May 9th 2022
By Ari Parker
Learn about Medicare coverage for hearing aids, including Original Medicare hearing aid coverage and Medicare Advantage coverage for hearing aids.
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. The good news is that virtually all Medicare Advantage plans now include some form of hearing coverage. 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, and what your options are.
Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans do not pay for hearing aids.
Virtually all Medicare Advantage plans offer some coverage for hearing exams and/or hearing aids in 2026.
Different Medicare Advantage plans have different rules and coverage levels, so it's important to understand how your specific plan works.
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are available for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss and typically cost $200–$2,000 per pair.
Prescription hearing aids can cost $2,000–$8,000+ per pair, though options like Costco often run $1,000–$1,700.
Original Medicare and most private insurance plans won't help with the cost 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 reduce your out-of-pocket costs for Medicare-covered care, but they don't add new benefits like hearing or dental coverage.
Congress has considered adding hearing aid coverage to Medicare. A bill called the Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act (H.R. 500) has been introduced in Congress and, if passed, would require Medicare to cover hearing aids and related exams for eligible beneficiaries. As of March 2026, the bill has not been passed into law, and Original Medicare still does not cover hearing aids.
Virtually all Medicare Advantage plans offer coverage for hearing exams and/or hearing aids in 2026, making this one of the most valuable extra benefits of enrolling in Medicare Advantage. Coverage can vary quite a bit from plan to plan, but may include:
Routine hearing exams
Partial or full coverage of OTC and brand-name hearing aids
Hearing aid fittings and adjustment services
Hearing aid warranties
Coverage or discounts on accessories, like batteries or charging stations
Provider networks and copays do vary, so check your plan's Evidence of Coverage before purchasing. If hearing coverage is a priority for you, speak with one of our licensed Medicare Advisors. We'll help you find plans that fit your needs best.
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 they're deemed medically 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
A few important things to know:
Your doctor must order the exam as medically necessary for Medicare to cover it.
You'll owe your Part B deductible first, then your standard coinsurance.
Even if a covered test shows you need hearing aids, Original Medicare will not pay for them. You'd cover that cost yourself.
Medicare Part B does cover cochlear implants and related surgery when medically necessary.
Medications for ear-related conditions may be covered under Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.
Hearing aid costs vary widely depending on whether you need a prescription device or an over-the-counter model, and what level of technology you're looking for.
FDA-approved over-the-counter hearing aids are designed for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. They don't require a prescription or a fitting from an audiologist, which is what makes them much more affordable. Prices typically range from $200 to $2,000 per pair depending on brand and features. Popular budget-friendly options include MDHearingAid, Eargo, and Jabra Enhance. When shopping for these devices, make sure the label specifically says "over-the-counter hearing aid." This confirms FDA approval and distinguishes them from basic sound amplifiers.
Professionally fitted hearing aids are customized for your specific hearing loss and typically come bundled with testing, fitting, follow-up visits, and warranty coverage. Prices commonly range from $2,000 to $8,000+ per pair. Warehouse retailers like Costco often offer a middle-ground option—modern hearing aids fitted by a licensed hearing instrument specialist, typically running $1,000 to $1,700 per pair.
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. If you're enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible), you may have access to additional hearing benefits. It's worth checking with your state's Medicaid office.
If you're experiencing hearing loss and are on Original Medicare without a Advantage plan, there are several other options.
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are a good choice if you have mild to moderate hearing loss. Available at major retailers like Best Buy and Costco, and directly from manufacturers online, they're an accessible starting point for many people.
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.
Many state health departments also run hearing aid assistance programs.
Used hearing aids can be a more affordable option. If you go this route, the devices must be clearly labeled as "used" to meet FDA requirements, and you should consult with an audiologist to make sure used aids will work for your specific hearing loss. Be cautious about purchasing from private sellers on sites like eBay or Craigslist. Consider established vendors who specialize in refurbished devices instead.
