Medicare and hearing aids: what's covered and the over-the-counter option
Original Medicare covers diagnostic hearing exams but not hearing aids; the OTC hearing aid category, Medicare Advantage benefits and other ways to save.
About a third of people aged 65 to 74 have hearing loss. Yet Original Medicare does not pay for hearing aids or exams to fit them.
What Part B covers
Diagnostic hearing and balance exams ordered by a doctor, and, since 2023, one audiologist visit every 12 months without a doctor's order for certain conditions. Cochlear implants are covered when medically necessary.
Over-the-counter hearing aids
Since 2022, adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss can buy FDA-regulated hearing aids without a prescription. Prices are often a fraction of prescription devices.
Other ways to pay
- Medicare Advantage hearing benefits, often with allowance limits.
- Hearing discount programs through insurers or membership organizations.
- VA benefits for eligible veterans; see VA and Medicare.
Related
What else Medicare leaves out: services Medicare does not cover.
Questions people ask
Does Medicare pay for hearing aids?
Original Medicare does not.
Are hearing exams covered?
Diagnostic exams are covered by Part B.
What are OTC hearing aids?
FDA-regulated hearing aids for mild to moderate loss, sold without a prescription.
Does Medicare cover cochlear implants?
Yes, when medically necessary.
Independent educational site. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or any insurance company. Figures are 2026 amounts published by CMS unless noted; check Medicare.gov for your situation.