⚡ Quick Answer
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does NOT cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams. However, many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include hearing benefits — sometimes covering up to $2,000 per ear toward hearing aids. If you need hearing aids and have Original Medicare, you will pay out-of-pocket — but affordable OTC options now start under $300.
Hearing loss affects more than one in three adults over 65 — yet Original Medicare has never covered hearing aids. This leaves millions of seniors facing hearing aid costs of $2,000 to $8,000 per pair out-of-pocket. In 2026, the landscape is changing, with over-the-counter hearing aids and expanded Medicare Advantage benefits offering new options.
Does Original Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?
No. Original Medicare Parts A and B do not cover:
- Hearing aids of any type (prescription or over-the-counter)
- Routine hearing exams for fitting or monitoring hearing loss
- Ear molds or hearing aid batteries
- Hearing aid repairs or maintenance
Medicare Part B does cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams — but only when ordered by your doctor to diagnose a medical condition, not for routine hearing screening.
Does Medicare Advantage Cover Hearing Aids?
Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans include hearing benefits as a supplemental benefit that Original Medicare does not offer. Coverage varies widely by plan, but commonly includes:
| Hearing Benefit Type | Typical Medicare Advantage Coverage |
|---|---|
| Annual hearing exam | $0 copay with in-network audiologist |
| Hearing aid allowance | $500–$2,000 per ear per year (varies by plan) |
| OTC hearing aid allowance | Some plans include OTC health product credits usable for hearing aids |
| Hearing aid brands covered | Typically limited to plan-contracted network (e.g., TruHearing, HearUSA) |
Important: In 2026, many Medicare Advantage plans reduced their supplemental benefits due to CMS reimbursement changes. If you relied on your plan’s hearing aid allowance, review your 2026 Evidence of Coverage carefully — it may have changed from last year.
How to Get Hearing Aids Without Medicare Coverage
1. Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids
Since October 2022, the FDA has allowed hearing aids to be sold over-the-counter without a prescription for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. OTC hearing aids are significantly more affordable than prescription devices:
- Audien Atom Pro — From $249/pair. Best budget option. Shop Audien
- MDHearing VOLT MAX — $597/pair. FDA-registered, medical-grade, Bluetooth. Shop MDHearing
- Lexie B2 Powered by Bose — $999/pair. Premium sound technology. Shop Lexie
- Jabra Enhance Pro — From $1,195/pair. Best overall, 100-day trial, free specialist support.
See our full guide: Best Rechargeable Hearing Aids for Seniors (2026)
2. HSA or FSA Funds
Hearing aids are an eligible expense under Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). If you have either, you can use pre-tax dollars — effectively reducing the cost by your marginal tax rate.
3. Medicaid
For low-income seniors who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual-eligible), some state Medicaid programs cover hearing aids. Coverage varies by state — contact your state Medicaid office or local Area Agency on Aging.
4. Veterans Benefits (VA)
Veterans who qualify for VA healthcare benefits may receive hearing aids at no cost through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Hearing loss is one of the most common service-connected disabilities among veterans.
Will Medicare Ever Cover Hearing Aids?
The Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act (H.R. 500) was introduced in Congress and would require Medicare to cover hearing aids and exams. As of early 2026, the bill has not passed. Advocacy groups including the Hearing Loss Association of America continue to push for coverage expansion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare Part B cover hearing tests?
Medicare Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams only when a physician orders them to investigate a medical condition — not for routine hearing screening. If your doctor orders a hearing test because of dizziness, sudden hearing loss, or another medical concern, it is covered. A routine hearing test to update your hearing aids is not.
What is the best hearing aid for seniors on Medicare?
Since Medicare does not cover hearing aids, the best option depends on your budget. For the best overall value, MDHearing VOLT MAX ($597/pair) is FDA-registered and includes Bluetooth. For maximum specialist support, Jabra Enhance (from $1,195/pair) includes free lifetime audiologist support and a 100-day trial.
Do Medicare Advantage plans cover OTC hearing aids?
Some Medicare Advantage plans include OTC benefit cards that can be used toward hearing devices. However, this varies by plan and is not guaranteed. Check your plan’s Evidence of Coverage or call your plan’s member services line to confirm what hearing benefits are included in 2026.
