Does Medicare Pay for Hearing Tests?

If you struggle to hear the TV without turning up the volume, often ask others to repeat themselves, or miss parts of conversations, you may be experiencing hearing loss. Hearing loss doesn’t necessarily mean complete deafness. Many people have mild or moderate loss that limits their ability to hear clearly. Beyond being frustrating or isolating, untreated hearing loss can also increase risks for falls, accidents, and cognitive decline.

A common question for older adults is: Does Medicare pay for hearing tests or hearing aids?

Let’s break down what’s covered, what’s not, and what options exist for hearing care under Medicare.

Key takeaways:

• Original Medicare does not cover routine hearing exams or hearing aids.

• Medicare Part B covers hearing tests only when medically necessary.

• Medicare Advantage plans often include hearing exams and hearing aid benefits.

• Earwax removal and ear surgeries may be covered if medically necessary.

• Medicaid coverage for hearing care varies by state.

• Seniors can access free or low-cost hearing screenings through online tools, AARP, and local programs.

Does Original Medicare cover hearing tests?

Original Medicare (made up of Part A and Part B) does not cover routine hearing exams, hearing aids, or fittings for hearing aids. However, Medicare Part B may cover a hearing test if your doctor orders it to evaluate or diagnose another medical condition, like:

• Balance disorders or dizziness

• Vertigo or tinnitus

• Ear disease, infection, or injury

If the hearing test is medically necessary, Medicare Part B covers 80% of the approved amount after you meet your annual deductible. You are responsible for the remaining 20%. If you have  Medigap plan, however, it will cover some of your coinsurance, reducing your out-of-pocket cost.

If the hearing test is not medically necessary (for example, just to check hearing loss for a hearing aid), it will not be covered. This means you’re responsible for paying the full cost.

Do Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans cover hearing exams and hearing aids?

Yes—many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer additional hearing benefits. These plans are provided by private insurers and often include routine hearing exams and partial or full coverage for hearing aids.

According to data from KFF, about 97% of Medicare Advantage enrollees have some level of hearing coverage. However, benefits vary widely between plans. Be sure to review your plan’s benefits to understand any limits, copayments, or network and brand restrictions.

And, before you run to get a Medicare Advantage plan for hearing care coverage, make sure you understand the drawbacks of Medicare Advantage plans.

What’s measured during a hearing test??

A hearing test measures how well you can hear sounds of different pitches and volumes. Based on your results, your hearing may be classified as:

• Mild hearing loss

• Moderate hearing loss

• Moderate to severe hearing loss

• Severe hearing loss

• Profound hearing loss

Audiologists also test your ability to distinguish speech and may perform balance assessments, since the inner ear is responsible for both hearing and balance.

If you experience dizziness or vertigo, further tests like videonystagmography (VNG) or vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) may be needed.

Can a hearing test detect other issues??

Yes—hearing exams can reveal underlying conditions that affect hearing, such as:

• Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis)

• Noise-induced damage

• Ear infections or trauma

• Otosclerosis (abnormal bone growth in the ear)

• Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis

• Diabetes (which can damage blood vessels in the inner ear)

• Paget’s disease, Meniere’s disease, or auditory neuropathy

If your hearing loss stems from another medical condition, Medicare may cover the test as a diagnostic procedure. It may also cover diagnostic testing or treatment for your condition.

Does Medicare cover ear surgery?

Medicare does not cover cosmetic ear surgery or routine earwax removal, but it does pay for medically necessary ear surgeries, including:

• Cochlear implants (for severe hearing loss, if you meet eligibility criteria)

• Otoplasty (to correct ear deformities that cause medical or psychological distress)

• Middle ear surgeries to remove infections or repair ear structures

You’ll still be responsible for any applicable deductibles and coinsurance. Medicare Advantage plans may also cover these surgeries depending on the plan.

When do Medicare plans cover earwax removal?

Routine ear cleaning is not covered by Original Medicare. However, Medicare Part B does cover impacted earwax removal if it’s medically necessary. For example, when wax buildup blocks the ear canal or prevents an exam.

• If performed by an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) doctor, it’s covered under Part B.

• If done by an audiologist, it’s only covered when part of a diagnostic hearing test.

Does Medicaid provide coverage for hearing care and hearing aids?

Yes, but coverage varies by state. Medicaid is a state-run program, and most states offer coverage for hearing tests, hearing aids, and related services, especially for low-income adults and children. Check your state Medicaid website for specific coverage details.

How can seniors on Medicare get a free hearing test?

A basic hearing screening is not the same as a comprehensive diagnostic hearing test. Getting a free comprehensive test is rare, but there are ways to get initial hearing checks that may lead you to seek additional diagnosis. 

Below are some free or affordable options for a basic screening test:

• Online hearing screenings from hearing aid manufacturers and retailers, like ReSound, Miracle-Ear, Widex, and HearingLife

• AARP’s National Hearing Test is available by phone for members

• Hearing aid retailers may provide free in-person evaluations

• Community health clinics and senior centers that host hearing screenings

These screenings can help identify potential hearing loss, but they’re not a substitute for a full diagnostic exam by an audiologist.

If you’re diagnosed with hearing loss and Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids, you might explore:

• Local charities and nonprofits (e.g., Lions Clubs, Starkey Hearing Foundation)

• Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, now approved by the FDA for mild to moderate loss

• Refurbished or discounted hearing aids from audiology clinics