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The College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) has released its Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids Task Force Report. The report provides evidence-informed recommendations for enabling safe access while maintaining strong public protections. The recommendations support carefully defined OTC access for an adult population (18+) with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss who have no ‘red flag’ medical symptoms or underlying conditions, and who are more likely to be able to manage technology and seek help if needed.
An over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid is a hearing device that can be purchased without advice, involvement, or a prescription from a regulated hearing care professional. Other hearing aids require a prescription, while OTCs do not. Health Canada has approved some OTC devices for sale in Canada; however, the availability of these devices to the public differs across Canadian provinces depending on the laws in place.
Under the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991 (RHPA), hearing aids currently require a prescription from a physician or audiologist. In response to questions that we have received from members of the public, rising public interest in OTC hearing aids, and potential risks to patients, we shared an Update and FAQ with guidance for the public and registrants in the March 2025 issue of CASLPO’s monthly publication - The Wave. The College also developed a new patient resource, What to Consider Before Using Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids, that outlines when OTC hearing aids may be appropriate, when they may not be suitable, and why consultation with a regulated health professional is still important.
CASLPO established the OTC Hearing Aids Task Force in May 2025 to examine whether OTC hearing aids should be accessible in Ontario and, if so, how they could be introduced within the existing RHPA framework.
The Task Force was directed to:
As the regulatory body for audiologists and speech-language pathologists in Ontario, CASLPO’s mandate is to protect the public. CASLPO does not regulate devices, approve technology, or oversee hearing aid companies or clinics. However, we do provide guidance to audiologists on supporting Ontarians who may obtain OTC hearing aids. This includes helping the public understand benefits, risks, and limitations of hearing technology, alternative options, and ensuring that recommendations are patient-centred and evidence-informed.
© 2026 CASLPO
© 2026 CASLPO
This website is intended to provide information to the public and registrants. Should there be difference in documentation previously distributed to CASLPO registrants, it is up to the registrant to source the latest version posted on the CASLPO website. Note: the term "member" and "registrant" are used interchangeably throughout CASLPO's website and documents. Both terms are synonymous with "member" as defined in the Regulated Health Professions Act, 1991, the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Act, 1991, and the Regulations under those Acts.
