Saskatchewan has amended its rules governing the sale and servicing of hearing aids through The Hearing Aid Sales and Services Amendment Regulations, 2026. Saskatchewan Regulations 61/2026 were made under the Hearing Aid Sales and Services Act. The amendments update licensing requirements, clarify the treatment of over-the-counter hearing aids, modernize references to Ministry of Health policies, strengthen service and infection-control standards, and revise requirements for medical clearance, hearing tests, records and financial security.

One of the most notable changes is the introduction of a definition for an “over-the-counter hearing aid.” The term now refers to a device intended for people with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss that is sold directly to consumers online or through retail outlets without hearing aid services. Individuals who sell these products, but do not otherwise operate a hearing aid dealership, are exempt from the Act’s requirements that apply to hearing aid dealers.

The amendments also replace references to the “Hearing Aid Dealers Policy Manual, September 2005” with the broader “Hearing Aid Dealer Policy Manual,” as amended from time to time and published by the Ministry of Health. This allows the regulatory framework to incorporate updated ministry standards without repeatedly changing the regulation whenever the policy manual is revised.

Financial security requirements for licensed dealers have also changed. A letter of credit must now be at least $10,000 where one individual provides hearing aid services for a dealer, or at least $20,000 where two or more individuals, excluding students, provide those services. Renewal applicants must amend or replace an existing letter of credit if the director has drawn on it or if changes in staffing mean that the existing amount no longer satisfies the regulatory requirement.

New provisions establish explicit obligations concerning practices and standards. Dealers must ensure that services are provided safely and appropriately according to the policy manual, follow infection prevention and control practices, and provide employees with orientation and ongoing training concerning best practices and standards.

The rules governing medical clearance and hearing assessments have also been revised. The previous 30-day period has been extended to six months in one provision. A person exhibiting specified symptoms identified in the policy manual generally cannot be sold a hearing aid without medical clearance. More significantly, a dealer cannot sell a hearing aid unless the purchaser has received a hearing test from a hearing instrument practitioner within the preceding 12 months and an audiogram meeting the regulatory requirements has been produced, unless the director provides written permission.

Saskatchewan (61/2026) September 22, 2026
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