Hearing Insurance for Seniors: What You Need to Know
Age-related hearing loss, also called presbycusis, is a common issue affecting older adults. Roughly one in three people over the age of 60 and one in two people over the age of 85 experience hearing loss.
Hearing loss can affect your quality of life. It can make it harder to have conversations with friends and family and drive safely. Research also shows that hearing loss among older adults is associated with a greater risk of cognitive decline, dementia, depression, and falls.
Hearing aids and audiology services can help treat hearing loss, but some people may face financial barriers to receiving these treatments.
In this article, we’ll explain Medicare hearing aid coverage, what options are available, and how to find the best additional hearing insurance plans for your needs.
Key takeaways:
Original Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids. It also doesn’t cover hearing and balance exams, unless hearing loss is tied to another health issue.
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing health coverage, including covering the cost of hearing aids entirely or partially. However, the benefits and costs of these plans vary greatly.
It’s important to weigh the potential costs and benefits of standalone hearing care insurance plans to know whether or not they’re right for you.
Medicare coverage for hearing services
Understanding your hearing care insurance options with Medicare is essential to getting the services you need when you experience hearing loss.
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) hearing coverage limitations
Unfortunately, there are limitations to Original Medicare’s hearing care coverage:
It does not pay for hearing aids.
It also does not cover the exams required to determine whether or not you need hearing aids.
Though routine hearing care is not covered by Original Medicare, some diagnostic hearing and balance exams may be covered as part of your treatment for medical conditions. For coverage to apply, your doctor must deem these tests as medically necessary.
Original Medicare may cover the cost of exams used to diagnose the following conditions:
Sudden hearing loss in one or both ears
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
Vertigo or balance issues
Inner ear disorders
Conditions that might require cochlear implants (Medicare Part B covers cochlear implants)
If your situation results in Original Medicare covering your hearing exam, you’ll have to meet your Part B deductible before Medicare pays for its share of covered services. Once you’ve met your deductible, you’ll be responsible for 20% of the costs out of pocket—this is your coinsurance. If you have a Medigap plan, your costs will be lower.
Keep in mind that even if your exam demonstrates your need for hearing aids, you’ll still need to pay for the full cost of the hearing aids if you have Original Medicare.
Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) hearing benefits
Many Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans include coverage for hearing services that are not covered by Original Medicare, like hearing tests and hearing aids.
The specifics of your Medicare Part C hearing coverage will vary depending on the plan you select.
For example, some Medicare Advantage plans include hearing care benefits that come in the form of a discount program. These discount programs can be limiting, especially when you’re trying to offset the costs of hearing aids, which can range anywhere from $1,000-$6,000 per device.
For help choosing the best Medicare coverage for your hearing needs, speak with one of our licensed Medicare Advisors.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans and hearing coverage
Medicare Supplement plans do not cover the cost of hearing aids or hearing and balance exams. Instead, they help to reduce your out-of-pocket costs for care covered by Original Medicare.
Standalone hearing insurance plans for seniors
Standalone hearing insurance plans are not available through Medicare or the federal government. For this reason, some individuals may opt to purchase private hearing aid insurance from providers like Cigna and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
Your coverage can vary greatly depending on the standalone plan you purchase, and in some cases, your location. Notably, not all standalone hearing insurance plans will cover the full cost of hearing aids.
It’s important to review the terms and coverage limits of standalone hearing insurance plans available to you before making a decision about whether or not a private hearing plan is right for you.
For more information on the details and coverage of standalone hearing plans, reach out to the providers directly.
Top hearing insurance providers for seniors
Some of the top providers that offer Medicare Advantage plans with hearing aid and exam coverage include:
UnitedHealthcare
Humana
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Premium costs versus potential savings
When deciding whether or not a standalone hearing insurance plan is right for you, it’s important to weigh the costs of the premium you select versus the potential savings that plan will award you. These costs and savings will vary depending on the plan you select and your individualized hearing health needs.
Alternative hearing coverage options for seniors
If purchasing a standalone hearing plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with hearing coverage isn’t right for you, there are some other options:
Become an AARP member: AARP members can save up to 50% on prescription hearing aids and up to $200 off over-the-counter hearing aids.
Reach out to the Veterans Administration (VA): Eligible veterans may qualify for audiology coverage, which may include hearing aids, repairs, and batteries for their devices.
Visit a hearing center: Many hearing centers, including American Hearing and Audiology, offer free diagnostic evaluations and affordable service bundles. You’ll still have to pay out-of-pocket for your hearing aids, but depending on your needs, this may cost less long-term than some insurance plan premiums.
How to choose the right hearing coverage
Choosing the right hearing coverage for you will depend on your unique health and financial circumstances. Below are some of the factors you may want to consider when considering different hearing coverage options.
Assess your specific hearing needs
It’s important to consider hearing coverage that addresses your specific hearing needs. This may include whether or not you need hearing aids, how often you get fitted for new hearing aids, or any routine exams your doctor recommends.
Evaluate plan networks and provider options
Be sure to research the particulars of each plan’s benefits, limitations, and coverage to determine which plan will work best for you. Some questions to consider include:
Does this plan include hearing care providers that are easily accessible to me?
Does this plan’s benefits include the entire cost of hearing aids, hearing aid fittings, routine exams, repairs, and newer models of hearing aids?
Compare benefits versus costs
Before selecting any insurance plan, it’s a good idea to compare the potential benefits and costs of your options. When looking for hearing care coverage, research and compare the premiums and possible out-of-pocket costs of hearing aids and other hearing care services. Many people find that it’s cheaper to just pay for the exams and hearing aids they need in full versus paying for insurance premiums and a share of the cost of hearing care needs.
Bottom line
Original Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids or most hearing and balance exams. However, many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans do offer hearing care coverage.
If you think a Medicare Advantage plan with hearing coverage may be right for you, research the different plans available to compare their costs, benefits, and limitations.
If you have any questions about Medicare Advantage or need help determining if your hearing needs are covered by your Medicare Advantage plan, we’re here to help. Call today at 855-900-2427 or schedule an appointment to get help understanding and using your Medicare coverage.
FAQs
Does Medicare cover hearing aids in 2025?
No, unfortunately Original Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids in 2025. However, some Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing care benefits.
How much do hearing aids typically cost without insurance?
The cost of hearing aids can vary between $1,000-$6,000 per device without insurance.
Which Medicare Advantage plans offer the best hearing benefits?
Medicare Advantage providers that offer some of the most comprehensive hearing benefits include UnitedHealthcare, Humana., Aetna, and Blue Cross Blue Shield.