Hearing loss is a common problem in the United States, especially as people get older. It can have a profound negative impact on a person's quality of life — leading to isolation, depression, and even dementia.
The technology in hearing aids has improved significantly. But over the years, the cost of these devices has skyrocketed — making them unaffordable for many Americans. People suffering from hearing loss can't get hearing aids because of the price.
If this applies to you or someone you know, you may wonder whether Medicare or some other program can help cover the cost.
Let's find out. We'll look at a few different Medicare plans and discuss how you can get coverage.
In 2023, hearing aids will cost between $2000 and $7000 per pair. The exact price depends on their type, model, and features.
Hearing aids come in both basic and advanced options.
The most high-tech ones use Bluetooth connectivity and artificial intelligence (these cost the most).
Hearing aid costs are often bundled. Bundles typically include hearing aids, a consultation, an initial fitting, and follow-up appointments. They also sometimes include a warranty, routine cleanings, and batteries.
If your plan doesn't cover hearing aids, you can reduce the initial cost by unbundling these services. In other words, separate the cost of the hearing aid from the associated services, and limit the number of follow-ups.
But first, let's see whether your insurance plan can help cover these costs.
No. Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids.
Individuals enrolled in Original Medicare must pay 100% of the costs for hearing aids and exams.
That said, Medicare does cover hearing tests under certain conditions.
Medicare Part B covers 80% of diagnostic hearing or balance exams.
You still need to pay a portion of the costs, which include:
20% of the Medicare-approved costs
Your annual Part B deductible ($226 in 2023)
A hospital copayment (if the tests are conducted in a hospital outpatient setting)
Many Medicare Advantage Plans
If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, your plan might cover the following costs:
Hearing aids
An earmold
Hearing aid batteries
Hearing test
Audiologist visits for fitting and adjustments
While many Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids, some provide coverage in only a few states, and others offer no coverage at all.
Your exact coverage depends on your plan and insurance provider. So, you might still need to pay a share of the costs. You should check with your provider to confirm what your plan covers.
No. Medigap Plans don't cover hearing aids.
Medigap plans
However, Medigap plans can lower out-of-pocket expenses for doctor-recommended diagnostic hearing or balance exams. Original Medicare (or Medicare Part B) covers 80% of these tests. So, depending on your plan, you might pay under 20% or nothing at all.
If you're not enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that covers hearing aids, you can still get help in the following ways:
Medicaid
You qualify based on your income
It's available in the state in which you reside
Retiree health insurance plans may cover hearing tests and hearing aids to some extent.
If you're a federal retiree under the Federal Employees Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP) or Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS)
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
This program provides hearing aids, repairs, and future batteries at no charge —as long as individuals maintain VA eligibility.
You can also look for discounts on hearing aids. Shop around, join a discount program, or look for membership discounts.
Ask your healthcare provider for resources and information.
Various programs — Kiwanis Club or Lions Club — offer financial aid to individuals seeking hearing assistance. Check with your hearing specialist about options in your area.
As of October 2022, you can purchase over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids cost between $200 and $3000
It's unknown whether Medicare Advantage plans will cover OTC hearing aids.
Some Medicare Advantage plans may include them in their OTC supplemental benefits — which provide coverage for drugs and other drugstore items. Talk to your insurance provider to verify your plan's OTC coverage.
There are a few historical reasons why Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids:
Hearing aids used to be less expensive
When the Medicare Act of 1965 established Medicare — a health insurance program designed for seniors — hearing aids and exams were relatively affordable.
Age-related hearing loss wasn't as common
As the average lifespan has increased over the years, people are living long enough to develop hearing problems.
We didn't understand the social-emotional impact of hearing loss
Not many people realized that it could lead to depression and social isolation, so treating it wasn't a priority.
The H.R.5376 Build Back Better Act could extend Medicare coverage to hearing aids and treatment.
This bill was presented to Congress in November 2021. The House approved it, and now the Senate is reviewing it.
If the bill passes, Medicare will cover hearing aids in the future.
While Original Medicare and Medigap don't cover hearing aids, some Medicare Advantage Plans do.
If your current plan doesn't cover the hearing services you need, you may be able to switch
If comparing different plans Fair Square Medicare
Why Is Medicare So Confusing?
Apr 19, 2023
Does Medicare Cover Boniva?
Nov 29, 2022
Can Medicare Advantage Plans Deny Coverage for Pre-Existing Conditions?
Mar 28, 2023
Is Emsella Covered by Medicare?
Nov 21, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Hoarding Cleanup?
Jan 10, 2023
14 Best Ways to Stay Active in Charlotte
Mar 9, 2023
Does Medicare Cover Incontinence Supplies?
