Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) is the federal government department responsible for providing benefits, services, and support to eligible Canadian Armed Forces veterans, current serving members, and RCMP members and their families. In the context of audiology, VAC is a significant funding source for hearing aids and audiological care for veterans whose hearing loss or tinnitus is connected to their military or RCMP service.
Noise-induced hearing loss and tinnitus are among the most common service-related disabilities among Canadian veterans, given the noise exposures associated with firearms, military vehicles, aircraft, and explosive devices. VAC coverage for eligible veterans may include the full cost of hearing aids (including advanced models recommended by the audiologist), hearing aid fittings, batteries, maintenance, and follow-up audiological care. Assistive listening devices and connectivity accessories may also be covered in some cases.
To access VAC hearing benefits, a veteran must have a recognized disability award or be approved for coverage under VAC's programs. An audiological assessment documenting the degree and likely etiology of hearing loss is a key part of the application. Audiologists supporting VAC clients should be familiar with VAC's audio services benefit grid and the documentation requirements for benefit approval and ongoing device replacement. Hearing clinics that regularly see veterans often maintain direct billing arrangements with VAC.
