Quick and Easy Medicare Plan Comparison

Compare Plans

Need Some Help? We Can Help

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids? Original Medicare generally does not cover hearing aids or fitting exams. This guide explains coverage for diagnostic hearing tests and medically necessary care.

Hearing changes can affect daily life as we age.

Clear answers can help you plan for care and costs.

Medicare coverage depends on the service and the reason you need it.

Understanding-the-Hearing-Coverage-Gap-in-Original-Medicare-scaled-1

Today I will answer the question does Medicare cover hearing aids and also discuss things like hearing loss, ENT visits, and hearing tests.

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids.

You pay the full cost for services that Original Medicare does not cover.

Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams when a provider orders them to determine whether you need medical treatment.

For example, your provider may order an exam after an illness, injury, or sudden change in hearing.

After you meet the Part B deductible, you usually pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.

Before you schedule care, ask whether the provider accepts Medicare assignment.

Even after a covered diagnostic exam, Original Medicare does not cover the hearing aid itself.

Many seniors are shocked to find out that Medicare does not cover hearing aids.

Does Medicare Cover Audiologist?

First let’s dive into exactly what an audiologist is and does.
Audiologists are health care professionals who specialize in disorders dealing with hearing, balance, and other neural systems.   Once a disorder is diagnosed these healthcare providers fit and dispense hearing aids and other types of listening devices if appropriate.  Keep in mind that an audiologist does not perform surgery.  If you suffer from a hearing issue that requires surgery, then you will need to see an ENT doctor.

Types of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can range from mild to profound. Sensorineural hearing loss affects the inner ear or auditory nerve. Conductive hearing loss prevents sound from reaching the inner ear. An audiologist or ENT can identify the type of hearing loss and discuss suitable treatment options.

Will Medicare Cover Hearing Loss?

Medicare covers eligible hearing services when a provider orders them to diagnose or manage a medical condition.

Part B may cover diagnostic care that helps your provider evaluate hearing loss.

Your provider can coordinate specialist care when you need it.

Original Medicare does not pay for a hearing aid after the evaluation.

What Does Medicare Cover?

Medicare will cover diagnostic exams with an audiologist when a healthcare professional such as a physician, clinical nurse specialist, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant or other approved provider refers you to an Audiologist to determine appropriate medical care for your hearing issue.  If this criteria is met then Medicare Part B will generally cover 80% of the approved charges (after the annual Part B deductible has been met) leaving you or your Medicare Supplement to pay the other 20%.
So does this mean that a healthcare professional can refer you to an audiologist for a routine hearing test and Medicare will cover it?  No.  Medicare does not cover routine hearing tests, hearing aids, or the exams for fitting of hearing aids.

Does a Medicare Advantage plan cover hearing aids?

If you are covered by a Medicare Advantage plan you could possibly have some coverage for hearing aids.  While not all plans provide this additional coverage, some do.  Many times there are strict limitations on the actual benefits and coverage limits for hearing aids.  Some plans may cap out a certain dollar amount they will pay, while other plans may pay a higher amount towards hearing aids, but will limit the purchase to once every few years.
Keep in mind that most Medicare Advantage plans use a network, such as a PPO or HMO.  This means that if your plan does actually provide benefits toward hearing aids, you will need to see an audiologist that is part of that plan’s network.

How Else Can You Get Benefits For Hearing Aids?

If you are on traditional Medicare Parts A & B (whether you have a Medicare Supplement or not) you can always purchase stand-alone coverage for hearing benefits.  While these plans are not usually sold with just hearing benefits, you actually get 3 areas of coverage with them.  This includes dental, vision, and hearing.  To find out more about these plans click here.

Does Medicare Cover ENT Visits?  

Part B may cover an ENT visit when the service meets Medicare coverage rules. After the deductible, you usually pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.

Before treatment, confirm that the ENT accepts Medicare assignment.

Ask the provider and your plan about coverage before you receive care.

Do Medicare Supplement plans cover hearing aids?

Medigap plans do not add benefits that Original Medicare excludes, such as hearing aids.

A Medigap policy may help with your share of a covered Part B diagnostic exam, depending on the policy.

Cost Of A Hearing Aids

Depending on your specific situation, hearing aids can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars. 

Several sources find hearing aid prices to be inflated for no apparent reason, so it is best to do a bit of research before purchasing one.