Dec 22, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Macular Degeneration?
Nov 30, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Breast Implant Removal?
Jan 5, 2023
Does Medicare cover Hyoscyamine?
Nov 30, 2022
Does Medicare cover Deviated Septum Surgery?
Nov 18, 2022
When to Choose Medicare Advantage over Medicare Supplement
Jun 7, 2023
Can Medicare Help with the Cost of Tyrvaya?
Jan 12, 2023
Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
Nov 9, 2022
Does Medicare Cover Jakafi?
Dec 12, 2022
Seeing the Value in Fair Square
May 15, 2023
Medicare Supplement Plans for Low-Income Seniors
Mar 23, 2023
How Do Medigap Premiums Vary?
Apr 12, 2023
20 Questions to Ask Your Medicare Agent
2024 Fair Square NPS Report
2025 Medicare Price Changes
Are Medicare Advantage Plans Bad?
Can I Choose Marketplace Coverage Instead of Medicare?
Comparing All Medigap Plans | Chart Updated for 2025
Do All Hospitals Accept Medicare Advantage Plans?
Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover Dental and Vision?
Does Medicare Cover a Spinal Cord Stimulator?
Does Medicare Cover Air Purifiers?
Does Medicare Cover Cardiac Ablation?
Does Medicare Cover Cartiva Implants?
Does Medicare Cover Cold Laser Therapy (CLT)?
Does Medicare Cover Cosmetic Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover COVID Tests?
Does Medicare Cover Driving Evaluations?
Does Medicare Cover ESRD Treatments?
Does Medicare Cover Geri Chairs?
Does Medicare Cover Ilumya?
Does Medicare Cover Kidney Stone Removal?
Does Medicare Cover Krystexxa?
Does Medicare Cover Light Therapy for Psoriasis?
Does Medicare Cover LVAD Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover Medical Marijuana?
Does Medicare Cover Mouth Guards for Sleep Apnea?
Does Medicare Cover Nuedexta?
Does Medicare Cover Ofev?
Does Medicare Cover Ozempic?
Does Medicare Cover Penile Implant Surgery?
Does Medicare Cover Physicals & Blood Work?
Does Medicare Cover Qutenza?
Does Medicare Cover Service Animals?
Does Medicare Cover Vitamins?
Does Medicare Cover Xiafaxan?
Does Medicare Have Limitations on Hospital Stays?
Does Medicare Pay for Bunion Surgery?
Does Medicare Pay for Funeral Expenses?
Does Retiring at Age 62 Make Me Eligible for Medicare?
Does Your Medicare Plan Cover B12 Shots?
Does Your Plan Include A Free Gym Membership?
Estimating Prescription Drug Costs
Everything About Your Medicare Card + Medicare Number
Fair Square Client Newsletter: AEP Edition
Finding the Best Dental Plans for Seniors
How Can I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?
How Does Medicare Cover Colonoscopies?
How Does the End of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Affect Your Medicare?
How Much Does a Medicare Coach Cost?
How Much Does Medicare Part A Cost in 2025?
How Much Does Rexulti Cost with Medicare?
How to Choose a Medigap Plan
How to Deduct Medicare Expenses from Your Taxes
How Your Employer Insurance and Medicare Work Together
Is Displacement Affecting Your Medicare Coverage?
Is Gainswave Covered by Medicare?
Is HIFU Covered by Medicare?
Medicare & Ozempic
Medicare Advantage Plans for Disabled People Under 65
Medicare Explained
Medicare Savings Programs in Kansas
Plan G vs. Plan N
The Easiest Call You'll Ever Make
Welcome to Fair Square's First Newsletter
What Is a Medicare Advantage POS Plan?
What is a Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman?
What Is Medical Underwriting for Medigap?
What is the 8-Minute Rule on Medicare?
What Is the Medicare Birthday Rule in Nevada?
What is the Medicare ICEP?
What You Need to Know About Creditable Coverage
What's the Difference Between HMO and PPO Plans?
Will Medicare Cover Dental Implants?
Get the Fair Square Bulletin
Medicare savings tips, helpful guides, and more.
Virgil Insurance Agency, LLC (DBA Fair Square Medicare) and www.fairsquaremedicare.com are privately owned and operated by Help Button Inc. Medicare supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent/producer may contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance is available to those age 65 and older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B and, in some states, to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or End-Stage Renal disease. Virgil Insurance Agency is a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations and stand-alone PDP prescription drug plans. Each of the organizations we represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. The plans we represent do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans please contact 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048), 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov. © 2025 Help Button Inc
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
MULTIPLAN_FairSquareMedicare_01062022_M