Roughly one in three Americans aged 65 to 74 experience some degree of hearing loss, and close to half of adults over 75 struggle with hearing. Even though hearing difficulties are widespread among Medicare enrollees, Original Medicare's coverage for hearing aids is essentially nonexistent. Here is a thorough look at what Medicare covers and where the gaps remain when it comes to hearing care.
Original Medicare's Hearing Aid Exclusion
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not pay for hearing aids. This stands as one of the biggest coverage gaps in the Medicare program and has been in place since the program first started. Medicare also excludes:
- Hearing aid fitting exams (exams conducted specifically to select and fit hearing aids)
- Hearing aid fittings, adjustments, and programming
- Replacement hearing aids or batteries
This exclusion is embedded in the Medicare statute itself, which means it applies no matter how severe your hearing loss is or whether a physician considers hearing aids medically necessary. Original Medicare simply will not cover them.
Hearing aids carry a significant price tag. A single device generally costs between $1,000 and $4,000, and most individuals need a pair. That places the total cost for two hearing aids anywhere from $2,000 to $8,000 or higher, depending on the technology and features selected.
Hearing Services That Medicare Part B Does Cover
Although hearing aids are excluded, Medicare Part B does pay for specific hearing-related services under certain conditions:
- Diagnostic hearing and balance exams: When your physician orders a hearing test to diagnose a medical condition or decide on the right medical treatment, Part B will cover it. The critical factor is that the test must serve a diagnostic purpose rather than being ordered to fit hearing aids.
- Cochlear implants: Medicare Part B pays for cochlear implants when beneficiaries satisfy specific medical criteria for profound hearing loss that hearing aids cannot adequately address.
- Auditory brainstem implants: In particular situations, Medicare provides coverage for these devices when specific medical conditions are present.
For covered diagnostic exams, standard Part B cost sharing is in effect. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount once you have met your annual Part B deductible, and the provider must participate in Medicare.
Hearing Benefits Through Medicare Advantage Plans
One of the most accessible routes to hearing aid coverage within Medicare is a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C). A large number of Medicare Advantage plans feature supplemental benefits that extend well beyond Original Medicare, and hearing coverage ranks among the most frequently offered extras.
Hearing benefits available through Medicare Advantage may include:
- A dollar allowance toward hearing aids (for instance, $500 to $2,500 per ear every one to three years)
- Routine hearing exams at no extra charge or with a minimal copay
- Discounted pricing on hearing aid brands through the plan's preferred provider network
- Hearing aid fittings and follow-up adjustment appointments
The specifics of these benefits differ considerably from plan to plan. Some plans provide generous hearing aid allowances, while others offer more limited benefits. When reviewing Medicare Advantage plans during open enrollment, pay close attention to the hearing benefits if this type of coverage matters to you.
Hearing Aid Costs Without Insurance Coverage
If you carry Original Medicare with no supplemental hearing benefits, you will pay the entire cost of hearing aids yourself. Here is a general overview of pricing:
- Basic hearing aids: $1,000 to $1,500 per ear, offering fundamental amplification capabilities
- Mid-range hearing aids: $1,500 to $2,500 per ear, featuring noise reduction and directional microphone technology
- Premium hearing aids: $2,500 to $4,000 or more per ear, equipped with advanced features such as Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable batteries, and artificial intelligence processing
Beyond the devices themselves, you may also face charges for professional fitting, follow-up visits, and ongoing maintenance, although some providers include these services in the total hearing aid price.
Programs and Resources That Can Help
If Medicare will not cover your hearing aids, a number of alternative programs and resources may help bring costs down:
- State Medicaid programs: If you are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible), your state's Medicaid program may pay for hearing aids. Coverage varies from state to state.
- Veterans Affairs (VA): Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare may be able to get hearing aids at no charge through VA services.
- Over-the-counter hearing aids: Since 2022, the FDA has permitted over-the-counter hearing aids to be sold without a prescription for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. These products typically range from $200 to $1,000 per pair and are available at pharmacies and retail stores.
- Nonprofit organizations: Groups such as the Hearing Loss Association of America and the Starkey Hearing Foundation offer resources and may have assistance programs available.
- Discount purchasing programs: AARP and similar membership organizations sometimes arrange discounted hearing aid pricing for their members.
- Payment plans: Many audiology offices provide financing options that let you spread the cost of hearing aids across several months.
What the Future May Hold
Adding hearing aid coverage to Medicare has been an ongoing topic in legislative discussions. Multiple proposals have been brought before Congress over the years to include hearing aid benefits in Medicare, though none have become law as of this writing.
In the meantime, the introduction of over-the-counter hearing aids has broadened access to lower-cost solutions for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. If you are dealing with hearing difficulties, speak with your doctor about scheduling a diagnostic hearing exam, which Medicare Part B does cover, to figure out the best next steps for your particular situation.