About 28.8 million adults in the United States could benefit from hearing aids, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Yet only one in three adults over 70 who could benefit from hearing aids has ever used them. Cost is the primary barrier.

The reality about Medicare and hearing aids is disappointing for many beneficiaries. But understanding exactly what's covered—and what isn't—helps you find affordable solutions for better hearing.

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

No, Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or fitting exams for hearing aids. This includes the devices themselves, batteries, repairs, or appointments specifically to fit you for hearing aids. However, Medicare does cover certain diagnostic hearing tests, and some Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing aid benefits.

Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance)

Coverage: No

Part A doesn't cover hearing aids, hearing aid fittings, or routine hearing exams under any circumstances. Even if you're in a hospital or skilled nursing facility, Medicare Part A won't pay for hearing aids.

Cost-sharing: Not applicable since hearing aids aren't covered.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance)

Coverage: Diagnostic exams only

Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams when your doctor orders them to determine whether you need medical treatment. These are tests to diagnose a medical problem—not routine screenings or exams to fit you for hearing aids.

Covered diagnostic exams include:

• Hearing tests ordered by your doctor to check for hearing loss or medical conditions affecting hearing

• Balance tests to diagnose dizziness or vertigo

• Tests after head trauma, infection, or sudden hearing loss

• Diagnostic tests related to covered medical conditions

Not covered:

• Routine hearing screenings

• Hearing exams specifically to fit hearing aids

• The hearing aids themselves

• Hearing aid batteries or repairs

• Follow-up appointments for hearing aid adjustments

Cost-sharing: You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for diagnostic hearing exams after meeting your Part B deductible.

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)

Coverage: Often includes hearing aid benefits

According to recent data, approximately 98% of Medicare Advantage plans offered some hearing coverage in 2024, with most including hearing aid benefits. This represents one of the most significant advantages Medicare Advantage has over Original Medicare.

Typical hearing aid benefits include:

• Coverage for one or two hearing aids every 1-3 years (varies by plan)

• Allowance typically ranging from $500 to $3,000 total

• Routine hearing exams included

• Some plans cover premium or advanced hearing aid models

• Batteries sometimes included

Important considerations:

Coverage varies dramatically between plans. Some offer generous hearing aid allowances with access to premium devices, while others provide minimal coverage for basic models only. You'll typically need to use the plan's preferred hearing aid provider or network.

Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage)

Coverage: No

Part D prescription drug plans don't cover hearing aids, batteries, or any hearing-related devices.

What Does Medicare Coverage for Hearing Include?

Since Original Medicare's hearing coverage is so limited, here's exactly what you can expect:

Covered diagnostic hearing services:

• Audiometric hearing tests ordered by your doctor to diagnose medical conditions

• Tympanometry to test middle ear function

• Otoacoustic emissions testing

• Auditory brainstem response testing

• Balance assessments (vestibular testing)

Frequency limitations:

Medicare doesn't set specific limits on how often you can receive diagnostic hearing tests. Your doctor determines medical necessity based on your symptoms and condition.

Setting requirements:

Tests can be performed in your doctor's office, a hospital outpatient department, or an audiology clinic. The provider must accept Medicare assignment.

Medical necessity requirements:

Your doctor must document why the hearing test is medically necessary. Valid reasons include:

• Sudden hearing loss or change in hearing

• Chronic ear infections

• Dizziness or balance problems

• Tinnitus (ringing in ears)

• Head trauma

• Monitoring hearing after certain medications that can damage hearing

Example scenario: If you've been experiencing dizziness and your doctor suspects an inner ear problem, they can order diagnostic hearing and balance tests. Medicare Part B would cover 80% of the Medicare-approved amount for these tests after you've met your deductible. However, if during the exam the audiologist determines you need hearing aids, Medicare won't cover those devices or the fitting appointments—even though the diagnostic test that revealed your hearing loss was covered.

How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost with Medicare?

For diagnostic hearing exams covered by Part B:

Example: If a diagnostic hearing test costs $200 (Medicare-approved amount) and you've met your deductible, you'd pay $40 (20%) and Medicare pays $160 (80%).

