Medicare covers hearing tests only in specific situations, and the coverage is limited
Medicare Part B covers a hearing test (called an audiological exam) only if your doctor orders it to diagnose a medical condition — not for routine hearing screening or to fit you for a hearing aid. If your doctor suspects you have sudden hearing loss, an ear infection, or another medical problem affecting your hearing, Medicare will cover the test at 80% after you meet your Part B deductible. If you want a hearing test purely to check your hearing or to get a hearing aid, Medicare does not cover it, and you will pay the full cost out of pocket.
This distinction matters because many people assume Medicare covers hearing aids the way it covers eyeglasses or dental work. It does not. Understanding what Medicare will and will not pay for hearing-related care helps you plan ahead and know what to expect at the doctor's office.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare Part B covers a hearing test only when your doctor orders it to diagnose a medical problem, not for routine screening or hearing aid fitting.
- You pay 20% of the cost after meeting your Part B deductible; Medicare pays 80%.
- Medicare does not cover hearing aids, batteries, or routine hearing exams for hearing aid purposes.
- Some Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing benefits, but coverage varies widely by plan.
- If you need a hearing test for non-medical reasons, you can see an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser and pay out of pocket.
When Medicare Part B covers a hearing test
Your doctor must order the test as part of diagnosing or treating a medical condition. Common reasons Medicare will cover a hearing test include sudden hearing loss, dizziness or balance problems that may involve the inner ear, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) that needs investigation, or ear infections. The test must be performed by an audiologist or other may have access to provider, and your doctor must document that the test is medically necessary.
The provider will bill Medicare directly. You will owe your Part B deductible (which is $240 in 2024, though this amount changes yearly) plus 20% of the approved amount. If you have already met your deductible earlier in the year, you pay only the 20% coinsurance.
What Medicare does not cover for hearing
Medicare Part B does not cover routine hearing tests done to screen for hearing loss or to determine what type of hearing aid you need. It also does not cover hearing aids themselves, hearing aid batteries, ear molds, or repairs to hearing aids. This applies even if your hearing loss is severe or affects your quality of life.
Many people are surprised by this gap in coverage because Medicare covers other assistive devices — walkers, wheelchairs, oxygen equipment — but hearing aids fall outside that category. The reasoning is historical and has not changed despite decades of advocacy from hearing health organizations.
Hearing coverage through Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans
Some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include hearing benefits as an added feature. These benefits vary dramatically from plan to plan. Some plans cover one hearing test per year and offer a discount on hearing aids from network providers. Others cover hearing aids up to a certain dollar amount, such as $500 or $1,000 per ear per year. A few plans cover nothing for hearing at all.
If you have a Medigap (supplemental insurance) plan, check your plan documents to see whether it mentions hearing coverage. Most Medigap plans do not cover hearing aids or tests, but some offer limited benefits. The only way to know is to call your plan or review your Summary of Benefits and Coverage document, which your plan must send you yearly.
If you are thinking about switching plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7 each year), hearing coverage is one factor worth comparing. Plans that offer hearing benefits often charge higher premiums, so you will need to decide whether the benefit is worth the extra cost.
How to get a hearing test outside of Medicare
If you want a hearing test that Medicare will not cover, you have two main routes: see an audiologist or visit a hearing aid dispenser. An audiologist holds a doctoral degree and can perform comprehensive hearing tests, diagnose hearing problems, and fit hearing aids. A hearing aid dispenser is trained specifically to fit and sell hearing aids but may not perform full diagnostic testing.
Costs vary widely. A basic hearing test from a hearing aid dispenser may cost $0 to $50 if you are considering buying a hearing aid from them (many offer free tests as part of the sales process). A comprehensive audiological exam from an independent audiologist typically costs $100 to $300. Hearing aids themselves range from $1,000 to $6,000 per ear depending on the technology and features.
Some audiologists and hearing aid dispensers offer payment plans or work with hearing aid manufacturers that have discount programs. If cost is a barrier, ask about these options when you call to schedule an appointment.
What to ask your doctor about hearing coverage
If you think you have a hearing problem, start by mentioning it to your primary care doctor. Ask whether they think a hearing test is medically necessary and, if so, whether they will order one. If they order a test, ask the office staff to confirm with Medicare before your appointment that the test will be covered. This prevents surprises when the bill arrives.
If your doctor does not think a medical hearing test is necessary but you are concerned about your hearing, ask for a referral to an audiologist. Your doctor can provide a referral even if Medicare will not cover the test. Some people find it helpful to have a professional assessment on file, especially if their hearing changes over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Medicare cover a hearing test if I have diabetes or heart disease?
Only if your doctor believes the hearing test is needed to diagnose or treat a condition related to your diabetes or heart disease. For example, some medications used for heart disease can affect hearing, or some types of dizziness related to heart problems involve the inner ear. Your doctor must order the test and document the medical reason. A routine hearing test to check your hearing is not covered, even if you have these conditions.
Can I use my Medigap plan to cover a hearing aid?
Most Medigap plans do not cover hearing aids. Check your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document or call your plan to confirm. If your plan does not cover hearing aids, you will need to pay out of pocket or look into whether a Medicare Advantage plan with hearing benefits might be a better fit for you during the next enrollment period.
What if I have a sudden hearing loss?
Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency and should be evaluated by a doctor right away. Call your primary care doctor or go to an urgent care clinic. If your doctor orders a hearing test to diagnose the cause, Medicare Part B will cover it as a medically necessary test. Do not delay seeking care because of cost concerns.
Do I need a referral from my doctor to see an audiologist?
You do not need a referral to see an audiologist for a hearing test that Medicare will not cover. You can call an audiologist directly and schedule an appointment. However, if your doctor orders a hearing test for medical reasons, the test must be performed by a may have access to provider, and your doctor's office will handle the referral and billing.
Are there programs that help pay for hearing aids?
Some nonprofit organizations, state programs, and hearing aid manufacturers offer reduced-cost or donated hearing aids to people with limited income. The Hearing Loss Association of America and your state's department of aging can point you toward programs in your area. Costs and may be able to access vary by program, so it is worth asking when you contact an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser.