Grants and Contributions:

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Title:
Canadian Directory of Affordable Alternative Listening Devices and Development of New Metrics for Evaluating the Benefits of Next-Generation Hearing Technologies.
Agreement Number:
1037739
Agreement Value:
$169,939.00
Agreement Date:
Jan 8, 2026 - Mar 31, 2028
Description:
Over 3.2 million Canadians experience hearing loss, yet approximately 84% have never used hearing aids, often due to high costs and limited access to healthcare. This project aims to evaluate alternative listening devices (ALDs), such as OverThe-Counter hearing aids (OTC) and personal sound amplification products (PSAP), which are more affordable and accessible but currently lack regulation and objective performance data in Canada. The objectives of this project include assessing the electroacoustic and acoustic performances of ALDs, documenting user experiences in real-world settings, and examining their impact on speech intelligibility, localization abilities, and music perception. A sustainable knowledge dissemination tool will be developed to provide Canadians with clear, objective information about ALDs. Additionally, new metrics for evaluating day-to-day auditory benefits of ALDs will be investigated. Ultimately, the project aims to enhance public awareness and improve access to hearing care, potentially influencing future health coverage policies.
Organization:
National Research Council Canada
Expected Results:

In the short term, anticipated outcomes will be strengthened collaborations across industry, academia, and government to support research excellence. In the medium term, anticipated outcomes will be the development of new and potentially disruptive technologies with collaborators. In the long term, find collaborative solutions to public policy challenges and create stronger innovation systems.

Location:
Quebec, Quebec, CA G1V 0A6
Reference Number:
172-2025-2026-Q4-1037739
Agreement Type:
Grant
Report Type:
Grants and Contributions
Recipient Business Number:
119278950
Recipient Type:
Academia
Recipient's Legal Name:
Université Laval
Federal Riding Name:
Louis-Hébert
Federal Riding Number:
24043
Program:
Collaborative Science, Technology and Innovation Program - Collaborative R&D Initiatives
Program Purpose:

Collaborate on multiparty research and development programs to catalyze transformative, high-risk, high-reward research with the potential for game-changing scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs in priority areas.

NAICS Code:
541710 - R&D in the physical, engineering and life sciences