For hearing aids not covered by Original Medicare:

Without coverage, you'd pay full price for:

• Basic hearing aids: $1,000-$2,000 per pair

• Mid-range hearing aids: $2,000-$4,000 per pair

• Premium/advanced hearing aids: $4,000-$6,000 per pair

• Fitting and programming: $100-$500 (sometimes included)

• Batteries: $50-$100 per year

• Repairs and maintenance: $100-$300 as needed

With Medicare Advantage hearing benefits:

Plans with hearing aid coverage typically offer:

• Hearing aid allowance: $500-$3,000 per year or every 2-3 years

• Routine hearing exams: Usually $0 copay

• Fitting services: Often included

• Follow-up adjustments: Typically covered

Cost example: If you need hearing aids costing $3,500 and you have a Medicare Advantage plan with a $2,000 hearing aid allowance every two years, you'd pay $1,500 out-of-pocket. Without coverage, you'd pay the full $3,500. Over two years, that's a savings of $2,000.

What To Do If Medicare Doesn't Cover Hearing Aids

Since Original Medicare leaves hearing aid costs entirely to you, consider these alternatives:

Medicare Advantage plans with hearing benefits:

Switching to a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period might make sense if hearing aids are a priority. Compare plans carefully:

• Check the hearing aid allowance amount

• Ask which hearing aid brands and models are covered

• Verify whether you must use specific providers or have open choice

• Confirm how often you can get new hearing aids (annually, every 2 years, etc.)

• Check if routine hearing exams and fittings are included

Veterans benefits:

If you're a veteran, the VA provides comprehensive hearing healthcare including:

• Free hearing tests

• Free hearing aids (up to two per veteran every five years)

• Free batteries and repairs

• No copays for service-connected hearing loss

Contact your local VA Medical Center to determine eligibility.

Medicaid (for dual-eligible beneficiaries):

If you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, your state's Medicaid program may cover hearing aids. Coverage varies by state:

• Some states cover hearing aids for adults

• Others limit coverage to children only

• Some provide one hearing aid rather than a pair

• Many have preferred provider networks

Contact your state Medicaid office to check your benefits.

Vocational rehabilitation services:

If hearing loss affects your ability to work, your state's vocational rehabilitation program may provide hearing aids to help you maintain employment. These programs serve people with disabilities who want to work.

Nonprofit organizations and foundations:

Several organizations provide financial assistance or reduced-cost hearing aids:

• Hearing Loss Association of America chapters may have local assistance programs

• Lions Club International often provides financial help for hearing aids

• Hearing Charities of America connects people with resources

• Starkey Hearing Foundation provides hearing aids to those in need

Over-the-counter hearing aids:

As of October 2022, FDA-approved over-the-counter hearing aids became available for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss:

• Cost: $200-$1,000 per pair (significantly less than prescription devices)

• No exam or fitting required

• Available online or in stores

• Best for people with mild to moderate hearing loss

• May not be suitable for severe hearing loss

Discount programs and payment plans:

Many hearing aid providers offer:

• Payment plans spreading costs over 6-24 months

• Senior discounts (10-20% off)

• Trade-in programs for old hearing aids

• Bundled pricing including adjustments and follow-up care

• Manufacturer rebates during promotional periods

Alternative financing:

• Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds can pay for hearing aids

• CareCredit or other medical credit cards (watch interest rates carefully)

• Personal loans from credit unions may offer better rates than medical credit cards

How Aviator Can Help

Navigating hearing loss while managing your Medicare coverage adds stress to an already challenging situation. An Aviator Health advocate can support you through:

Comparing hearing aid coverage in Medicare Advantage plans: Your advocate can review plans available in your area, helping you understand the real value of hearing aid benefits. They'll look beyond marketing materials to compare allowance amounts, provider networks, device selection, and replacement schedules to find a plan that truly meets your needs.

