Medicare Part B does not cover hearing aids, but it does cover the exam to test your hearing
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) will pay for a hearing test ordered by your doctor, but it will not pay for hearing aids themselves. This is a hard limit in the program — it has been this way for decades, and it applies to all beneficiaries on Original Medicare, regardless of income or need.
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do cover hearing aids, though the amount and the rules vary widely by plan and by year. If you have a Advantage plan, you need to check your plan documents or call the plan directly to know what you get.
The hearing test itself — called an audiological exam — is covered by Medicare Part B when your doctor refers you. You pay the standard Part B copay (usually 20% of the approved amount after you meet your deductible). The exam tells you whether you have hearing loss and how severe it is, but Medicare stops there.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare covers the hearing test your doctor orders but does not cover the cost of hearing aids themselves.
- Medicare Advantage plans sometimes cover hearing aids, but the coverage amount and rules differ by plan — you must check your own plan's documents.
- If you cannot afford hearing aids, programs like the Hearing Loss Association of America and state vocational rehabilitation services may help you find lower-cost options.
- Hearing aids bought without insurance typically cost between $1,000 and $6,000 per pair, though prices and payment plans vary by provider.
How to get a covered hearing test through Medicare
Start by asking your primary care doctor for a referral to an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Your doctor must order the test for Medicare to cover it — you cannot straightforward schedule an audiological exam on your own and expect Medicare to pay.
Once you have the referral, call the audiologist or ENT office and tell them you have Medicare. Give them your Medicare number. They will verify your coverage and tell you what you owe at the visit. Bring your Medicare card and any other insurance card you have.
The hearing test itself takes about 30 to 60 minutes. The audiologist will put you in a soundproof booth, play tones at different volumes and pitches, and ask you to signal when you hear them. The results show whether you have hearing loss and which frequencies you struggle with most.
What happens after the hearing test
If the test shows you have hearing loss, the audiologist will discuss the results with you and may recommend hearing aids. At this point, Medicare's coverage stops. You will need to decide whether to buy hearing aids and, if so, how to pay for them.
The audiologist can tell you the cost of different hearing aid models and brands. Prices vary, but a pair of hearing aids typically costs between $1,000 and $6,000 depending on the technology and features. Some audiologists offer payment plans or discounts for cash payment.
If cost is a barrier, ask the audiologist whether they work with any patient information programs or whether they know of lower-cost options in your area. Some audiologists also sell refurbished or older-model hearing aids at a lower price.
Medicare Advantage plans and hearing aid coverage
Medicare Advantage plans are run by private insurance companies, not by the federal government, and each plan sets its own rules about what it covers. Some Advantage plans include hearing aid coverage; others do not. The plans that do cover hearing aids may limit how much they pay per year, how often you can get new aids, or which brands or styles are covered.
To find out whether your Advantage plan covers hearing aids, look at your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document, which you should have received when you enrolled. If you cannot find it, call the plan's customer service number on the back of your insurance card and ask directly: "Does my plan cover hearing aids? If so, how much does it pay, and what do I need to do to get them?"
If your current Advantage plan does not cover hearing aids and you want coverage, you can switch to a different plan during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year). Before you switch, confirm that the new plan's hearing aid coverage will actually meet your needs — call the new plan and ask the same questions.
Other ways to pay for hearing aids if Medicare does not cover them
Several organizations and programs can help you find lower-cost hearing aids or financial support. The Hearing Loss Association of America maintains a directory of audiologists and hearing aid providers and can point you toward local resources. Your state's vocational rehabilitation agency may also help if hearing loss affects your ability to work, though this program is usually aimed at working-age adults.
Some hearing aid manufacturers offer patient information programs or discounts for people with limited income. Ask your audiologist whether the brands they carry have these programs. You can also contact manufacturers directly — most have websites with information about financial help.
Costco, Sam's Club, and some other warehouse retailers sell hearing aids at lower prices than traditional audiologists, though the selection is smaller and the fitting process may be less detailed. If you go this route, make sure the provider offers a trial period so you can return the aids if they do not work for you.
What to ask your doctor before the hearing test
Before your doctor refers you for a hearing test, ask whether the test will be covered by Medicare and what you will owe. Ask whether the referral is to an audiologist (a specialist in hearing) or an ENT doctor (an ear specialist). Both can do hearing tests, but an ENT can also check for medical causes of hearing loss, like earwax buildup or infection.
If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, ask your doctor whether the test is covered under your plan and whether you need prior approval from the plan before you go. Some plans require you to get permission in advance, and if you do not, you may have to pay the full cost yourself.
When to see a doctor about hearing loss
See your doctor if you notice you are asking people to repeat themselves often, if you have trouble hearing on the phone, or if others say you play the television or radio too loud. Hearing loss can develop slowly, and you may not realize how much you have lost until someone points it out.
Sudden hearing loss — loss that happens over hours or a few days — is a medical emergency. Call your doctor or go to an urgent care or emergency room right away. Sudden hearing loss can sometimes be treated if you get help quickly, but waiting can mean permanent damage.
Hearing loss is also linked to falls, depression, and cognitive decline in older adults, so treating it early may help protect your overall health. Even if you think your hearing loss is mild, it is worth discussing with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare Part D cover hearing aids?
No. Part D covers prescription drugs only, not medical equipment like hearing aids. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids under any part, though some Medicare Advantage plans do.
Can I get a hearing test without a doctor's referral?
You can schedule a hearing test on your own, but Medicare will not pay for it unless your doctor ordered it. If you pay out of pocket, the test usually costs $50 to $200 depending on where you go.
What if I have both Original Medicare and a Medigap plan?
Medigap plans cover some of the costs that Original Medicare does not pay, but they do not cover hearing aids. Medigap only fills in copays and deductibles for services Medicare already covers.
How often can I get a hearing test covered by Medicare?
Medicare covers a hearing test when your doctor orders it, but there is no set limit on how often. In practice, most doctors order a hearing test once every few years unless there is a specific reason to test more often.
Are there any hearing aids that Medicare does cover?
No. Original Medicare does not cover any hearing aids, regardless of type, brand, or price. Only some Medicare Advantage plans cover them, and the rules vary by plan.