Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids? What Is Covered, What Is Not, and Other Ways to Pay

The rule comes from federal regulations (42 CFR 411.15(d)), which exclude hearing aids and the exams to prescribe, fit or change them. What has changed is the market: since 2022, adults can buy hearing aids over the counter, usually for much less than prescription devices.

What Original Medicare covers for hearing

For covered hearing services and devices, you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible, plus a hospital copayment if you are seen in a hospital outpatient department. Implants must come from a supplier that participates in Medicare. Part A or Part B pays for the implant depending on whether the surgery is inpatient or outpatient.

The difference between an implant and a hearing aid is how it works. The regulation excludes devices that amplify sound through the ear canal or vibrate the skull through the skin. Devices that replace the function of the middle ear, cochlea or auditory nerve, such as cochlear implants and implants anchored in the skull bone, are covered. These are for more serious hearing loss, and your doctor decides whether you are a candidate.

Use the covered hearing test

Even though Medicare will not buy the hearing aid, the diagnostic exam is worth getting first. Sudden or one-sided hearing loss, ringing in one ear, or dizziness can signal a medical problem that needs treatment, not just amplification. Medicare also lets you book an audiologist once a year for a non-acute hearing problem without first getting an order from your doctor.

Medicare Advantage hearing benefits

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans can offer extra benefits that Original Medicare does not, including hearing. These benefits vary a lot from plan to plan. Before you count on one, ask the plan:

• Is there a dollar allowance or a fixed copay per hearing aid, and is it per ear?
• How often can I get new hearing aids: every year, every two years, every three?
• Do I have to use a specific hearing aid company or network provider?
• Are the fitting visits, follow-ups and batteries included?
• Does the allowance cover over-the-counter hearing aids?

You can only switch plans at certain times, mainly Medicare's open enrollment period, October 15 to December 7. A hearing benefit is one reason people pick Medicare Advantage, but it should not be the only one: networks, drug coverage and out-of-pocket limits matter more over a year. Compare Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare before you switch, and see our Medicare Annual Enrollment Period guide for the dates.

Medigap does not help here. Standard Medigap plans pay your share of services that Original Medicare covers, so they do not pay for hearing aids.

Over-the-counter hearing aids

Since October 17, 2022, the FDA has allowed hearing aids to be sold over the counter to adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. You can buy them in stores or online with no exam, prescription or fitting appointment. Medicare does not pay for them, but the price is often much lower than prescription hearing aids.

OTC hearing aids are not meant for severe or profound loss. The FDA says to see a doctor or hearing professional instead if, for example:

• Your hearing changed suddenly in the past 6 months
• You hear ringing or buzzing in only one ear
• You cannot hear speech even in a quiet room

FDA rules do not require a warranty, so check the return policy before you buy. It must be printed on the outside of the package. A sensible order for many people is the Medicare-covered diagnostic exam first, then OTC hearing aids if the loss is mild to moderate.

Other ways to pay for hearing aids

Medicaid

Medicaid covers hearing aids for children through its benefit for people under 21, but for adults it is a state choice. Many states cover them, usually with limits on cost or how often you can get new ones. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicaid may pay for the hearing aids Medicare will not. Ask your state Medicaid office, or check our Medicaid eligibility calculator if you are not enrolled yet.

VA health care

Veterans enrolled in VA health care can get prescription hearing aids from VA. VA says there is no cost for the hearing aids, you do not need a service-connected disability, and you do not need a referral: once enrolled, call the audiology clinic at your VA medical center. A visit copay may apply depending on your eligibility. See our veterans benefits tools for enrollment basics.

Charity and nonprofit programs

Several national programs give hearing aids to people with low incomes, usually up to 200% of the poverty line. Our hearing aid and eyeglass assistance finder checks your income against that limit and lists each program's rules, fees and how to apply.

Tax deduction

IRS Publication 502 lets you count the cost of hearing aids, plus the batteries, repairs and maintenance to run them, as a medical expense. It only helps if you itemize deductions, and only for total medical expenses above 7.5% of your adjusted gross income. Medicare Part B and Part D premiums count toward that total too.

Frequently Asked Questions

This article explains Medicare hearing coverage as of October 2026. Medicare Advantage hearing benefits, state Medicaid rules and VA eligibility vary. This is general educational information, not medical or insurance advice. See our disclaimer. Confirm your coverage with your plan or with Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE.