Retail and online sales of non-prescription hearing aids now allowed in B.C.

VICTORIA — B.C. has turned up access to hearing aids.

The provincial government says in a statement that adults with mild to moderate hearing loss can now buy over-the-counter hearing aids without a prescription.

It says B.C. becomes the first province in Canada to allow such sales after approval by Health Canada.

Health Minister Josie Osborne says people too often put off buying hearing aids because of costs and other barriers, adding the change will help more people recognize hearing changes and get help earlier.