person family or less than $40,000 for a two-person family.
In addition, eligible applicants must have at least a moderate degree of hearing loss in both ears. This will be determined by the referring audiologist based on the hearing test results. Prior to applying to the program, you must have a hearing test performed by an audiologist. To book a hearing test, contact the Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres (1-888-780-3330) or contact a private clinic of your choosing.
Does every person who is eligible to apply to the program get hearing aids?
Unfortunately, no they don’t. Our program does not receive funding from the government, and we have very limited resources. The number of people we can help depends on the number of donated hearing aids and other resources that we have available. Therefore, meeting the eligibility criteria does not automatically guarantee that you will get hearing aids.
How do you choose who gets hearing aids?
The hearing aid recipients are selected based on the greatest hearing needs as determined by the information gathered from the application process and the number of hearing aids available. There are many people who apply to our program and unfortunately, we are not able to provide hearing aids to everyone who applies.
Are there any fees involved with getting hearing aids from your program?
Yes, if you are approved to receive donated hearing aids, you will be responsible for the following: $80.00 non-refundable fee (2024-2025) payable at the first appointment, and the cost of batteries. There is no fee to apply to the program.
Where can I get an application form?
You must be referred by an audiologist to apply to our program. The audiologist will do a hearing test and help you determine if you are eligible to apply to our program, or if you require medical clearance. If you are eligible to apply, the audiologist will give you an application form or you may bring the application form with you to your initial appointment.
Application forms may be found/requested:
Appllication form can be found here, or the bottom of this page.
Phone: (902) 494-5155
Email: hear@dal.ca
Audiologists may also find the application form on our website.
To make an appointment with an audiologist for a hearing test, contact the Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres (1-888-780-3330) or a private clinic of your choosing. There is no cost for the hearing test if it is done at the Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres.
What supporting documents do I need to send along with my application form?
You must submit a copy of your hearing test results along with your application form.
You must provide proof of your income eligibility by attaching the following two documents with your application form: (1) your most recent Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Notice of Assessment to verify your personal income, AND (2) page 1 of your most recent T1 form (Income Tax and Benefit Return) to verify your spouse/common law partner's income if applicable. If you need assistance with this, contact Canada Revenue at 1-800-959-8281.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted so please make sure you include everything that is required.
After I send in my application, when will I hear from the Hear@Dal Hearing Aid Assistance Program?
It could take several months or longer before you hear from us. We will communicate with you when/if we have hearing aids available for you. It is important that you keep us updated with any changes in phone number or address. Call us at 902-494-5155 or email hear@dal.ca to update your contact information if needed.
If I'm accepted to receive hearing aids, where will my appointments be?
If you are accepted into the program, you will need appointments for a repeat hearing test (generally, if the hearing test results you submitted with your application are more than 6 months old), for the hearing aid fitting, and for follow-ups. These appointments will occur at Dalhousie University's School of Communication Sciences and Disorders. Follow-ups outside of these initial appointments will occur at Dalhousie University or at Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centres with whom we are affiliated.
How long will I have to wait?
We receive many applications to this program. While we wish we could provide all qualified applicants with hearing aids within a short time after receiving their application, it is not possible. Wait times depends on hearing aid donations, resources of our clinic. It is important to keep in mind that submitting a completed application and meeting the program criteria does not guarantee you will receive a hearing aid within the year that you apply.
Where do you get hearing aids?
We receive hearing aids from several sources. Some of our hearing aids we receive directly from hearing aid manufacturers. Alternatively, some of our hearing aids come from the Lions Clubs in Nova Scotia, that collect used hearing aids for our program. We also receive some donated hearing aids from private donors. While we very much appreciate all used hearing aid donations, we are only able to refurbish a small proportion of the hearing aids. Some are not working well or are too old to be re-fitted. The hearing aids that can be refurbished are the kinds that fit behind the ear.