State-specific hearing programs can help with hearing tests and paying for hearing aids. Below are programs available in each state.
| State | Programs |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Hear Here Alabama Project, The Hearing Foundation, Alabama’s Assistive Technology Resource (STAR), Relay Alabama |
| Alaska | Healing Hand Foundation, iCanConnect |
| Arizona | Hearing Healthcare Assistance Project (HHAP), Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ACDHH), Southern Arizona Hearing Aid Bank |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Rehabilitation Services (ARS), Arkansas Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing |
| California | NorCal Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, California Department of Rehabilitation |
| Colorado | Hearing the Call, Friends of Man, A.V. Hunter Trust, HEARS , Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, |
| Connecticut | Connecticut Tech Act Project, Connecticut Lions Club Hearing Aid Bank |
| Delaware | Easterseals Delaware and Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Nemours SeniorCare, The Eric Fund |
| District of Columbia | Department on Disability Services, DC Assistive Technology Program (DCATP) |
| Florida | Sertoma Speech & Hearing Foundation, Florida New Horizon Loan Program, Center for Hearing and Communication |
| Georgia | Georgia Hearing Aid Distribution Program, Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation |
| Hawaii | Help Me Hear, Relay Hawaii, Assistive Technology Resource Centers of Hawaii (ATRC) |
| Idaho | Northwest Access Fund, Idaho Assistive Technology Project |
| Illinois | Chicago Hearing Society, Illinois Assistive Technology Program, Sertoma Speech & Hearing Center |
| Indiana | Hearing Aid Assistance Program of Indiana (HAAPI), GiveHear, Indiana Lions Speech and Hearing |
| Iowa | Able Up Iowa, Iowa COMPASS Center for Disabilities and Development, Iowa Lions Hearing Aid Bank |
| Kansas | Kansas Assistive Technology Loan Program, Kansas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing |
| Kentucky | Heuser Hearing Institute, Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Kentucky’s Statewide Hearing Aid Reuse Program (SHARP) |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS), Louisiana Commission for the Deaf (LCD) Hearing Aid Program |
| Maine | Alpha One, Disability Rights Maine, Bureau of Rehabilitation Services |
| Maryland | The Ron M. Landsman Charitable Fund, Division of Rehabilitation Services, AT Financial Loan Program |
| Massachusetts | Lions Club District 33-S Hearing Foundation, Audiology Centers Hearing Aid Banks |
| Michigan | Michigan Assistive Technology Loan Fund, Dr. Robert H. Mathog Lion Hearing Centers |
| Minnesota | EquipALife, TPA Hearing Trust Grant |
| Mississippi | Office on Deaf and Hard of Hearing |
| Missouri | Missouri Assistive Technology, Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing |
| Montana | Montana Hearing Aid Dispenser Program, Montana Assistive Technology Program (MATP), Montana Lions Sight & Hearing Foundation |
| Nebraska | Nebraska Hearing Aid Banks, Easterseals Nebraska, Nebraska VR |
| Nevada | The Hearing Foundation, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Nevada |
| New Hampshire | Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation of New Hampshire, Assistive Technology New Hampshire (ATinNH), Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation |
| New Jersey | The Hearing Aid Project, Hearing Aid Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (HAAAD) |
| New Mexico | The New Mexico Commission for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing, New Mexico Technology Assistance Program |
| New York | Dr. Ann Stadelmaier Hearing Aid Fund, NY Connects |
| North Carolina | Relay North Carolina, Charlotte Speech and Hearing Center, Easterseals PORT Health |
| North Dakota | North Dakota Assistive, North Dakota Association for the Disabled |
| Ohio | Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center, Columbus Speech & Hearing, Ohio Department of Aging Assistive Technology |
| Oklahoma | Senior Citizens Hearing Aid Program, HoughAid, Oklahoma ABLE Tech, Hearts for Hearing |
| Oregon | Northwest Access Fund, Oregon Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Assistive Technology Foundation, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, UPMC Medical Equipment Recycling Program |
| Rhode Island | Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program, Rhode Island Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing |
| South Carolina | South Carolina Equipment Distribution Program, Pee Dee Hearing Center |
| South Dakota | South Dakota Hearing Aid Assistance Program, South Dakota Lions Foundation |
