Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids? 2026 Guide

No - Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover routine hearing aids or the routine hearing exams used to fit them. This exclusion has been in federal law since Medicare was created in 1965. As of 2026, Congress has not passed legislation to change it, despite ongoing proposals.

However, that is not the end of the story. Medicare does cover certain audiology services. Medicare Advantage plans are required to offer hearing benefits starting in 2024, and many plans cover hearing aids with significant allowances. Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are now available without a prescription at prices far below traditional devices. And several other programs help fill the gap.

This guide explains exactly what Medicare covers (and what it does not), how to find hearing aid coverage through Medicare Advantage, and every other pathway for reducing out-of-pocket costs.

What Original Medicare Does NOT Cover

Under the Social Security Act, Medicare Part B excludes coverage of:

  • Routine hearing exams - the annual hearing test your audiologist performs to assess your hearing and determine what amplification you need
  • Hearing aids - any device worn in or behind the ear to amplify sound, whether basic analog, digital, rechargeable, or receiver-in-canal styles
  • Hearing aid fittings and adjustments - the follow-up appointments to program and fine-tune devices after purchase
  • Replacement hearing aid batteries or accessories - routine supplies for maintaining devices you already own

This exclusion applies regardless of how severe your hearing loss is, how long you have had it, or whether hearing loss was caused by a covered medical condition. Medicare does not distinguish between mild, moderate, severe, or profound hearing loss for purposes of this exclusion.

Cost without coverage: Hearing aids typically cost $1,000 to $7,000 or more per pair from an audiologist or hearing center. Even mid-tier digital hearing aids from name-brand manufacturers average $4,000 to $5,000 per pair. Without any insurance, those costs are entirely out of pocket.

What Medicare DOES Cover for Hearing

While routine hearing aids fall outside Medicare’s coverage, several hearing-related services are covered:

Diagnostic Hearing and Balance Exams (Part B)

Medicare Part B covers diagnostic audiological evaluations when your physician orders them to determine the cause of a hearing problem or to assess whether you need medical treatment. This is different from a routine hearing test for fitting hearing aids.

Covered examples:

  • Audiometry ordered by your doctor to investigate sudden hearing loss
  • Vestibular function tests to diagnose balance disorders (such as Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo)
  • Auditory brainstem response (ABR) testing for diagnosing a suspected acoustic neuroma or neurological condition
  • Tympanometry and acoustic reflex testing to diagnose middle ear problems

Cost: You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible ($240 in 2026). With Medigap Plan G, the 20% coinsurance is covered. Without supplemental coverage, a diagnostic hearing evaluation might cost $30 to $60 out of pocket after Medicare pays its share.

The key distinction: The exam must be ordered by a physician for diagnostic purposes - not simply to fit hearing aids. If your doctor refers you to an audiologist because you have new hearing loss and they want to rule out a medical cause, Medicare covers that evaluation. If you schedule a hearing test on your own to see what hearing aids you need, Medicare does not cover it.

Cochlear Implants (Part B and Part A)

Medicare Part B covers cochlear implant surgery and the associated audiology services when the implant is medically indicated. Cochlear implants are classified as durable medical equipment and prosthetic devices under Part B, not as hearing aids. This is a critical legal distinction - cochlear implants replace or restore a function (electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve), while hearing aids amplify sound.

What is covered:

  • The cochlear implant device itself
  • Outpatient surgery to implant the device (facility fee and surgeon fee)
  • Initial programming and mapping sessions
  • Follow-up audiology appointments for adjustments

For cochlear implants done during an inpatient hospital stay, Part A covers the hospitalization. Part B covers the device and professional services billed separately.

Cochlear implants are expensive ($30,000 to $100,000+ total), but Medicare’s coverage is well-established. For more detail on eligibility criteria and what to expect, see the Medicare cochlear implant coverage guide.

Bone-Anchored Hearing Systems (BAHA)

Bone-anchored hearing systems (sometimes called bone-anchored hearing aids or BAHA) are surgically implanted devices that bypass the ear canal and transmit sound through bone directly to the inner ear. Medicare covers these as prosthetic devices under Part B when medically indicated - typically for patients with conductive hearing loss, single-sided deafness, or malformations of the ear canal.

Medicare Part B covers the implant processor and the implanted fixture. You pay 20% coinsurance after the deductible.

Medicare Advantage and Hearing Aid Coverage

Since 2019, Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans have been permitted to include hearing benefits as a supplemental benefit. Starting in 2024, Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover hearing benefits as one of the standard supplemental benefit categories, though the specific coverage level varies widely by plan.

