Hearing loss becomes increasingly more prevalent as we get older. In fact, more than 37.5 million American adults experience hearing loss, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders.
Untreated doesn’t just cause frustration with daily living. The condition is also connected to hidden health risks, such as falls, , emergency room visits and hospitalizations.
To help mitigate these risks, seniors can keep on top of their hearing health with visits to the doctor and, if needed, . For those who could benefit from these devices, however, cost is always a consideration. Hearing aid costs vary considerably, from about $100 to more than $7,000. OTC hearing aids tend to be less expensive than prescription hearing aids, averaging around $930 per pair compared to an average cost of $3,300 for prescription devices.
The question becomes: How do you pay for hearing aids, and does cover them?
At-a-Glance: Medicare Coverage for Hearing Aids
| Medicare Plan Type | Routine Hearing Exams? | Hearing Aid Devices? | Medically Necessary Diagnostic Tests? |
| Original Medicare (parts A and B) | No | No | Yes (Part B covers if a doctor orders them) |
| Medigap (Medicare supplemental insurance) | No | No | No (only pays any remaining Part B copays) |
| Medicare Advantage | Often yes | Often yes (via allowances or copays) | Yes |
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Does Original Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
(hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance), collectively known as , do not cover hearing aids or exams specifically for hearing aids.
What is covered?
does cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams if your doctor orders them for potential medical treatment. Part B will cover:
— Hearing and balance exams
— An annual audiology test ordered by your doctor
— Nonacute hearing conditions, such as hearing loss that occurs over many years
— Diagnostic services related to hearing loss that’s treated with surgically implanted hearing devices
Where can you get coverage?
“Since hearing aids, Medicare-eligible individuals need to find other insurance options,” says Mary Johnson, a Medicare policy analyst with The Senior Citizens League in Alexandria, Virginia.
Some people opt to get hearing aids through an employer-provided plan before losing coverage. Another option is Medicare Advantage, also known as Medicare Part C. plans are private insurance alternatives to original Medicare and may offer additional coverage for hearing — as well as and benefits — not included in original Medicare.
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Does Medicare Advantage Cover Hearing Aids?
In short, yes, may provide hearing aid coverage, but it depends on your individual policy.
“Some Medicare Advantage plans may cover the cost of hearing exams and hearing aids, but the coverage depends on your medical condition and can vary by state and provider,” explains Lise Hamlin, former public policy director at the Hearing Loss Association of America in Rockville, Maryland.
You can search which Medicare Advantage plans — such as Aetna, United Healthcare and Humana — cover hearing aids with U.S. 海角社区app’ online .
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Do Medigap Plans Cover Hearing Aids?
No, , also known as Medigap, do not cover hearing aids.
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Does Medicaid Cover Hearing Aids?
, a state-administered assistance program that provides health coverage to those with incomes below a specific threshold, regardless of age, may cover hearing aids. However, coverage for hearing aids varies by state, and specific coverage details will vary as well. To learn more, check out HLAA’s state-by-state.
Some people are for both Medicare and Medicaid. While Medicare is the primary insurance for dual-eligible individuals, Medicaid also provides some financial assistance to help low-income beneficiaries cover some of the out-of-pocket hearing aid costs.
Financial Assistance and Coverage for Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can range widely in price, from several hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the features and services included. For those without coverage of hearing aids, there are other options that might cover some of the costs, including:
— Private health insurance. Check the details of your plan, but private may cover hearing tests and hearing aid costs. Notably, five states (Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, New Hampshire and Rhode Island) have mandated private health insurance coverage of hearing aids for adults.
— Flexible spending accounts. Pretax flexible spending money provided through an employer-sponsored FSA can be used to offset the cost of hearing aids and evaluations.
— Health savings accounts. allow you to contribute funds for medical expenses, such as hearing aids, not covered by Medicare or private insurance.
— Veterans Affairs benefits. You may be able to access free or low-cost hearing aids if you are a military veteran and qualify for general .
— Community-specific resources. Government employees or members of an American Indian or Alaska Native community may also receive access to free or low-cost hearing aids.
— Charitable foundations. For those with limited income, learn more about the Miracle-Ear Foundation, which provides its hearing aids to those who are unable to afford quality hearing devices. Besides an initial $200 nonrefundable application fee, services are free. You can learn more about eligibility requirements and find a center in your area at the.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids and Alternatives
If your hearing loss is mild to moderate, you may want to explore the option of hearing aids.
In 2017, the Food and Drug Administration created a new category of hearing aids that could be sold over the counter without the need for a prescription or professional fitting. This was aimed at increasing access to hearing assistance devices for people age 18 or older with mild to moderate hearing loss.
“These devices are meant to be more accessible and affordable compared to traditional hearing aids, which often require consultation with an audiologist for fitting and adjustments,” says Kathleen Cameron, a healthy aging consultant based in Arlington, Virginia.
Some OTC hearing aid devices include:
— Audien
— Eargo
— Go Hearing
— MDHearing
— Otofonix
In addition, OTC hearing aids could be an appropriate option if you have limited access to in-person clinics, are relatively tech-savvy and feel comfortable fitting and adjusting your own hearing aids.
“OTC hearing aids provide another pathway to care so some people will treat their hearing loss sooner,” Hamlin emphasizes.
Bottom Line
Some older adults may be wary of buying hearing aids for fear of poor-quality products and aggressive sales techniques, but hearing loss can negatively affect overall health and well-being.
While Medicare may not cover the cost of hearing aids, many Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing exams and hearing aids for seniors. Coverage will vary from plan to plan and state to state, so closely benefits.
If you have mild to moderate hearing loss, you can also consider OTC hearing aids, which are more affordable.
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originally appeared on
Update 06/15/26: This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.