| Tennessee | The Hearing & Speech Foundation, HEAR Nashville, Library Services for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing |
| Texas | Dallas Hearing Foundation, The Office of Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Deaf Action Center |
| Utah | Relay Utah, Utah Vocational Rehabilitation, Utah Assistive Technology Program |
| Vermont | Deaf Independence Program, AT4ALL, Vermont Assistive Technology Program, Vermont Division of Vocational Rehabilitation |
| Virginia | Assistive Technology Loan Fund Authority, North Virginia Resource Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing Persons |
| Washington | University of Washington Hearing Aid Assistance Program (HAAP), Western Washington University Hearing Aid Bank, Washington Assistive Technology Act Program (WATAP), Northwest Access Fund |
| West Virginia | West Virginia Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS), West Virginia Assistive Technology System (WVATS) |
| Wisconsin | UWSHC Hearing Aid Recycling Program (HARP), Telecommunications Assistance Program Plus (TAP+), Wisconsin Lions Foundation |
| Wyoming | Wyoming Relay, iCanConnect, Wyoming Hearing Aid Benefit |
You can get hearing aids from several sources depending on whether you need a prescription or OTC device.
Prescription hearing aids are available from licensed hearing aid dispensers, audiologists, and ear, nose, and throat doctors. OTC hearing aids can be purchased at major retailers like Costco and Best Buy, online marketplaces, and 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 from any source, get a hearing test to understand your needs, and make sure to review the warranty and return policy.
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.
Original Medicare still doesn't cover hearing aids as of 2026. The Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act (H.R. 500) has been introduced in Congress and would require Medicare to cover hearing aids and exams if passed, but it has not yet become law. In the meantime, Medicare Advantage plans are the most reliable way to get hearing aid coverage through Medicare.
Yes, virtually all Medicare Advantage plans offer some form of hearing coverage in 2026, including coverage for hearing exams and hearing aids. The level of coverage varies significantly between plans—some cover the full cost of certain hearing aids, while others offer a fixed allowance or discount. It's important to review your specific plan's Evidence of Coverage.
OTC hearing aids are designed for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss and can be purchased without a prescription or audiologist visit. They typically cost $200–$2,000 per pair. Prescription hearing aids are custom-fitted by a licensed professional and are appropriate for a wider range of hearing loss severity, including moderate-to-severe loss. They typically cost $2,000–$8,000+ per pair but often include professional services like testing, fitting, and follow-up care.
No. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans do not cover hearing aids. Medigap plans are designed to reduce your out-of-pocket costs for services that Original Medicare covers. They don't add new benefits like hearing, dental, or vision care. If hearing coverage is important to you, Medicare Advantage is the route to explore.
Yes. If you have a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can generally use those funds to pay for prescription hearing aids and related expenses. OTC hearing aids are also typically eligible. This can be a meaningful way to offset hearing costs if you're not yet on Medicare or have remaining HSA funds from your working years.
There are several options. The VA provides hearing aids and services to eligible veterans. The Hearing Loss Association of America offers financial assistance. Many states run their own hearing aid assistance programs—see the state-by-state table above for programs in your area. OTC hearing aids starting around $200 are also worth considering if you have mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
Sources
Medicare.gov. (2026). Hearing aid coverage. https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hearing-aids
MedicareResources.org. (2025). Does Medicare cover hearing aids? https://www.medicareresources.org/faqs/does-medicare-cover-hearing-aids/
Hearing Loss Association of America. (2025). Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act. https://www.hearingloss.org/advocacy-and-resources/action-alerts/medicare-hearing-aid-coverage-act/
U.S. News & World Report. (2025). Medicare and hearing aids: your guide to coverage and costs in 2026. https://health.usnews.com/medicare/articles/does-medicare-cover-hearing-aids
Hopkins Medicine. (n.d.). Presbycusis. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/presbycusis
Last updated March 13, 2026
