Quick Answer
No, Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids. Medicare does not consider hearing aids medically necessary. However, Medicare Part B does cover diagnostic hearing exams when ordered by a doctor for a medical reason. Medicare Advantage plans may offer hearing aid benefits that vary by plan. Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are available without a prescription for $250–$3,000 per pair, but Medicare does not cover them.
Coverage Comparison by Plan Type
| Plan Type | Coverage | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Original Medicare (Part A & B) | Not Covered | Does not cover hearing aids or hearing aid fitting exams |
| Medicare Part B (diagnostic exams) | Covered | Covers diagnostic hearing exams when ordered by a doctor for a medical reason |
| Medicare Advantage (Part C) | Varies | Some plans offer hearing aid benefits; coverage varies by plan and location |
| Medicare Supplement (Medigap) | Not Covered | Does not cover hearing aids; only supplements what Original Medicare covers |
| Cochlear implants | Covered | Covered by Medicare Part B when medically necessary |
Understanding Your Coverage Options
Original Medicare (Part a & B)
Does not cover hearing aids or hearing aid fitting examsOriginal Medicare (Medicare Part A and Part B) does not provide coverage for hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids. When Medicare was established in 1965, hearing aids were specifically excluded from benefits in the Social Security Act. CMS still does not consider hearing aids medically necessary, so beneficiaries are responsible for 100% of hearing aid costs under Original Medicare.
However, Medicare Part B does cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams when a doctor orders them for a medical reason - for example, if you have a history of falling regularly or your provider suspects a medical condition affecting your hearing. If a diagnostic exam reveals hearing loss, Medicare will not pay for hearing aids to treat it.
Medicare Part B also covers cochlear implants when medically necessary. Cochlear implants are surgically implanted devices for severe hearing loss and are classified differently from hearing aids under Medicare's coverage rules.
What It Covers
- Diagnostic hearing and balance exams (when ordered by a doctor for a medical reason)
- Cochlear implants (when medically necessary)
- Treatment of medical conditions affecting hearing (ear infections, etc.)
What It Doesn't Cover
- Hearing aids (any type, including prescription and OTC)
- Hearing aid fitting exams
- Hearing aid batteries or repairs
- Routine hearing screenings without a medical reason
Diagnostic hearing exams: 20% coinsurance after $283 Part B deductible (2026). Hearing aids: 100% out of pocket ($250–$8,000+ per pair).
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Some plans offer hearing aid benefits - coverage variesMedicare Advantage plans (Medicare Part C) may offer hearing benefits that include hearing aid coverage. However, not all plans have this benefit, and the coverage varies by plan and location. Some plans may cover a portion of hearing aid costs, while others may offer a fixed annual hearing benefit allowance.
Before signing up for a Medicare Advantage plan for hearing aid coverage, verify that the plan is available in your area, that it includes hearing aid benefits, and that the network includes a reputable audiologist. Also check the plan's maximum hearing benefit amount, as it may not cover the full cost of premium hearing aids.
When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan with hearing benefits, budget for out-of-pocket costs such as copayments, coinsurance, and the plan's deductible. If you purchase hearing aids, keep the plan's maximum hearing benefit in mind.
What It Covers
- Hearing aids - if your plan includes hearing benefits (varies by plan)
- Hearing exams and audiologist visits (varies by plan)
- All diagnostic hearing exams covered by Original Medicare
What It Doesn't Cover
- Hearing aids if your plan does not include hearing benefits
- Out-of-network audiologists (unless your plan allows out-of-network benefits)
- Costs exceeding your plan's maximum hearing benefit allowance
Compare Medicare Advantage Hearing Benefits
Medicare Advantage hearing benefits vary widely by plan. Some plans offer $0 copay hearing exams and up to $2,500 in hearing aid benefits per year. Compare plans in your area to find the best hearing coverage for your needs.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Does not cover hearing aidsMedicare Supplement (Medigap) plans only cover the out-of-pocket balance of what Original Medicare covers. Because Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, Medigap plans do not cover them either.
However, Medigap does cover the 20% Part B coinsurance for diagnostic hearing exams that Medicare covers. If your doctor orders a medically necessary hearing exam, Medigap Plan G will cover the coinsurance after your $283 annual deductible.
You can enroll in a separate insurance policy that includes hearing, vision, and dental coverage to supplement your Medigap plan. These standalone policies are available from various carriers and can help cover hearing aids and other services that Medicare excludes.
What It Covers
- Part B coinsurance (20%) for covered diagnostic hearing exams
- Part B coinsurance for cochlear implant procedures
What It Doesn't Cover
- Hearing aids (not covered by Original Medicare)
- Hearing aid fitting exams
- Routine hearing screenings
Medigap covers coinsurance for covered hearing services only. Hearing aids are 100% out of pocket unless you have a separate hearing insurance policy.
Hearing Aid Costs and Medicare Coverage (2026)
| Item | Medicare Coverage | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescription hearing aids (per pair) | Not covered | $1,000–$8,000 | Average $4,600/pair; includes fitting, adjustments, warranty |
| OTC hearing aids (per pair) | Not covered | $250–$3,000 | Average $1,600/pair; available without prescription since Oct 2022 |
| Diagnostic hearing exam (medically necessary) | 80% after deductible | 20% coinsurance + $283 deductible | Covered under Part B when ordered by a doctor |
| Hearing aid fitting exam | Not covered | $50–$250 (full cost) | Not covered by Original Medicare or Medigap |
| Cochlear implant (surgery + device) | 80% after deductible | 20% coinsurance + $283 deductible | Covered under Part B when medically necessary |
✦ Alternatives for Hearing Aid Coverage
Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids
Since October 2022, the FDA has approved over-the-counter hearing aids for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. OTC hearing aids are available in stores and online without a medical exam or prescription, and they typically cost $250–$3,000 per pair - significantly less than prescription hearing aids. However, Original Medicare does not cover OTC hearing aids. If you have more significant hearing loss, you may still need prescription hearing aids from an audiologist.
OTC hearing aids are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss only. If you have trouble hearing louder sounds or conversations in quiet rooms, consult an audiologist for a proper evaluation.
Standalone Hearing Insurance and Assistance Programs
If you need hearing aid coverage, you can enroll in a standalone hearing, vision, and dental insurance policy. These policies are available from various carriers and can help cover hearing aids, hearing exams, and other services that Medicare excludes. Additionally, some state Medicaid programs cover hearing aids for low-income beneficiaries. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible), Medicaid may cover hearing aids that Medicare does not.
✦ Frequently Asked Questions
David Haass
AuthorDavid Haass is the Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder of Elite Insurance Partners and MedicareFAQ.com. He is a member and regular contributor to Forbes Finance Council.
Ashlee Zareczny
ReviewerAshlee Zareczny is a licensed Medicare agent in all 50 states dedicated to educating those eligible for Medicare. She trains agents on CMS compliance guidelines.