Hearing loss affects around one-third of adults between the ages of 65 and 74. If you're having trouble hearing, you may wonder if Medicare helps pay for hearing tests and hearing aids.

Hearing care, including routine hearing tests and hearing aids, is not covered by Original Medicare. Many Medicare Advantage plans include coverage for hearing services and may help pay for hearing tests and hearing aids. 

Since your ability to hear well affects so many aspects of daily life, it's important to understand what Medicare does and doesn't cover.

Key Takeaways:

  • Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans do not pay for hearing aids.

  • Some Medicare Advantage plans will pay for some of the costs of hearing aids.

  • Different Medicare Advantage plans have different rules and coverage options for hearing aids, so it’s important to understand how your plan works.

  • Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids became available after approval from the FDA in 2022.

  • OTC hearing aids are best for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

Does Original Medicare pay for hearing aids?

Original Medicare and most private insurance plans won't help with coverage of hearing aids. While Medicare Part B covers many outpatient medical services and equipment, it specifically excludes both hearing aids and the exams needed to determine need.

If you have a Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap), it also won't cover hearing aid costs. These plans don’t cover additional services and equipment, but rather reduce your out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered care. 

The government has considered adding hearing aid coverage to Medicare, but no progress has been made.

What hearing coverage does Medicare Advantage offer?

Although Medicare Advantage plans differ, many plans do include additional hearing coverage. This may include:

  •  routine hearing exams

  • partial or full coverage of OTC and brand-name hearing aids

  • hearing aid fittings and services

  • hearing aid warranties

  • coverage or discounts on hearing aid accessories, like batteries or charging stations

 It’s important to note that provider networks and copays do vary, so check with your plan.

Does Medicare pay for any hearing services, such as hearing exams?

While routine hearing care isn't covered by Original Medicare, some diagnostic hearing and balance exams may be covered as treatment for medical conditions—if deemed necessary by a doctor.

Medicare typically covers hearing exams when they're needed to diagnose conditions such as:

  • Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears

  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

  • Vertigo or balance problems

  • Inner ear disorders

  • Problems that might require cochlear implants

Important things to know about Medicare coverage for hearing services:

  • For Medicare to cover any diagnostic hearing exam, your doctor must order it as medically necessary.

  • You'll need to pay your Medicare Part B deductible before Medicare will begin paying for its share of covered services. Once your deductible is met, you’ll owe either copayments or coinsurance.

  • Even if Medicare-covered tests show you need hearing aids, you will need to cover the full cost of the hearing aids yourself if you’re on Original Medicare. However, Medicare Part B does cover cochlear implants and related surgery when they're medically necessary.

  • If you need medications for ear-related conditions, these may be covered under Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.

Are there any Medicare plans that include hearing aid coverage?

Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include coverage for hearing services that Original Medicare doesn't cover. These plans, offered through private insurance companies like Aetna, United Healthcare, and Humana, often provide benefits for routine hearing tests and hearing aids.

Medicare Advantage plan hearing aid coverage varies depending on the specific plan you enroll in. Some plans cover both prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, while others may limit coverage to certain types or brands. Many insurance companies offer multiple Medicare Advantage plans with different levels of hearing coverage. 

If you are concerned about hearing coverage, speak with one of our licensed Medicare Advisors. They can help you understand your healthcare options and find the best Medicare coverage for your needs. 

Does Medicaid Cover Hearing Aids?

Because Medicaid is run by individual states, coverage for hearing services varies. Eligibility for Medicaid hearing aid coverage often depends on the severity of your hearing loss and typically requires prior authorization.

How else can you cover the cost of hearing aids?

If you're experiencing hearing loss and can't afford audiology services, there are several options for help.

Consider OTC hearing aids

Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids might be a good choice if you have mild to moderate hearing loss. These FDA-approved hearing devices work by using a microphone and speaker to amplify sounds entering your ear.

OTC hearing aids are generally much more affordable than prescription hearing aids. While prices vary, they typically cost between $100 and $1,000 per pair. When shopping for these devices, make sure the label specifically says "over-the-counter hearing aid.” This statement confirms a device is an FDA-approved hearing aid and not just a sound amplifier.

Seek help from a charity

Many charities and organizations offer hearing health services and hearing aids for free or reduced prices.

  • The VA provides hearing aids and related services to eligible veterans.

  • The Hearing Loss Association of America offers financial assistance programs.

  • Various national charities provide free or low-cost hearing aids to people who qualify for support.

  • Many state health departments also run hearing aid assistance programs.

To find help in your area, contact these organizations directly or ask your healthcare provider about local resources for hearing aid assistance.

Consider used hearing aids

Used hearing aids are a more affordable option. If you're thinking about buying used hearing aids, keep these two important things in mind:

  1. The devices must be clearly labeled as 'used' to meet FDA requirements.

  2. You should consult with an audiologist to make sure used hearing aids will work for your needs.

Be cautious about purchasing from private sellers on sites like eBay or Craigslist. While these options might cost less, they often come without warranties and may not function properly. Instead, consider working with established vendors who specialize in refurbished hearing aids.

Local hearing programs

These state-specific hearing programs can help with things like hearing tests and paying for hearing aids.