What Medicare Advantage Hearing Benefits Look Like

Coverage varies significantly across the roughly 4,000 Medicare Advantage plans offered nationally, but common structures include:

Annual hearing aid allowance: Many plans provide a dollar allowance per year or per two-year period toward hearing aids. Common allowances range from $500 to $2,500 per year per ear, or $1,000 to $3,000 per pair. Some premium plans in certain markets offer allowances of $4,000 or more.

Covered styles: Most plans cover a range of hearing aid styles - behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-canal (RIC), and in-the-ear (ITE) styles. High-end or premium devices may require the member to pay the difference above the plan’s allowance.

Preferred provider networks: Many plans require you to use a network audiologist or hearing center (such as HearUSA, TruHearing, or UnitedHealth Hearing) to access the full benefit. Out-of-network providers may still be covered at a reduced benefit amount.

Covered hearing exams: Most Medicare Advantage plans also cover the routine hearing exam needed to assess your hearing and determine the right device - the exam that Part A and B would not cover.

Follow-up services: Fitting, programming, and adjustment appointments are typically included, often for 1 to 3 years following purchase.

How to Find a Plan with Good Hearing Benefits

  1. Use Medicare Plan Finder: Go to medicare.gov/plan-compare and filter by your zip code. Each plan’s benefit summary will note whether it includes hearing coverage and at what level.

  2. Read the Evidence of Coverage: The plan’s annual Evidence of Coverage document lists the exact dollar allowance, covered styles, network requirements, and any limitations (waiting periods, prior authorization, benefit period).

  3. Compare during Open Enrollment: Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 through December 7 each year. You can switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or switch between MA plans, with coverage starting January 1. If you are currently in a Medicare Advantage plan with limited hearing benefits, enrollment season is the time to switch to a plan with better coverage. See the Medicare Annual Enrollment guide for a step-by-step walkthrough.

  4. Check Special Enrollment Periods: If you experience a qualifying event (moving out of your plan’s service area, losing other coverage, gaining or losing Medicaid eligibility), you may be able to switch to a plan with better hearing benefits outside the annual enrollment window.

Medicare Advantage Trade-offs to Consider

Before switching to Medicare Advantage for hearing coverage, weigh the broader trade-offs:

  • Medicare Advantage plans restrict care to in-network providers and often require prior authorization for specialists, procedures, and devices
  • You may lose access to any Medicare supplement (Medigap) plan you currently have - Medigap plans do not work alongside Medicare Advantage
  • If you travel frequently or split time between states, Medicare Advantage’s network limitations can create problems

For a full comparison of Original Medicare plus Medigap versus Medicare Advantage, see the Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare guide.

Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids

In August 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) created a new category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. OTC hearing aids became available in October 2022 and are now sold in pharmacies, electronics stores, and online without a prescription, audiologist visit, or medical exam.

Cost: OTC hearing aids typically cost $200 to $1,500 per pair - significantly less than prescription devices. Well-reviewed OTC options include devices from Sony, Jabra, Lexie, and Eargo.

Who OTC hearing aids are appropriate for: The FDA intended OTC hearing aids for adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss - people who struggle to follow conversations in noisy environments or at a distance, but do not have severe or profound loss. OTC devices are self-fit using a smartphone app.

Limitations: OTC hearing aids are not appropriate for children, for severe or profound hearing loss, for hearing loss associated with sudden onset, ear pain, drainage, or neurological symptoms, or for people with complex ear anatomy. These situations require evaluation by an audiologist or physician.

Medicare and OTC hearing aids: Original Medicare does not cover OTC hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans are beginning to include OTC hearing aid allowances, but most plans still apply their benefit only to prescription devices purchased through network providers. Check your plan’s Evidence of Coverage to confirm whether OTC devices are covered under your hearing benefit.

Other Programs That Help with Hearing Aid Costs

Medicaid (for Dual-Eligible Beneficiaries)

If you are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (sometimes called a “dual-eligible” beneficiary), Medicaid may cover hearing aids in your state. Medicaid hearing coverage varies significantly by state - some cover hearing aids for adults, some cover only children, and some do not cover hearing aids at all.

Contact your state Medicaid office or use the Medicare Savings Programs resource to find out whether you qualify for cost-sharing assistance and what your state’s Medicaid program covers for hearing.

Veterans Benefits (VA)

If you are a veteran who receives VA health care, the VA covers hearing aids with no copay if your hearing loss is connected to your military service. The VA also covers hearing aids at no cost for veterans who meet certain disability ratings, even if the hearing loss is not service-connected.

VA hearing coverage is completely separate from Medicare. If you are eligible for both, you can use VA for hearing and Medicare for other health care services. See the VA benefits and Medicare guide for more on coordinating both programs.

State Hearing Aid Assistance Programs

Several states have programs that provide hearing aids at reduced or no cost to low-income residents. Programs vary widely - some are run through state health departments, some through Vocational Rehabilitation, and some through Lions Club International or other service organizations.

