Ann McSweeney
National Executive Director, CHHA
Live More, Hear More: Canada’s First Adult Cochlear Implant Report Card (2026) calls for urgent action to improve equitable, timely access to life-changing hearing care.
The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA), in partnership with the Spend to Save Coalition, has released Live More, Hear More: Canada’s First Adult Cochlear Implant Report Card (2026), the first national evaluation of access to cochlear implant care across Canada.
The report reveals significant disparities between provinces in wait times, geographic access, and financial coverage, highlighting that where a person lives continues to determine whether they receive timely and appropriate care.
Cochlear implants are a proven, medically necessary intervention for adults with severe to profound hearing loss, restoring communication, independence, and quality of life when hearing aids are no longer effective.
“Hear More, Live More campaign, informed by the Canadian Report Card, highlights how timely and equitable access to cochlear implants can change lives while also supporting long-term sustainability in our health and social systems. By clearly showing where gaps exist, we hope to encourage constructive dialogue and shared efforts to improve access for Canadians, regardless of where they live. This report card helps clarify what cochlear implant services are available across provinces. By sharing this information in a clear and consistent way, we hope to encourage dialogue and support ongoing efforts to improve access and care for Canadians everywhere,” says Marilyn Kingdon, Chair, Spend to Save Committee.
“This report makes one thing clear: access to cochlear implants in Canada is not equitable—and it must be. Hearing is fundamental to how we connect, work, and participate in daily life. No Canadian should face years of waiting, geographic barriers, or financial hardship to access a medically necessary intervention. Through the Spend to Save initiative, we are calling for coordinated action to ensure timely, consistent, and fair access to cochlear implant care across the country,” says Ann McSweeney, National Executive Director, CHHA.
A Critical Opportunity for Health and Economic Impact
The report highlights that nearly 192,000 Canadians may be eligible for cochlear implants, yet only about 13,000 currently have one, leaving the vast majority underserved. Beyond quality of life improvements, the findings reinforce that investing in cochlear implants is also economically sound, with evidence showing a return of $2.59 for every $1 invested.
“Given the profound impact of untreated hearing loss, access to cochlear implantation within six months of referral is essential,” says Dr. Vincent Lin MD, FRCSC, Professor, Otologist/Neurotologist, University of Toronto
For more information on the Hear More, Live More campaign, visit Spend to Save or email [email protected].
About the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA)
The Canadian Hard of Hearing Association (CHHA) is a national non-profit organization dedicated to removing barriers to communication for people with hearing loss. Through education, advocacy, and technology solutions, CHHA leads the Get in the Hearing Loop program — a national movement working with businesses, communities, and governments to improve communication access and build inclusive, hearing-friendly environments across Canada.
CHHA’s mission is to create accessible, connected, and equitable communities for Canadians with hearing loss. CHHA has a vision of a barrier-free society where Canadians with hearing loss are empowered, inspired, and enjoy a full quality of life.
About the Spend to Save Coalition
A diverse coalition of national industry leaders, educators, researchers, manufacturers, community service providers, hearing healthcare professionals, and individuals with lived experience of hearing loss has come together to address issues related to cochlear implant access.
We represent Canada’s leading patient organizations serving a wide range of Canadians living with hearing loss. As a coalition, we firmly believe that individuals requiring implantable hearing devices should receive public health system support, enabling them to enjoy the same educational opportunities, career prospects and quality of life as other Canadians.
For more information on the Hear More, Live More campaign, visit Spend to Save or email [email protected].