Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids? 2026 Update

Hearing loss is one of the most common health conditions affecting older adults in the United States. According to the CDC, approximately 15.9% of American adults report some degree of hearing difficulty, and that number rises sharply with age. Among adults age 70 and older, an estimated 43.2% experience significant hearing loss.

Despite how common hearing loss is, Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids. This is one of the most significant gaps in Medicare coverage. This article explains what hearing services Medicare does and does not cover, how to access hearing aid coverage through other options, and the latest developments in over-the-counter hearing aids and proposed legislation. Plans and coverage vary by location.

What Hearing Services Does Original Medicare Cover?

Original Medicare provides limited coverage for hearing-related services. It is important to understand the difference between what is covered and what is not.

Medicare Part B covers:

• Diagnostic hearing exams: When a doctor orders a hearing exam to investigate a medical condition or symptom (such as sudden hearing loss, dizziness, or ear pain), Medicare Part B generally covers the exam. You typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting the Part B deductible.
• Cochlear implants: Medicare Part B covers cochlear implants when they are medically necessary. A cochlear implant is a surgically implanted electronic device that provides a sense of sound to people who are profoundly deaf or severely hard of hearing. Medicare classifies cochlear implants as prosthetic devices, not hearing aids, which is why they are covered.
• Auditory brainstem implants: In certain cases, Medicare may cover auditory brainstem implants as a prosthetic device for people who cannot benefit from cochlear implants.

What Hearing Services Does Medicare NOT Cover?

Original Medicare explicitly excludes the following hearing-related services:

• Hearing aids of any type
• Hearing aid fitting exams
• Routine hearing screenings
• Hearing aid batteries, repairs, or replacements

This is a significant gap for many Medicare beneficiaries. Research suggests that approximately 70% of adults who would benefit from hearing aids do not use them, and cost is frequently cited as a major barrier.

Diagnostic vs. Fitting Exams: An Important Distinction

One of the most confusing aspects of Medicare hearing coverage is the difference between a diagnostic hearing exam and a hearing aid fitting exam. Understanding this distinction can help you avoid unexpected costs.

A diagnostic hearing exam is ordered by a physician or qualified nonphysician practitioner to evaluate a medical condition. For example, if you report sudden hearing loss, ringing in your ears, or dizziness to your doctor, they may order a diagnostic hearing exam to determine the cause. Medicare Part B generally covers this type of exam.

A hearing aid fitting exam is conducted specifically to determine what type and style of hearing aid you need. This type of exam is not covered by Medicare, even if it is performed by the same audiologist who did your diagnostic exam.

If you are scheduled for a hearing exam, ask your provider to clarify whether it is being billed as a diagnostic exam or a fitting exam so you know what Medicare will and will not cover.

Medicare Advantage Plans and Hearing Coverage

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are the primary way Medicare beneficiaries access hearing aid coverage. Many Medicare Advantage plans include hearing benefits as part of their supplemental benefits package. For help finding a plan, see our guide to the best hearing aid coverage for seniors.

Hearing benefits in Medicare Advantage plans may include:

• Annual hearing exams: Many plans cover one routine hearing exam per year with a low or no copay.
• Hearing aid allowances: Some plans provide a set dollar amount toward hearing aids, often ranging from $500 to $3,000 per ear, available every one to three years.
• Hearing aid fitting and follow-up: Plans that cover hearing aids may also cover the fitting exams and follow-up adjustments needed to ensure your hearing aids work properly.
• Batteries and accessories: Some plans may cover hearing aid batteries or offer discounts on hearing aid accessories.

Not all Medicare Advantage plans include hearing benefits, and among those that do, the level of coverage varies significantly. Plans and coverage vary by location, so compare the options in your area carefully.

Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids: A New Lower-Cost Option

In August 2022, the FDA finalized a rule creating a new category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. These devices are available directly to consumers without a prescription, medical exam, or audiologist fitting. This was a significant development for people with mild to moderate hearing loss who found prescription hearing aids too expensive. For a detailed comparison, read our article on OTC hearing aids vs. insurance-covered hearing aids.

Key things to know about OTC hearing aids:

• Who they are for: OTC hearing aids are intended for adults age 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. They are not recommended for severe or profound hearing loss.
• Cost: OTC hearing aids generally cost between $200 and $3,000 per pair, which is significantly less than prescription hearing aids that typically cost $2,000 to $7,000 per pair.
• Where to buy them: OTC hearing aids are available at pharmacies, electronics retailers, and online stores. No prescription or fitting is required.
• Medicare and OTC hearing aids: Original Medicare does not cover OTC hearing aids. However, some Medicare Advantage plans may offer an allowance that can be applied toward OTC hearing aids. Check your plan's benefits for details.

While OTC hearing aids provide a more affordable option, they may not be right for everyone. If you have severe hearing loss or are unsure about your level of hearing loss, it is generally a good idea to see an audiologist for a professional evaluation before purchasing any hearing device.

Standalone Hearing Coverage and Other Resources

Beyond Medicare Advantage and OTC options, there are other ways to access hearing aids and hearing care at reduced costs:

• Standalone hearing aid plans: Some companies offer hearing-specific discount programs or insurance plans. These programs may provide discounted prices on hearing aids, free hearing exams, and follow-up care. Monthly costs are generally $20 to $40.
• Medicaid: If you are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (dual eligible), your state Medicaid program may cover hearing aids. Benefits vary by state, but many states provide at least partial coverage.
• Veterans benefits: The VA provides hearing aids at no cost to eligible veterans. This benefit is available even if you also have Medicare.
• Nonprofit programs: Organizations such as the Hearing Loss Association of America, Starkey Hearing Foundation, and Lions Club International may offer free or reduced-cost hearing aids to qualifying individuals.

Legislative Updates: Will Medicare Cover Hearing Aids in the Future?

There has been growing bipartisan interest in Congress to add hearing aid coverage to Medicare. Several bills have been introduced in recent years, including H.R. 500, which would expand Medicare Part B to cover hearing aids and related services. As of early 2026, none of these bills have been signed into law. You can follow ongoing developments in our Medicare DVH legislation tracker.

Adding hearing coverage to Medicare has been part of broader proposals to expand dental, vision, and hearing (DVH) benefits for Medicare beneficiaries. These proposals have gained attention because of the significant out-of-pocket costs that beneficiaries face for these services and the proven health benefits of treating hearing loss early.

While the legislative landscape may change, it is important to plan for your hearing needs based on the coverage that is currently available rather than waiting for potential future changes.

The Bottom Line

Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, hearing aid fitting exams, or routine hearing screenings. It does cover diagnostic hearing exams when ordered by a doctor and cochlear implants when medically necessary.

If you need hearing aids, your main options are a Medicare Advantage plan with hearing benefits, OTC hearing aids (for mild to moderate hearing loss), standalone hearing programs, or community resources. With prescription hearing aids costing $2,000 to $7,000 per pair and OTC alternatives available from $200 to $3,000, it is worth carefully evaluating your options.

Plans and coverage vary by location. This article is for educational purposes and does not constitute individual advice. Contact a licensed insurance agent or visit Medicare.gov to explore the specific plans available to you.