As part of its mandate, the WSIB covers the cost of hearing aids for workers that have damaged their hearing on the job. As Hear Ontario reports, the WSIB is now cutting their coverage to devices made by just three manufacturers, massively reducing the number of devices available to injured workers. Different devices work best for different people. The coalition believes that the selection of hearing devices should be made by a hearing healthcare professional and their patient—not made by a government looking to save a few bucks.

Worse, the top-quality hearing aids that WSIB has been supplying workers for years have been excluded from the list as well, according to Hear Ontario. Injured workers are reportedly no longer able to replace their hearing aids with the devices that work best for them.

Believing that this action is totally unacceptable, the coalition is calling on the WSIB to reverse their decision, and encourages all Ontarians to reach out to their MPP through the campaign website to voice their concerns.

(NOTE** In the US, we see the big box stores similarly offering just a couple of manufacturers’ brands of hearing aids. At A Atlantic Hearing Aid Center, we carry all brands of hearing aids, one of the many differences you notice, when you visit an independent family owned business. Customer Service, courtesy, and great attention to individual patients needs are what we focus on).

Source: Hear Ontario
Image credit: Hear Ontario