Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage: What You Need to Know
Hearing loss affects two-thirds of Americans over 70 -- yet Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids. Here is what Medicare covers for hearing, and how to get help paying for hearing aids.
Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage: What You Need to Know
Hearing loss is one of the most common conditions affecting older Americans -- approximately two-thirds of adults over 70 have significant hearing loss. Untreated hearing loss is associated with social isolation, depression, cognitive decline, and increased fall risk. Yet Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, leaving millions of seniors without access to this essential device.
What Original Medicare Covers for Hearing
Original Medicare covers very little hearing-related care:
Diagnostic hearing exams: Covered under Part B when ordered by a doctor to diagnose a medical condition -- not for routine hearing screening. Cost: 20% coinsurance after the Part B deductible.
Cochlear implants: Covered under Part B for people with severe to profound hearing loss who meet specific criteria. This is a surgical implant, not a hearing aid.
What is NOT covered:
- Routine hearing exams
- Hearing aids (any type)
- Hearing aid fittings and adjustments
- Batteries and accessories
Medicare Advantage Hearing Benefits
Many Medicare Advantage plans include hearing benefits -- typically:
Annual hearing exam: Covered at no cost or low copay.
Hearing aid allowance: An annual or biennial allowance ($500-$2,500) toward hearing aids. Many plans partner with hearing networks (TruHearing, HearUSA, UnitedHealthcare Hearing) that offer discounted devices.
If hearing aids are important to you, a Medicare Advantage plan with a strong hearing benefit may be worth considering -- but compare the overall plan value, not just the hearing benefit.
The Cost of Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are expensive -- a pair of prescription hearing aids typically costs $3,000-$7,000 from an audiologist. This cost is almost entirely out of pocket for Original Medicare beneficiaries.
Options for Reducing Hearing Aid Costs
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids: The FDA authorized OTC hearing aids for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss in 2022. OTC devices are available without a prescription at pharmacies and online retailers for $200-$1,500 per pair. Quality has improved significantly and OTC aids are appropriate for many people with mild to moderate loss.
Hearing aid networks: TruHearing, HearUSA, and similar networks offer discounted hearing aids to members. Some Medicare Advantage plans include network access; others are available for purchase separately.
Veterans benefits: Veterans with service-connected hearing loss may receive hearing aids through the VA at no cost.
Medicaid: Florida Medicaid covers hearing aids for qualifying low-income beneficiaries.
Manufacturer financing: Most major hearing aid manufacturers offer financing programs.
Lions Club: The Lions Club International has programs to help low-income individuals obtain hearing aids.
Hearing Loss Association of America: hearingloss.org provides resources and assistance programs.
The Importance of Treating Hearing Loss
Research from Johns Hopkins and other institutions has established a strong link between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline. People with moderate hearing loss have three times the risk of dementia compared to those with normal hearing. Treating hearing loss with hearing aids appears to reduce this risk.
Beyond cognitive health, treating hearing loss improves:
- Social engagement and relationships
- Mental health and reduced depression
- Safety (hearing alarms, traffic, warnings)
- Quality of life
If you or a loved one has been putting off addressing hearing loss due to cost, explore the options above -- the investment in hearing health pays dividends in overall wellbeing.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
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About the Author
William Gray
Independent Medicare BrokerUS Air Force Veteran · Florida Medicare Specialist
William Gray is an independent Medicare insurance broker based in Daytona Beach and Palm Coast, FL. A US Air Force veteran (A-10 crew chief, Germany), he spent years in corporate insurance before going independent to serve Florida seniors directly. He has helped more than 1,000 clients across Northeast Florida compare Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D plans — always at no cost to the client.