Medicare's coverage of hearing aids is limited
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not pay for hearing aids or the hearing tests you need to get them. This is true whether you need one hearing aid or two. Medicare will pay for a doctor to diagnose hearing loss, but once that diagnosis is made, you are on your own for the device itself.
Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do cover hearing aids, but the amount varies widely. A few plans cover the full cost of one or two aids per year. Others cover a portion — perhaps $500 to $2,000 per ear — and you pay the rest. Some cover nothing at all. The coverage depends entirely on which plan you choose and which insurance company runs it.
If you have a Medigap supplemental policy, it will not fill this gap. Medigap plans are designed to cover what Original Medicare does not pay, but hearing aids are one of the few things neither Original Medicare nor Medigap will touch.
Key Takeaways
- Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or hearing tests, even if a doctor says you need them.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans include hearing aid coverage, but the amount you get back ranges from nothing to the full cost, depending on your specific plan.
- You can compare hearing aid benefits by calling plans directly or reviewing their coverage documents before you enroll or during the annual open enrollment period.
- If your plan does not cover hearing aids, you may find lower prices through hearing aid retailers, online sellers, or programs run by hearing aid manufacturers.
How to find out what your specific plan covers
The only way to know whether your Medicare Advantage plan covers hearing aids is to ask the plan directly or read the plan's coverage document, called the Summary of Benefits and Coverage. You cannot assume two plans from the same insurance company offer the same hearing aid benefit — they often do not.
If you are still in Original Medicare and thinking about switching to a Medicare Advantage plan, you can compare hearing aid coverage during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7 each year). Call the plans you are considering and ask: "Do you cover hearing aids? If so, how much per ear per year, and do I need a referral?" Write down the answers so you can compare them side by side.
If you are already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can check your coverage by calling the customer service number on your insurance card. Ask the same questions. If your plan does cover hearing aids, ask whether you need to use a specific provider or whether you can go to any audiologist or hearing aid seller.
What Medicare will pay for related to hearing
Original Medicare covers the doctor's visit if you see your primary care doctor or an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) because you think you have hearing loss. Medicare pays for that office visit under Part B, just as it would for any other medical problem. If the doctor orders a hearing test (called an audiogram), Medicare may cover that test if it is done in a medical setting as part of diagnosing a condition.
What Medicare does not cover is the hearing test done by a hearing aid seller to fit you for a device. That test is considered part of the fitting process, not a medical diagnostic test, and you will pay for it out of pocket.
If you have sudden hearing loss or hearing loss caused by a specific medical condition, your doctor may recommend other treatments — such as steroids or surgery. Medicare covers those treatments if they are medically necessary. But the hearing aid itself is still not covered under Original Medicare.
What hearing aids cost without insurance
A single hearing aid typically costs between $1,000 and $6,000 from a traditional hearing aid retailer, depending on the technology level and the brand. Most people need two aids, so the total can easily reach $2,000 to $12,000. These prices include the device, the fitting, and follow-up adjustments for a set period (usually one to three years).
Online hearing aid sellers and some retailers offer lower prices — sometimes $300 to $2,000 per aid — but these are usually simpler devices with fewer features. You may also have less support for adjustments and repairs. Some manufacturers offer payment plans or discounts for seniors, so it is worth asking when you call.
If cost is a barrier, ask your doctor whether you might benefit from a hearing aid trial program. Some manufacturers and retailers let you try a device for 30 days before you buy. This can help you decide whether a hearing aid will actually help you before you spend the money.
Other ways to reduce the cost of hearing aids
Some hearing aid manufacturers run information programs for people with low incomes. Phonak, Oticon, Widex, and Starkey all have programs that reduce the cost or provide free devices based on financial need. You can contact the manufacturer directly to ask about these programs, or your audiologist may know which ones you might be may be able to access for.
Some states and local organizations also offer hearing aid programs. Your state health department or your Area Agency on Aging can tell you whether your state has a program. The Hearing Loss Association of America maintains a list of state and local resources on its website.
If you are a veteran, the Department of Veterans Affairs covers hearing aids for may be able to access veterans. If you are a Medicaid recipient, Medicaid in your state may cover hearing aids — coverage varies by state. Contact your state Medicaid office to ask.
What to ask your doctor about hearing loss
If you think you have hearing loss, start by seeing your primary care doctor or an ENT. Before that visit, write down when you first noticed the problem, which ear is worse, and what situations make it hardest to hear (like conversations in noisy rooms or phone calls). Bring this list to your appointment.
Ask your doctor: "Do I need a hearing test? Should I see an audiologist? Could my hearing loss be caused by something that can be treated?" Some hearing loss is caused by earwax buildup, an infection, or medication side effects — things a doctor can fix. If the hearing loss is permanent, ask your doctor whether a hearing aid would help and what type might be best for your situation.
If your doctor refers you to an audiologist, ask whether that audiologist's office is in-network for your Medicare Advantage plan (if you have one). This can affect what you pay out of pocket.
When to seek care for sudden hearing loss
If you lose hearing suddenly in one or both ears — over hours or a day or two — call your doctor right away or go to an urgent care clinic. Sudden hearing loss can sometimes be treated if you get help quickly, and waiting can mean losing the chance for treatment. This is different from gradual hearing loss, which develops over months or years.
Sudden hearing loss can be caused by infection, blood vessel problems, or other medical conditions. Your doctor needs to rule these out before assuming it is permanent hearing loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare Advantage always cover hearing aids?
No. Some Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids and some do not. Even among plans that do cover them, the amount varies — some cover the full cost and others cover only a portion. You must check your specific plan's coverage document or call the plan to find out.
Can I use my Medigap policy to pay for a hearing aid?
No. Medigap policies cover gaps in Original Medicare coverage, but hearing aids are not one of them. If you have Original Medicare plus a Medigap policy, you will still pay the full cost of a hearing aid out of pocket.
What if I switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan — can I get a hearing aid then?
It depends on which Medicare Advantage plan you choose. Some cover hearing aids and some do not. You can compare plans during the annual enrollment period (October 15 to December 7) and choose one that covers hearing aids if that is important to you.
Will Medicare pay for a hearing test?
Medicare will pay for a hearing test if your doctor orders it as part of diagnosing a medical condition in a medical office. Medicare will not pay for a hearing test done by a hearing aid seller as part of fitting you for a device.
What should I do if I cannot afford a hearing aid?
Ask your doctor or audiologist about manufacturer information programs, which exist for people with limited income. Contact your state health department or Area Agency on Aging to ask about state or local programs. If you are a veteran or Medicaid recipient, you may have other coverage options.