Resources to check:

  • National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD): nidcd.nih.gov - a directory of financial assistance resources
  • Hear Now program through Starkey Hearing Foundation: provides hearing aids at reduced cost based on income
  • Lions Clubs International: local Lions Clubs often run hearing aid assistance programs in their communities

Manufacturer and Retailer Financing

Most major hearing aid manufacturers (Phonak, Oticon, Widex, ReSound, Signia, Starkey) offer financing plans through third-party lenders such as CareCredit. Some audiologists offer in-house payment plans. These are not discounts, but they spread the cost over 12 to 24 months.

Retailers like Costco’s Kirkland Signature hearing aids and Sam’s Club offer lower-priced prescription hearing aids (typically $1,500 to $3,000 per pair) compared to traditional audiologist pricing.

Cost Comparison Table: 2026 Hearing Aid Options

OptionTypical CostCoverage Available
Prescription hearing aids (audiologist)$2,000-$7,000/pairMedicare Advantage allowance
Prescription hearing aids (Costco)$1,500-$2,000/pairSome MA plans
OTC hearing aids (Jabra, Lexie, Sony)$200-$1,500/pairSome MA plans
Cochlear implant (Part B/A covered)$30,000-$100,000Medicare Part B/A
Bone-anchored hearing system (Part B covered)$5,000-$15,000Medicare Part B
Diagnostic audiology exam (doctor-ordered)$30-$60 (20% coinsurance)Medicare Part B

A Step-by-Step Plan for Getting Hearing Coverage in 2026

Step 1: Confirm whether your hearing loss qualifies as severe enough for a cochlear implant or bone-anchored device. If your audiologist believes you are a candidate for either, ask for a referral. Medicare covers both.

Step 2: If you have Original Medicare, evaluate whether switching to Medicare Advantage is worthwhile for the hearing benefit alone. Use the Medicare Plan Finder to compare plans in your area during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7). Calculate whether the value of the hearing benefit exceeds any premium increase or loss of Medigap coverage.

Step 3: If you have Medicare Advantage, review your plan’s Evidence of Coverage to find the annual hearing allowance, covered styles, and network requirements. Call your plan’s member services line to confirm active coverage before scheduling an appointment.

Step 4: Ask your audiologist about OTC options. If your hearing loss is mild to moderate, an OTC device at $400 to $800 may serve your needs at a fraction of the cost of a prescription device.

Step 5: Check VA eligibility if you served in the military. VA hearing coverage is free, unlimited by Medicare Advantage network restrictions, and available to many veterans regardless of whether hearing loss is service-connected.

Step 6: Check your state Medicaid program if you have limited income. Many states have hearing aid assistance or Medicaid-covered hearing benefits for dual-eligible beneficiaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare Part B cover hearing aids? No. Medicare Part B explicitly excludes routine hearing aids and the exams used to fit them. This exclusion has been in federal law since 1965.

Will Medicare ever cover hearing aids? Congress has periodically introduced legislation to add hearing coverage to Medicare (the most recent significant proposal was the Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act). As of 2026, no such legislation has been enacted. Medicare Advantage plans now provide a practical pathway to hearing coverage for many beneficiaries without waiting for legislative change.

Does Medicare cover a hearing test? Medicare Part B covers a diagnostic hearing exam only when it is ordered by a physician to investigate a medical problem such as sudden hearing loss, dizziness, or a suspected tumor. Medicare does not cover a routine hearing evaluation performed to determine what hearing aids you need.

What is the difference between a hearing aid and a cochlear implant for Medicare purposes? Legally, a cochlear implant is classified as a prosthetic device under Medicare, not a hearing aid. Cochlear implants replace or restore auditory nerve function through electrical stimulation; hearing aids amplify sound. Because of this classification, cochlear implants are covered by Medicare Part B, while conventional hearing aids are not.

Can I get a hearing aid through the VA if I also have Medicare? Yes. VA benefits and Medicare are entirely separate. If you are eligible for VA health care, you can use the VA for hearing aids (which are free for qualifying veterans) and use Medicare for other medical care. The two programs do not interfere with each other.

Do Medicare Advantage plans always cover hearing aids? Since 2024, Medicare Advantage plans have been required to include hearing as a standard supplemental benefit. However, the coverage level varies - allowances range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per year. Always review a plan’s Evidence of Coverage before enrollment to understand the specific benefit amount and network requirements.

Are OTC hearing aids covered by Medicare? Original Medicare does not cover OTC hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans are expanding their benefits to include OTC devices, but most still apply the hearing allowance only to prescription devices purchased through network providers.

How often does Medicare Advantage replace hearing aids? Most Medicare Advantage plans replace hearing aids once every one to three years. The Evidence of Coverage will specify the replacement schedule. Some plans also cover lost or damaged devices with a copay.

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