Medicare's Coverage of Hearing Tests
Medicare Part B covers a hearing test only if your doctor orders it to diagnose a medical condition — not for a routine hearing check or to fit hearing aids. The test must be performed by a physician or may have access to audiologist in a medical setting, and your doctor has to document that the test is medically necessary. If you walk into an audiologist's office on your own and ask for a hearing test without a doctor's referral, Medicare will not pay for it.
The distinction matters because many people confuse a diagnostic hearing test (which Medicare may cover) with a hearing aid fitting test (which Medicare does not). A diagnostic test checks whether you have hearing loss and what type. A fitting test measures your specific needs for a hearing aid. Medicare covers the first; you pay for the second yourself.
Your out-of-pocket cost for a covered diagnostic test depends on whether you have met your Part B deductible for the year. Once you meet it, you typically pay 20 percent of the approved amount. If you have not met the deductible, you pay the full cost until you do.
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.
- The test must be performed by a physician or may have access to audiologist and documented as medically necessary in your medical record.
- Medicare does not cover hearing aids, batteries, or repairs, regardless of your age or income.
- You pay 20 percent of the approved cost after you meet your Part B deductible, or the full cost if you have not met it yet.
- Some Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing aid coverage or discounts, so check your plan documents or call your plan directly.
What Medicare Does Not Cover for Hearing
Medicare Part B does not cover hearing aids, hearing aid batteries, repairs, or maintenance. This is one of the largest gaps in Medicare coverage and affects millions of older adults. Even if you are 65 or older, even if you have Original Medicare plus a Medigap policy, Medicare itself will not pay for a hearing aid or any part of its cost.
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do offer hearing aid coverage or discounts through contracted providers, but the benefit varies widely by plan and by year. A plan that covers hearing aids one year may drop that benefit the next. You need to check your specific plan's coverage documents or call the plan directly to know what you have.
Medigap policies (supplemental insurance) also do not cover hearing aids as a standard benefit. A few Medigap plans may offer limited hearing aid discounts through partnerships, but this is rare and not may provide.
How to Get a Covered Hearing Test
Start by scheduling an appointment with your primary care doctor or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. Tell them you are concerned about your hearing. During the visit, the doctor will ask about your symptoms, examine your ears, and decide whether a diagnostic hearing test is medically necessary. If the doctor agrees, they will write an order for the test.
Your doctor may perform the test in their office, or they may refer you to an audiologist or hospital audiology department. Make sure you ask whether the facility accepts Medicare before you go. When you arrive for the test, bring your Medicare card and any referral paperwork your doctor gave you. Tell the facility that the test is being done under a doctor's order for medical diagnosis.
After the test, the results go back to your doctor. If the test shows hearing loss, your doctor may recommend next steps — which could include a hearing aid, but Medicare will not pay for it. At that point, you will need to explore other options: paying out of pocket, checking whether your Medicare Advantage plan covers hearing aids, or looking into state and local programs that may help with hearing aid costs.
The Difference Between Diagnostic and Fitting Tests
A diagnostic hearing test measures your ability to hear different frequencies and volumes. It is performed to determine whether you have hearing loss and what is causing it. This test may be covered by Medicare if your doctor orders it for medical reasons. The audiologist or technician records the results in a formal report that goes to your doctor.
A hearing aid fitting test is different. It measures your specific hearing needs so that a hearing aid can be programmed to match your loss. This test is part of the hearing aid purchase process, not a diagnostic procedure. Medicare does not cover it because it is considered part of the cost of obtaining a hearing aid, which Medicare does not cover at all.
Some audiologists perform both tests in the same visit, which can be confusing. Ask the audiologist upfront which test you are having and whether Medicare will be billed for it. If you are there because your doctor ordered a diagnostic test, make sure the facility knows that and bills Medicare accordingly.
Medicare Advantage and Hearing Coverage
Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover everything that Original Medicare covers, but they can add extra benefits. Some plans include hearing aid coverage, hearing aid discounts, or free annual hearing tests. The coverage is not standardized — one plan might cover up to $1,500 per hearing aid per year, while another might offer a 20 percent discount through a network provider.
To find out what your plan covers, check the plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document, which is mailed to you each fall during the Annual Enrollment Period. You can also call the plan's customer service number on the back of your Medicare Advantage card and ask directly: "Does my plan cover hearing aids or hearing tests?" Write down the answer and the date you called.
If your current plan does not cover hearing aids but you want that benefit, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7 each year) or during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 to March 31). Plans that offer hearing benefits may have higher premiums, so compare the total cost before you switch.
Other Ways to Pay for Hearing Aids
Because Medicare does not cover hearing aids, many older adults look for alternatives. Some states run programs that provide hearing aids at reduced cost or for free to people who meet income limits. Contact your state's health department or your local Area Agency on Aging to ask whether your state has a hearing aid program.
Nonprofit organizations, including the Hearing Loss Association of America and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, maintain lists of programs and discounts. Some audiologists offer payment plans or discounts for cash purchases. Costco and Sam's Club sell hearing aids at lower prices than many private audiologists, though you do not have to be a member to use their hearing aid services.
If you are a veteran, the Department of Veterans Affairs covers hearing aids and related services. If you are low-income, Medicaid may cover hearing aids in some states (coverage varies by state). Ask your doctor or local health department whether you might be covered by either program.
What to Bring to Your Hearing Test Appointment
Bring your Medicare card, your insurance card (if you have Medigap or Medicare Advantage), and a photo ID. Bring any referral paperwork your doctor gave you, and bring a list of medications you take — some medications can affect hearing. If you have had hearing tests before, bring those results if you have them.
Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to complete any paperwork. Tell the front desk that your test is being done under a doctor's order and that you want to make sure Medicare is billed correctly. If the facility tells you they do not accept Medicare for hearing tests, ask whether they can bill you as an out-of-pocket patient and whether you can submit the bill to Medicare yourself for reimbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Medicare pay for a hearing test if I just want to check my hearing?
No. Medicare only pays for a hearing test if your doctor orders it to diagnose a medical condition. A routine hearing check on your own is not covered. You have to see a doctor first and have them determine that a test is medically necessary.
Can I go to any audiologist for a covered hearing test?
Your doctor can refer you to any audiologist or facility, but you should confirm that they accept Medicare before you go. Some audiologists work only with private insurance or cash patients. Ask when you schedule the appointment: "Do you accept Medicare for diagnostic hearing tests ordered by a physician?"
If my Medicare Advantage plan covers hearing aids, do I have to use their network provider?
Most plans require you to use a provider in their network to get the benefit. If you go to an out-of-network provider, you may have to pay the full cost yourself. Check your plan documents or call customer service to find out which providers are in network for hearing aids.
What if my doctor says I need a hearing aid but I cannot afford one?
Ask your doctor's office about state hearing aid programs, nonprofit discounts, or payment plans. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging — they often know about programs in your area. If you are a veteran, call the VA. If you are low-income, ask whether your state's Medicaid program covers hearing aids.
Does Original Medicare cover hearing aid batteries or repairs?
No. Medicare does not cover any part of hearing aid care, including batteries, repairs, cleaning, or adjustments. If your Medicare Advantage plan covers hearing aids, check whether it also covers batteries and repairs — coverage varies by plan.