Does Medicare cover hearing aids? This is one of the most frequently asked questions among Medicare beneficiaries experiencing hearing loss. The short answer is that Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or the routine exams used to fit them — but there are important exceptions, affordable alternatives, and recent developments that every beneficiary should understand in 2026.
Hearing loss affects roughly one in three adults between the ages of 65 and 74, and nearly half of those older than 75, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). Despite how common it is, Medicare’s coverage of hearing-related services has historically been narrow. This guide explains what Medicare does and does not cover, how Medicare Advantage plans may help, the growing role of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, and strategies for managing hearing aid costs.
What Original Medicare Covers for Hearing
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) provides limited coverage for hearing-related services. According to Medicare.gov, it will cover:
- Diagnostic hearing and balance exams: Medicare Part B covers these when your doctor or other provider orders them to find out whether you need medical treatment. These are distinct from routine hearing tests done just to prescribe or fit hearing aids.
- Cochlear implants: Medicare covers cochlear implant surgery and related services for beneficiaries who meet specific criteria for severe-to-profound hearing loss.
- Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA): In some cases, Medicare may cover surgically implanted hearing devices that are classified as prosthetic devices rather than conventional hearing aids.
What Original Medicare does not cover:
- Hearing aids (the devices themselves)
- Routine hearing exams for the purpose of prescribing or fitting hearing aids
- Hearing aid fittings, adjustments, or repairs
- Batteries or accessories for hearing aids
This exclusion has been part of Medicare since the program began in 1965 and remains one of the most significant gaps in Original Medicare coverage. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has noted that this statutory exclusion would require Congressional action to change.
The 2023 Change: Direct Access to Audiologists
One important recent update: since January 2023, CMS allows Medicare beneficiaries to see an audiologist once every 12 months without a physician’s order for certain non-acute diagnostic services — for example, evaluating longstanding (non-acute) hearing loss or diagnostic services connected to surgically implanted hearing devices. This does not add coverage for hearing aids, but it does make it easier to get a covered diagnostic evaluation without first obtaining a referral. Exams ordered by a provider to investigate a suspected medical problem remain covered as before.
What You Pay for Covered Hearing Services
For a diagnostic hearing or balance exam that Medicare covers, you generally pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after you have met the annual Part B deductible, and the Part B deductible applies. In a hospital outpatient setting, a facility copayment may also apply. A Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policy may cover some or all of this cost-sharing. Because amounts change yearly and depend on where you get care and whether the provider accepts assignment, confirm your specific costs at Medicare.gov or with your plan.
Medicare Advantage and Hearing Aid Coverage
While Original Medicare excludes hearing aids, many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include hearing benefits as supplemental coverage. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers approved by Medicare; they must cover everything Original Medicare covers and can add extra benefits.
Common hearing benefits in Medicare Advantage plans include:
- Routine hearing exams: Many plans cover annual hearing screenings at little or no extra cost.
- Hearing aid allowances: Some plans provide a fixed dollar allowance (often several hundred to a few thousand dollars per ear, per year or benefit period) toward hearing aids from approved providers.
- Discounted hearing aids: Plans may partner with manufacturers or retailers to offer devices at reduced prices.
- Fitting and follow-up services: Some plans cover professional fitting, adjustments, and follow-up visits.
The scope and generosity of hearing benefits vary widely between Medicare Advantage plans. According to KFF, most Medicare Advantage plans now offer some form of hearing benefit, but the value and structure differ significantly. When comparing plans during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7), review the hearing benefit details carefully — including any limits on brands, providers, allowance amounts, and how often you can use the benefit.
Recent Legislative and Regulatory Developments
Several developments have reshaped the hearing aid landscape for Medicare beneficiaries:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids: The FDA’s OTC hearing aid rule took effect on October 17, 2022, allowing hearing aids for adults 18 and older with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss to be sold directly to consumers — without a prescription, medical exam, or professional fitting. Basic OTC devices are now available at major retailers, pharmacies, and online, often ranging from roughly $200 to $1,000 per pair.
- Legislative proposals: Various bills have been introduced in Congress to add a hearing aid benefit to Medicare Part B. As of 2026, no such benefit has been enacted, though advocacy continues. (Verify the current status, as legislation can change.)
- Medicare Advantage expansion: CMS has continued to allow Medicare Advantage plans to offer supplemental benefits, including hearing coverage, which has broadened options in the MA market.
The availability of OTC hearing aids is a meaningful step forward for affordability, especially for beneficiaries with mild-to-moderate hearing loss who may not need the most advanced prescription devices.
How to Reduce Hearing Aid Costs on Medicare
Even without Original Medicare coverage, beneficiaries have several strategies to manage hearing aid expenses:
- Choose a Medicare Advantage plan with hearing benefits: If hearing aids are a priority, consider an MA plan with a generous hearing aid allowance during the Annual Enrollment Period.
