Medicare's coverage of hearing aids is limited: Original Medicare does not pay for hearing aids themselves, but Medicare Advantage plans may cover them, and Medicare does pay for hearing tests ordered by a doctor.
If you have Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you will pay the full cost of hearing aids out of your own pocket. Medicare considers hearing aids to be non-covered items, the same category as eyeglasses and dental work. However, Medicare will pay for a hearing test (called an audiological exam) if your doctor orders it to diagnose a medical condition — not for the purpose of fitting you for a hearing aid.
The situation is different if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C). These private plans set their own coverage rules and many do cover hearing aids, though the amount they pay and which brands they cover varies widely from plan to plan. Some plans cover one hearing aid per ear every few years; others cover a set dollar amount (such as $500 or $1,000 per ear annually) and you pay the rest. A few plans cover nothing.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare does not cover the cost of hearing aids, and you will pay the full price yourself.
- Medicare Advantage plans often do cover hearing aids, but coverage amounts and rules differ by plan, so you need to check your specific plan's details.
- Medicare will pay for a hearing test if your doctor orders it to diagnose a medical problem, but not for routine hearing aid fitting.
- If you switch to a Medicare Advantage plan during open enrollment, you can choose one that covers hearing aids at a level that matches your needs.
- Hearing aid costs range widely depending on the type and brand, and many people find lower-cost options through community health centers or hearing aid retailers' discount programs.
How to find out what your specific plan covers
The only way to know whether your Medicare Advantage plan covers hearing aids is to check your plan documents or call the plan directly. Do not assume two plans with similar names cover the same things — coverage rules are set by each insurance company.
Look for your plan's Summary of Benefits and Coverage document, which you should have received when you enrolled. Search it for "hearing" or "audiology." If you cannot find the document, call the customer service number on your Medicare card and ask specifically: "Does my plan cover hearing aids? If so, how much does it pay per ear, how often, and which brands are covered?" Write down the answers and ask for the information in writing if possible.
If you are thinking about switching plans during the annual open enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year), you can compare hearing aid coverage as part of your decision. Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov to see what each plan in your area covers for hearing aids.
What happens if your plan covers hearing aids
If your Medicare Advantage plan does cover hearing aids, you will usually need to follow these steps: first, get a referral from your primary care doctor to an audiologist or hearing aid provider that your plan contracts with. Some plans require you to use in-network providers to get the coverage benefit; if you see an out-of-network provider, you may pay more or get no coverage at all.
Second, the audiologist will perform a hearing test and discuss hearing aid options with you. At this point, your plan's coverage kicks in — they will pay their share directly to the provider, and you will pay your share (usually a copay or coinsurance). The exact amount depends on your plan's rules.
Third, the provider will fit and adjust the hearing aids for you. Most plans cover follow-up visits for adjustments and repairs for a set period (often one to three years). After that period ends, you typically pay out of pocket for repairs, though you may be able to purchase an extended warranty.
Costs if you have Original Medicare or no coverage
Hearing aid prices vary widely based on the type, technology level, and brand. Basic hearing aids can cost $500 to $2,000 per ear, while more advanced models with wireless connectivity and noise-canceling features can cost $3,000 to $6,000 or more per ear. Most people need two hearing aids, so the total cost can be substantial.
If you have Original Medicare and want to reduce the cost, several options exist. Many community health centers and federally may have access to health centers (FQHCs) offer hearing tests and hearing aid services on a sliding fee scale based on your income. You can find these centers through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) website or by calling 211 (a free referral service).
Some hearing aid retailers and manufacturers offer discount programs, payment plans, or trial periods. The Hearing Loss Association of America maintains a list of resources and local chapters that can point you toward affordable options in your area. Some states also run programs that help older adults pay for hearing aids — contact your state's Unit on Aging to ask whether your state has one.
Medicare coverage for related services
While Medicare does not cover hearing aids, it does cover some related services. If your doctor refers you for an audiological exam to diagnose a hearing problem (such as sudden hearing loss or balance issues related to inner ear function), Medicare Part B will pay for that test. The test must be ordered by a physician and performed by an audiologist or otolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat doctor).
Medicare also covers cochlear implants and bone-conduction devices in certain cases, though these are different from standard hearing aids and require surgery or specialized fitting. If you think you might be a candidate for one of these devices, ask your doctor for a referral to an otolaryngologist who can evaluate you.
What to do if your plan's hearing aid coverage is limited
If your Medicare Advantage plan covers hearing aids but the amount is not enough to pay for the devices you need, you have several options. First, you can ask your audiologist or hearing aid provider whether they offer payment plans or discounts for patients whose insurance does not cover the full cost. Many providers do.
Second, you can look into whether you may have access to for information from a nonprofit organization. The Hearing Loss Association of America, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and local Lions Clubs sometimes help pay for hearing aids for people with limited income. may be able to access and the amount of help vary, so contact them directly to ask.
Third, if you are unhappy with your plan's coverage, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan during open enrollment (October 15 to December 7) or wait until the next open enrollment period. You can also switch back to Original Medicare if you prefer, though you would then pay the full cost of hearing aids yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare Part D cover hearing aids?
No. Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage and does not cover hearing aids or any hearing-related devices. Only Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) may cover hearing aids, and coverage varies by plan.
If I switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan, will the new plan cover hearing aids I already own?
No. Medicare Advantage plans cover the cost of new hearing aids purchased after you enroll, not devices you already own. However, many plans do cover repairs and adjustments to existing hearing aids if you purchased them through the plan.
Can I get Medicare to pay for a hearing aid if my doctor says I need one?
If you have Original Medicare, no — a doctor's recommendation does not change Medicare's non-coverage rule. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, a doctor's referral is usually required to access the plan's hearing aid benefit, but the plan still decides how much to pay.
What if I need hearing aids but cannot afford them even with my plan's coverage?
Contact your local community health center, call 211 for a referral to hearing services in your area, or reach out to the Hearing Loss Association of America to learn about nonprofit information programs. Some states also fund hearing aid programs for older adults with low income.
Are there cheaper hearing aid options I should know about?
Over-the-counter hearing aids became available in 2022 and cost less than prescription devices (typically $200 to $1,500 per pair), though they work best for mild to moderate hearing loss. Talk to an audiologist about whether an over-the-counter device might work for you, or whether you need a prescription hearing aid.