Coordinating care between providers: If your hearing loss relates to other health conditions—like diabetes, which can affect hearing—your advocate ensures your audiologist, primary care doctor, and specialists communicate effectively. They'll help track appointments and make sure everyone understands how your conditions interact.

Finding financial assistance resources: Your advocate can help you identify whether you qualify for VA benefits, Medicaid coverage, or nonprofit assistance programs. They'll research local resources and help you navigate application processes.

Appealing coverage denials: If you have a Medicare Advantage plan that should cover hearing aids but denied your claim, your advocate can help you understand why, gather necessary documentation, and file an appeal if appropriate.

Managing the diagnostic process: When you need diagnostic hearing tests covered by Medicare Part B, your advocate can help ensure proper authorization, verify your provider accepts Medicare, and track your costs against your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does Medicare Advantage cover hearing aids differently than Original Medicare?

A: Yes, dramatically differently. Original Medicare provides zero coverage for hearing aids under any circumstances. Most Medicare Advantage plans include hearing aid benefits, though the generosity varies significantly. Some plans offer comprehensive coverage with $2,000-$3,000 allowances every year or two, access to premium hearing aid models, and included fitting services. Others provide minimal benefits like a $500 allowance every three years for basic models only. When comparing Medicare Advantage plans, look at: the dollar amount of the hearing aid allowance, how often you can get new hearing aids, whether you must use specific providers, which hearing aid brands and technology levels are covered, and whether routine hearing exams and fittings are included. Some plans even cover batteries and repairs.

Q: Do I need a referral for Medicare to cover hearing tests?

A: For Medicare Part B diagnostic hearing tests, you don't need a referral, but you do need a doctor's order showing the test is medically necessary. Your primary care physician or an ear, nose, and throat specialist (ENT) must determine that you need testing to diagnose a medical condition. Simply wanting to check your hearing isn't enough—there must be symptoms like hearing loss, dizziness, ear pain, or other medical concerns. For Medicare Advantage plans, referral requirements depend on your specific plan type. HMO plans sometimes require referrals to see specialists including audiologists, while PPO plans typically don't. Check your plan documents or call member services to confirm.

Q: How often does Medicare cover hearing tests?

A: Medicare Part B doesn't limit how frequently you can receive diagnostic hearing tests—medical necessity determines frequency. If your doctor believes you need testing based on your symptoms or condition, Medicare will cover it. For example, if you're taking medications that can damage hearing (like certain antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs), your doctor might order regular hearing monitoring. Each test would be covered as long as it's medically necessary. However, Medicare won't cover routine annual hearing screenings just to check if your hearing has changed. For Medicare Advantage plans with hearing benefits, most cover one routine hearing exam per year at no cost, plus diagnostic testing when medically necessary.

Q: Will Medicare cover hearing aids if they're medically necessary?

A: No, unfortunately Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids even when they're medically necessary for your health and quality of life. This is one of Medicare's most frustrating exclusions. The original Medicare law from 1965 specifically excluded hearing aids, and despite multiple attempts to change this, the law remains the same. Research shows hearing loss connects to cognitive decline, depression, falls, and social isolation—all serious health issues. Yet Medicare still treats hearing aids as separate from medical care. The only way to get hearing aid coverage through Medicare is to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that includes hearing aid benefits as an extra perk.

Q: Does Medicare cover cochlear implants?

A: Yes, Medicare Part B covers cochlear implants when they're medically necessary. This is an important distinction from hearing aids. Cochlear implants are surgically implanted devices for people with severe to profound hearing loss who don't benefit from hearing aids. Medicare covers: the cochlear implant device itself, the surgical procedure to implant it, programming and adjustments, and repairs or replacement if medically necessary. You'd pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting your Part B deductible. Your doctor and audiologist must document that you meet Medicare's criteria for cochlear implants, which include having severe hearing loss in both ears and limited benefit from hearing aids.

Q: Can I get hearing aid coverage with a Medigap plan?

