Do you find yourself turning up the TV to understand what’s going on? Or maybe you struggle to hear what other people are saying to you? If so, you may have a hearing impairment. Regrettably, many people in Calgary and throughout Alberta can’t easily pay for a hearing test or hearing aids. If you’re in this situation, there may be help available.

Your FSA can cover hearing care costs

Many employers in Alberta provide their employees with a flexible spending account (FSA) which consists of a non-taxable Health Spending Account (HSA) and sometimes an additional taxable Wellness Spending Account (WSA).

If you’re eligible for this type of benefit, the Government of Alberta allocates a credit of $900 a year to your FSA. In turn, you can choose to assign the credits to your HSA or your WSA, where the money can be used to pay for a number of health and wellness services. In many cases, these services include hearing care. Your FSA may even cover some of the cost of a hearing aid.

Coverage for people with a long-term disability

The Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) benefit helps Albertans with a long-term disability pay for basic medical equipment and the supplies they need to live. This coverage is also available to people with a chronic or terminal illness. In some cases, it includes funding for the purchase, replacement or repair of hearing aids. To be eligible, you must have a documented hearing loss and meet one of the following requirements:

· You’re under the age of 18

· You’re aged 18 to 24 and pursuing full-time post-secondary education

· You’re aged 18 to 64 with a low income

· You’re aged 65 or older

Your benefits may cover the cost of lifestyle molds

Many people don’t know this, but a number of health care benefit plans cover the cost of lifestyle molds that can protect your hearing and make your work life easier. This includes custom swim plugs, sleep molds and radio communication molds.