Especially if you don’t have any coverage.

Some Medicare Advantage might offer some benefits, but might not cover much of the expenses.

Some states also have hearing-related benefits like coverage for hearing aids if you are qualified through Medicaid.

You can check out The Hearing Loss Association of America website has state-specific information on hearing aid coverage. 

Does Medicare Cover Hearing Tests

Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams when your doctor or other provider orders them to determine whether you need medical treatment.

Original Medicare does not cover routine hearing exams or hearing-aid fitting exams.

After you meet the Part B deductible, you usually pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for a covered diagnostic exam.

Free-Personalized-Medicare-Quote-With-Senior-Benefit-Client-Near-Maryland-Pennsylvania-West-Virginia-Ethnic-Senior-Couple-Red

Why Isn’t Hearing Covered By Medicare?

Congress established Medicare in 1965.

Original Medicare excludes hearing aids and fitting exams under current coverage rules.

Many people now seek additional coverage options for routine hearing care and hearing aids.

Take Action!  

Talk with your doctor or other provider when hearing changes affect your health or safety.

A Medigap policy may help pay Part B cost-sharing for covered care. You can also compare private plans that include hearing, dental, and vision care.

Senior Benefit Services can help you compare available plan options.

Call a Senior Benefit Expert at (800)924-4727 to discuss your options.

Medicare Hearing Aid FAQs

Does Original Medicare pay for hearing aids?

No. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or exams for fitting them. You pay the full cost unless you have other coverage.

Can a Medicare Advantage plan help pay for hearing aids?

Some Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing benefits that Original Medicare excludes. Check the plan’s Evidence of Coverage for its allowance, copay, network, and replacement schedule.

Does Medicare cover a diagnostic hearing test?

Part B covers a diagnostic hearing or balance exam when a doctor or other provider orders it to determine whether you need medical treatment. After the Part B deductible, you usually pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.

Will a Medigap plan pay for my hearing aid?

No. Medigap plans do not add coverage for hearing aids because Original Medicare excludes them. Depending on the policy, Medigap may help with Part B cost-sharing for a covered diagnostic exam.

Does Medicaid cover hearing aids for adults?

Medicaid benefits and eligibility rules vary by state. Contact your state Medicaid agency to confirm coverage, providers, and replacement rules.

What should I check before buying hearing aids through a Medicare Advantage plan?

Confirm the benefit amount, your copay, eligible models, network providers, authorization rules, and replacement schedule.

Can I buy separate hearing coverage with Original Medicare?

Yes. Compare private dental, vision, and hearing plans for routine exams or hearing aids. Review premiums, benefit caps, provider rules, and replacement limits before enrolling.

Does Original Medicare pay for hearing aids?
No. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or exams for fitting them. You pay the full cost unless you have other coverage.

Can a Medicare Advantage plan help pay for hearing aids?
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing benefits that Original Medicare excludes. Check the plan’s Evidence of Coverage for its allowance, copay, network, and replacement schedule.

Does Medicare cover a diagnostic hearing test?
Part B covers a diagnostic hearing or balance exam when a doctor or other provider orders it to determine whether you need medical treatment. After the Part B deductible, you usually pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.

Will a Medigap plan pay for my hearing aid?
No. Medigap plans do not add coverage for hearing aids because Original Medicare excludes them. Depending on the policy, Medigap may help with Part B cost-sharing for a covered diagnostic exam.

Does Medicaid cover hearing aids for adults?
Medicaid benefits and eligibility rules vary by state. Contact your state Medicaid agency to confirm coverage, providers, and replacement rules.

What should I check before buying hearing aids through a Medicare Advantage plan?
Confirm the benefit amount, your copay, eligible models, network providers, authorization rules, and replacement schedule.

Can I buy separate hearing coverage with Original Medicare?
Yes. Compare private dental, vision, and hearing plans for routine exams or hearing aids. Review premiums, benefit caps, provider rules, and replacement limits before enrolling.

WORK WITH SENIOR BENEFIT SERVICES, INC.

Medicare is confusing, but our goal is to Make Medicare Easy.

We help you find the right Medicare Plan.

We Do FREE Quote Comparisons of up to 25 Companies.

Speak To Our Senior Benefit Advisors About Your Medicare Supplement And Advantage Plan Needs