Medicare's coverage of hearing tests depends on why you need one
Medicare Part B covers a hearing test only if your doctor orders it to diagnose or treat a medical condition — not for a routine hearing check or to fit you for hearing aids. The test must be medically necessary, meaning your doctor believes hearing loss is connected to a health problem they are treating. If you want a hearing test just to see how well you hear, or because you think you might need a hearing aid, Medicare does not pay for it.
The distinction matters because many people assume Medicare covers all hearing-related care. It does not. The program treats hearing aids as devices you purchase out of pocket, similar to eyeglasses. However, the rules around diagnostic testing — the test itself, not the device — are more flexible than many seniors realize.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare Part B covers a hearing test only when your doctor orders it to diagnose or treat a medical condition, not for routine screening or hearing aid fitting.
- You pay 20 percent of the cost after you meet your Part B deductible; Medicare pays 80 percent.
- Hearing aids themselves are never covered by Original Medicare, though some Medicare Advantage plans may offer limited coverage.
- If you need a hearing test for medical reasons, ask your doctor to document that it is medically necessary before the test.
- Veterans, Medicaid recipients, and people with certain employer plans may have different coverage; check your specific plan.
When Medicare Part B will pay for a hearing test
Your doctor must order the test and document in your medical record that it is medically necessary. Common reasons include evaluating hearing loss related to diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, or neurological conditions. If you have had a stroke or head injury, or if you take medications known to affect hearing, your doctor may order a test to monitor changes. Sudden hearing loss is another reason — your doctor might order testing to rule out serious causes.
The test itself is called audiometry or an audiological evaluation. It is performed by an audiologist or hearing specialist, often in a hospital or clinic setting. Once your doctor places the order, you will typically pay 20 percent of the approved cost after you have met your Part B deductible for the year. Medicare pays the remaining 80 percent.
What you will pay out of pocket
Your cost depends on two things: whether you have met your Part B deductible, and what the testing facility charges. In 2024, the Part B deductible is $240 per year. Once you reach that amount through any Part B services, your deductible is satisfied for the rest of the calendar year.
After your deductible is met, you pay 20 percent of Medicare's approved amount for the hearing test. The approved amount varies by location and facility. If the facility charges more than Medicare's approved amount, you may owe the difference — this is called balance billing. To avoid surprises, ask the testing facility what they charge and what Medicare's approved amount is before your appointment.
Hearing aids are not covered by Original Medicare
Even if Medicare pays for your hearing test and the test shows you need a hearing aid, the hearing aid itself is your responsibility. Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover hearing aids, fitting, or adjustments. You will pay the full cost, which typically ranges from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per device depending on the type and features.
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do offer limited hearing aid coverage — usually a set dollar amount per year, such as $500 or $1,000 toward one or both devices. Coverage varies widely by plan and by year. If you are considering a Medicare Advantage plan, ask specifically about hearing aid benefits before you enroll.
How to make sure Medicare will cover your hearing test
Start by talking to your primary care doctor. Explain that you are concerned about your hearing and ask whether they think testing is medically necessary for your condition. If they agree, they will place an order with a specific facility or audiologist. Make sure your doctor documents the medical reason in your chart — this protects you if Medicare later questions the claim.
Before your appointment, call the testing facility and confirm they accept Medicare. Ask them to verify your coverage and tell you what your out-of-pocket cost will be. This step prevents unexpected bills. Bring your Medicare card and any other insurance cards you have to your appointment.
What happens if you pay for a hearing test yourself
If you pay out of pocket for a hearing test without a doctor's order, Medicare will not reimburse you. The test must be ordered by your doctor and documented as medically necessary. However, if you later get a doctor's order and that doctor believes the test you already paid for is relevant to their diagnosis, ask your doctor whether they can submit it to Medicare for review. Some claims can be reconsidered, though there is no may provide.
Many hearing aid retailers offer free or low-cost hearing screenings. These are marketing tools, not medical tests, and are never covered by Medicare. If a screening suggests you need a hearing aid, you can take that information to your doctor and ask whether a medically necessary test is appropriate.
Coverage for people with other insurance or programs
If you are a veteran, the Department of Veterans Affairs covers hearing tests and hearing aids through the VA health system. You do not need to use Medicare for these services. Contact your local VA medical center to learn about their hearing programs.
Medicaid coverage of hearing tests and aids varies by state. Some states cover both; others cover neither. Contact your state Medicaid office to find out what is available where you live. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid (called "dual may be able to access"), Medicaid may cover services Medicare does not, including hearing aids in some states.
If you have retiree health insurance from a former employer, check your plan documents or call the plan's customer service line. Some employer plans cover hearing tests and hearing aids more generously than Medicare does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a free hearing test through Medicare?
Not exactly. If your doctor orders a hearing test for medical reasons, you pay 20 percent of the cost after your deductible — Medicare pays 80 percent. You are not paying the full amount, but it is not free. Hearing screenings offered by retailers or community programs are free but are not covered by Medicare and do not count as medical tests.
Does Medicare cover hearing aids at all?
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited coverage, usually a set amount per year. Check your specific plan's benefits. Veterans and some state Medicaid programs do cover hearing aids.
What if my doctor says I need a hearing test but I do not think I do?
If your doctor believes a hearing test is medically necessary for a condition they are treating, Medicare will cover it. You do not have to want the test for it to be covered — your doctor's medical judgment is what matters. However, if you decline the test, you cannot later ask Medicare to pay for one you choose to get on your own.
Will Medicare pay if I go to a hearing aid store for testing?
Only if your doctor has ordered the test and the hearing aid store is set up to bill Medicare as a medical facility. Most hearing aid retailers are not. Ask your doctor to refer you to a facility that accepts Medicare for medically necessary hearing tests, such as a hospital audiology department or a clinic.
Can I appeal if Medicare denies my hearing test claim?
Yes. If Medicare denies a claim your doctor submitted, you have the right to appeal. Ask your doctor's office or the testing facility to help you file an appeal and to provide documentation that the test was medically necessary. The appeals process can take several weeks to months.