A: No, Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) plans don't cover hearing aids. Medigap policies only help pay the out-of-pocket costs for services that Original Medicare already covers—like deductibles and coinsurance. Since Original Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids at all, there are no out-of-pocket costs for Medigap to help with. If you have Medigap and need hearing aid coverage, you'd need to purchase a separate hearing aid insurance policy, look into discount programs, or switch to a Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period (though you'd lose your Medigap policy if you switch).

Q: What do I need to do to ensure Medicare covers diagnostic hearing tests?

A: To ensure Medicare Part B covers your diagnostic hearing test, follow these steps. First, get a doctor's order—your physician must document medical necessity for the test in your records. Second, confirm the facility or audiologist accepts Medicare assignment. Third, schedule the test specifically as a diagnostic exam to investigate medical symptoms, not as a hearing aid fitting. Fourth, bring your doctor's written order to the appointment. Fifth, verify coverage before the appointment by calling Medicare or asking the testing facility to confirm it's a covered service. Finally, review your Medicare Summary Notice after the test to confirm coverage. If the test reveals you need hearing aids, understand that Medicare won't cover the devices or fitting appointments—that's when you'd need to explore other coverage options.

How to Get Hearing Tests Covered by Medicare

For diagnostic hearing tests that Medicare Part B covers:

Step 1: See your doctor about hearing concerns

Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or an ENT specialist to discuss your hearing symptoms. Be specific about what you're experiencing: difficulty hearing conversations, ringing in your ears, dizziness, or sudden hearing changes. Your doctor needs to document medical necessity for any tests.

Step 2: Get a written order for diagnostic testing

Ask your doctor for a written order or referral for diagnostic hearing tests. This documentation should explain why the testing is medically necessary—for example, to investigate dizziness, evaluate sudden hearing loss, or monitor hearing while taking ototoxic medications.

Step 3: Find a Medicare-approved provider

Contact audiology clinics or hearing centers to verify they accept Medicare assignment. Ask specifically whether they bill Medicare for diagnostic testing (not just hearing aid sales). Hospital outpatient departments and ENT offices often provide Medicare-covered diagnostic hearing tests.

Step 4: Confirm the test is diagnostic, not for hearing aid fitting

When scheduling your appointment, clarify you're coming for a diagnostic hearing evaluation ordered by your doctor, not a hearing aid consultation. The billing codes used make all the difference in whether Medicare covers the visit.

Step 5: Bring documentation to your appointment

Bring your Medicare card, your doctor's order, and a list of your symptoms or hearing concerns. This helps the audiologist document medical necessity in their records.

Step 6: Understand your out-of-pocket costs

Before the test, ask what the Medicare-approved amount is and calculate what you'll owe (20% after your deductible). If you haven't met your Part B deductible yet ($257 in 2025), you'll pay more.

Step 7: Review your Medicare Summary Notice

After your test, check your MSN to verify Medicare paid their portion and confirm you're only being billed for your 20% coinsurance. If the claim was denied, you have the right to appeal within 120 days.

For Medicare Advantage hearing aid benefits:

• Review your plan's specific hearing aid benefits in your Evidence of Coverage

• Check whether you need to use preferred providers or have a broader network

• Some plans require pre-authorization for hearing aids—call member services to confirm

• Schedule your routine hearing exam (usually covered with $0 copay)

• If you need hearing aids, ask about your allowance amount and what devices it covers

• Keep receipts and documentation for any hearing aid purchases

Takeaway

Original Medicare's lack of hearing aid coverage creates a significant financial burden for the millions of Americans who need these devices. While Medicare Part B covers diagnostic hearing tests when medically necessary, the hearing aids themselves—and the exams to fit them—aren't covered at all.

Your out-of-pocket costs for hearing aids can easily reach $3,000-$6,000 per pair, with additional expenses for batteries, adjustments, and repairs over time. For many people on fixed incomes, these costs put necessary hearing care out of reach.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Medicare hearing coverage and should not be considered medical or financial advice. Medicare coverage rules and costs change annually. Always verify current coverage details with Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Consult with your healthcare providers and licensed insurance agents to make decisions appropriate for your individual situation.