There should not be a price tag on the ability to hear.

Families of children with hearing loss deserve access to life-changing assistive technology, like cochlear implants, without the financial burden. Currently, many families struggle to afford cochlear implants, with coverage in Ontario falling short compared to other provinces. The impact is profound, as children with hearing loss are deprived of essential communication skills, education, and social development.

As a parent of a child diagnosed with severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss in both ears, I realized there are limited resources in Ontario offered to families with children requiring hearing devices. 

At the age of 10 months old, our daughter had cochlear implant surgery and 4 years later, we required to upgrade her hearing processors. The Ontario Governments, Assisted Device Program covers up to a max. amount of $5,444 per replacement processor, which leaves parents paying out of pocket over $15,000 every 3 years. This doesn't include the cost for additional batteries, coil cables, water covers, dry boxes, safety equipment (specialized alarm clocks, fire alarms etc.) Any new device comes with a three year warranty. 

There are other provinces that offer full coverage-- Why is Ontario not doing the same? 

In comparison, Quebec's health plan covers 100% of the replacement cost when devices are no longer covered on warranty.

Manitoba- 80% of the cost of sound processors for both adults and children every five years. 

B.C. also offers a cost-share program every six to seven years, with recipients pitching in less than $1,000.

The federal government covers the entire cost of new processors every five years for First Nations and Inuit people.

Saskatchewan has a co-pay program, which means families pay $840 per replacement device. 

In Nova Scotia, the government fully covers replacements.

When hearing devices are worn consistently, they have the potential to assist children in learning to listen at a "typical" hearing level and develop speech. Expenses for pieces are not always under warranty and repairs for pieces are expected to be paid by the family. Families shouldn't have to struggle to pay for the ability to hear.

Cochlear implants are not a luxury—they are a vital tool for inclusion and success in life. Studies show that early access to cochlear implants leads to better speech development, improved educational outcomes, and greater social integration. Ontario must ensure equitable access to this critical technology for all, regardless of income.

By expanding coverage, Ontario would not only invest in the future of children with hearing loss but also reduce long-term costs for the healthcare and education systems. We urge the Ontario government to provide full coverage for cochlear implants and eliminate the financial barriers to hearing for families in need.

Sign this petition, to support the idea that there should be no price tag to giving our children the opportunity to hear! Thanks for everyone’s support.