StatePrograms
AlabamaHear Here Alabama Project, The Hearing Foundation, Alabama’s Assistive Technology Resource (STAR), Relay Alabama
AlaskaHealing Hand Foundation, iCanConnect
ArizonaHearing Healthcare Assistance Project (HHAP), Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ACDHH), Southern Arizona Hearing Aid Bank
ArkansasArkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS), Arkansas Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
CaliforniaNorCal Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, California Department of Rehabilitation
ColoradoHearing the Call, Friends of Man, A.V. Hunter Trust, HEARS , Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation,
ConnecticutConnecticut Tech Act Project, Connecticut Lions Club Hearing Aid Bank
DelawareEasterseals Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Nemours SeniorCare, The Eric Fund
District of ColumbiaDepartment on Disability Services, DC Assistive Technology Program (DCATP)
FloridaSertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation, Florida New Horizon Loan Program, Center for Hearing and Communication
GeorgiaGeorgia Hearing Aid Distribution Program, Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation
HawaiiHelp Me Hear, Relay Hawaii, Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii (ATRC)
IdahoNorthwest Access Fund, Idaho Assistive Technology Project
IllinoisChicago Hearing Society, Illinois Assistive Technology Program, Sertoma Speech & Hearing Center
IndianaHearing Aid Assistance Program of Indiana (HAAPI), GiveHear, Indiana Lions Speech and Hearing
IowaAble Up Iowa, Iowa COMPASS Center for Disabilities and Development, Iowa Lions Hearing Aid Bank
KansasKansas Assistive Technology Loan Program, Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
KentuckyHeuser Hearing Institute, Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Kentucky’s Statewide Hearing Aid Reuse Program (SHARP)
LouisianaLouisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS), Louisiana Commission for the Deaf (LCD) Hearing Aid Program
MaineAlpha One, Disability Rights Maine, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services
MarylandThe Ron M. Landsman Charitable Fund, Division of Rehabilitation Services, AT Financial Loan Program
MassachusettsLions Club District 33-S Hearing Foundation, Audiology Centers Hearing Aid Banks
MichiganMichigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund, Dr. Robert H. Mathog Lion Hearing Centers
MinnesotaEquipALife, TPA Hearing Trust Grant
MississippiOffice on Deaf and Hard of Hearing
MissouriMissouri Assistive Technology, Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
MontanaMontana Hearing Aid Dispenser Program, Montana Assistive Technology Program (MATP), Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation
NebraskaNebraska Hearing Aid Banks, Easterseals Nebraska, Nebraska VR
NevadaThe Hearing Foundation, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Nevada
New HampshireLions Sight and Hearing Foundation of New Hampshire, Assistive Technology New Hampshire (ATinNH), Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation
New JerseyThe Hearing Aid Project, Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (HAAAD)
New MexicoThe New Mexico Commission for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, New Mexico Technology Assistance Program
New YorkDr. Ann Stadelmaier Hearing Aid Fund, NY Connects
North CarolinaRelay North Carolina, Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center, Easterseals PORT Health
North DakotaNorth Dakota Assistive, North Dakota Association for the Disabled
OhioCleveland Hearing & Speech Center, Columbus Speech & Hearing, Ohio Department of Aging Assistive Technology
OklahomaSenior Citizens Hearing Aid Program, HoughAid, Oklahoma ABLE Tech, Hearts for Hearing
OregonNorthwest Access Fund, Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation
PennsylvaniaPennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, UPMC Medical Equipment Recycling Program
Rhode IslandDeaf and Hard of Hearing Program, Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
South CarolinaSouth Carolina Equipment Distribution Program, Pee Dee Hearing Center
South DakotaSouth Dakota Hearing Aid Assistance Program, South Dakota Lions Foundation
TennesseeThe Hearing & Speech Foundation, HEAR Nashville, Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
TexasDallas Hearing Foundation, The Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Deaf Action Center
UtahRelay Utah, Utah Vocational Rehabilitation, Utah Assistive Technology Program
VermontDeaf Independence Program, AT4ALL, Vermont Assistive Technology Program, Vermont Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
VirginiaAssistive Technology Loan Fund Authority, North Virginia Resource Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Persons
WashingtonUniversity of Washington Hearing Aid Assistance Program (HAAP), Western Washington University Hearing Aid Bank, Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP), Northwest Access Fund
West VirginiaWest Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS)
WisconsinUWSHC Hearing Aid Recycling Program (HARP), Telecommunications Assistance Program Plus (TAP+), Wisconsin Lions Foundation
WyomingWyoming Relay, iCanConnect, Wyoming Hearing Aid Benefit

Where can you buy hearing aids?

You can get hearing aids from several sources, depending on whether you need prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) devices.

Prescription hearing aids are available from:

  • Licensed hearing aid dispensers

  • Audiologists

  • Ear, nose, and throat doctors

OTC hearing aids can be purchased at:

  • Major retailers like Costco and Best Buy

  • Online marketplaces

  • Directly from manufacturers

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan that covers hearing aids, check your plan documents before you buy. Your insurance may require you to use specific providers or vendors.

Before buying hearing aids from any source, get a hearing test to understand your needs. Make sure to review the warranty and return policy, and ask about any included services like fittings or adjustments.

If you have any questions about what your Medicare insurance covers or how you can get coverage that better fits your health and financial needs, we’re here to help! Give us a call at (855) 900-2427 or schedule a time to speak with one of our licensed Medicare Advisors to get help understanding your healthcare options.

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