- Explore OTC hearing aids: For perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss, over-the-counter devices from brands such as Jabra, Sony, and Lexie are available at a fraction of the cost of prescription hearing aids.
- State programs: Some states offer hearing aid assistance through Medicaid or state-funded programs for low-income residents.
- Charitable organizations: Groups like the Hearing Loss Association of America, Lions Club, and various hearing foundations may provide free or reduced-cost hearing aids to qualifying individuals.
- VA benefits: Eligible veterans may qualify for hearing aids through the Department of Veterans Affairs at no cost.
- Warehouse clubs: Retailers such as Costco often price hearing aids well below traditional audiology practices, frequently including follow-up fittings and adjustments.
- FSA or HSA funds: If you have a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account, those funds can generally be used for hearing aids and related expenses.
For a detailed breakdown of what hearing aids cost and how to budget for them, see our guide on hearing aids cost.
When Medicare Does Cover Hearing Services
It is worth restating the line between what Medicare covers and what it does not. Medicare Part B will cover a diagnostic audiology exam if a provider orders it to determine whether you need medical treatment. Situations that may qualify include:
- Sudden hearing loss requiring medical evaluation
- Hearing changes associated with an ear infection, tumor, or other medical condition
- Balance disorders that require audiological assessment
- Evaluation for cochlear implant candidacy
For these medically necessary services, Medicare pays 80% of the approved amount after the Part B deductible, leaving you responsible for the remaining 20% (which a Medigap policy may cover). For more on how Medicare policies work, visit our healthcare policy guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare Part B cover hearing tests?
Medicare Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams when a provider orders them to find out whether you need medical treatment. It does not cover routine hearing screenings or tests performed solely to prescribe or fit hearing aids. Since 2023, you can also see an audiologist once a year without an order for certain non-acute diagnostic services.
Will Medicare ever cover hearing aids?
There has been recurring bipartisan interest in adding a hearing aid benefit to Medicare, and multiple bills have been introduced over the years. As of 2026, no such benefit has been enacted. The spread of OTC hearing aids has partly addressed affordability, but advocates continue to push for direct Medicare coverage. Check the current status before assuming coverage.
Are OTC hearing aids as good as prescription hearing aids?
OTC hearing aids are designed for adults 18 and older with perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss and can be effective for many users. They are not intended for severe hearing loss, complex hearing profiles, or people who need professional fitting and customization. Prescription hearing aids from an audiologist offer more advanced features and ongoing support. If you are unsure about the degree of your hearing loss, a professional evaluation is worthwhile.
Does Medicare Supplement (Medigap) cover hearing aids?
Standard Medigap policies do not cover hearing aids, because they are designed to supplement Original Medicare’s existing coverage, and hearing aids are excluded from Original Medicare. Medigap can, however, help with the cost-sharing on covered diagnostic exams. A few insurers offer optional supplemental hearing benefits, but these are not standardized and may cost extra.
How much do hearing aids cost without Medicare coverage?
Traditional prescription hearing aids typically cost about $1,000 to $4,000 per ear, including professional fitting and follow-up care, and high-end models can exceed $6,000 per pair. OTC hearing aids generally range from roughly $200 to $1,000 per pair. The total depends on technology level, brand, retailer, and whether professional services are included. Prices vary — verify current pricing directly with the retailer or provider.
Practical Takeaway
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or routine fitting exams — a gap that affects millions of beneficiaries. Your best options for managing costs include enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan with hearing benefits, exploring affordable OTC hearing aids for perceived mild-to-moderate loss, and using discount programs and charitable resources. If your hearing loss may stem from a medical condition, a provider can order a diagnostic hearing exam that Medicare Part B does cover — and since 2023 you can also see an audiologist once a year without an order for certain services. Stay informed about legislative developments, and always verify current coverage and costs at Medicare.gov.
TL;DR: Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or the routine exams to fit them. It DOES cover diagnostic hearing/balance exams a provider orders to check for a medical problem (you pay 20% after the Part B deductible), and since 2023 you can see an audiologist once a year without an order for certain non-acute services. OTC hearing aids (FDA rule effective Oct 17, 2022) are available without a prescription for adults 18+ with perceived mild-to-moderate loss, and many Medicare Advantage plans add hearing benefits. Verify current coverage at Medicare.gov.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical, legal, or insurance advice. Medicare rules, plan benefits, and prices change and vary by plan and location. Confirm your specific coverage and costs at Medicare.gov or with your plan, and consult a licensed hearing professional about your hearing health.
Sources
- Medicare.gov, Hearing & balance exams and hearing aids coverage — medicare.gov
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), 2023 audiology direct-access policy — cms.gov
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, OTC Hearing Aids: What You Should Know (final rule effective October 17, 2022) — fda.gov
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), hearing loss prevalence — nidcd.nih.gov
- KFF, Medicare Advantage supplemental benefits — kff.org