How Much Do Hearing Aids Cost in 2026? With and Without Insurance

Hearing aids are one of the most important yet most expensive healthcare purchases many Americans face. In 2026, the cost of prescription hearing aids ranges from $1,000 to $6,000 or more per ear, putting a pair of quality hearing aids at $2,000 to $12,000 out of pocket. For the roughly 30 million American adults with hearing loss, these prices can be a significant barrier to getting the help they need.

The good news is that the hearing aid market has changed substantially in recent years. The FDA's 2022 rule allowing over-the-counter hearing aids introduced options starting under $200. Warehouse clubs like Costco sell prescription-quality hearing aids at a fraction of the price charged by private audiologists. And Medicare Advantage plans increasingly include hearing aid benefits that can reduce costs by thousands of dollars. This guide breaks down every cost factor so you can find the most affordable path to better hearing.

Average Prescription Hearing Aid Costs in 2026

Prescription hearing aids are dispensed by a licensed audiologist or hearing instrument specialist after a comprehensive hearing evaluation. The price you pay typically includes the devices, the hearing evaluation, custom fitting and programming, and a package of follow-up visits for adjustments. Here is what you can expect to pay in 2026 based on technology level.

Basic Technology ($1,000 to $2,000 per Ear)

Basic or entry-level prescription hearing aids cost $1,000 to $2,000 per ear, or $2,000 to $4,000 per pair. These devices provide essential sound amplification with basic digital processing. They typically include four to eight channels of sound adjustment, basic feedback cancellation, and simple directional microphones. Basic hearing aids work best in quiet environments and for people with straightforward hearing loss patterns. They may struggle in noisy settings like restaurants or crowded events.

Mid-Range Technology ($2,000 to $3,500 per Ear)

Mid-range hearing aids cost $2,000 to $3,500 per ear, or $4,000 to $7,000 per pair. These devices offer a meaningful step up in performance. They typically include 12 to 16 channels, more sophisticated noise reduction algorithms, better directional microphone systems, Bluetooth connectivity for streaming audio from phones and TVs, rechargeable batteries, and smartphone app control. Mid-range hearing aids handle moderately noisy environments better than basic models and are the most popular category for adults who spend time in a variety of listening situations.

Premium Technology ($3,500 to $6,000+ per Ear)

Premium hearing aids cost $3,500 to $6,000 or more per ear, putting a pair at $7,000 to $12,000 or higher. These top-tier devices include the latest technology from manufacturers like Phonak, Oticon, ReSound, Starkey, and Widex. Features at this level include 20 or more processing channels, advanced AI-driven noise reduction, binaural processing where the two hearing aids communicate with each other to optimize sound, automatic environment detection that adjusts settings based on whether you are in a quiet room, a car, or a restaurant, direct streaming from both iOS and Android devices, rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, tinnitus management programs, and in some models, health monitoring features like fall detection and activity tracking.

OTC Hearing Aids: The Affordable Alternative ($200 to $1,500)

Since the FDA finalized its over-the-counter hearing aid rule in August 2022, adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss can buy hearing aids directly from retailers and online stores without a prescription, hearing exam, or professional fitting. This has created a far more affordable entry point for hearing assistance. For a detailed comparison of OTC and prescription options, see our guide on OTC hearing aids vs. insurance-covered hearing aids.

OTC hearing aid prices break down into three tiers:

• Budget OTC ($200 to $500 per pair): Basic amplification devices available at pharmacies and online retailers. These models provide broad sound amplification with limited customization. They are suitable for people with mild hearing loss who primarily need help in quiet settings. Many budget models use disposable batteries and may not include Bluetooth connectivity.
• Mid-range OTC ($500 to $1,000 per pair): These models from brands like Jabra Enhance, Sony, and others typically include Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable batteries, smartphone app customization, and basic noise reduction. They represent the sweet spot for most OTC buyers who want meaningful hearing improvement with modern features.
• Premium OTC ($1,000 to $1,500 per pair): Top-tier OTC models with advanced app-based audiogram customization, more sophisticated noise reduction, multiple listening programs, and higher build quality. Some premium OTC models, such as those offering clinical-grade self-fitting algorithms, approach the performance of basic prescription hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss.

Insurance Coverage for Hearing Aids

One of the most frustrating aspects of hearing aid costs is that most insurance plans offer limited or no coverage. Understanding what your insurance does and does not cover is essential to managing out-of-pocket costs.

Original Medicare (Parts A and B)

Original Medicare explicitly excludes hearing aids and hearing aid fitting exams from coverage. This is one of the most significant gaps in traditional Medicare benefits. Medicare Part B does cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams when ordered by a doctor to determine if you need medical treatment, but it will not pay for the hearing aids themselves. For a complete breakdown of this coverage gap, read our article on whether Medicare covers hearing aids.

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)

Medicare Advantage plans are the primary source of hearing aid insurance coverage for seniors. According to CMS data, a majority of Medicare Advantage plans now include some level of hearing aid benefits as a supplemental benefit. Coverage structures vary widely between plans, but typical benefit designs include a per-ear allowance ranging from $500 to $3,000 every one to three years, or access to a preferred provider hearing aid network with reduced copays on specific models. Some of the most generous plans offer allowances of $2,500 to $3,000 per ear, which can cover most or all of the cost of mid-range prescription hearing aids. To compare plans with the best hearing benefits, see our guide on the best hearing aid coverage for seniors.

Employer and Private Health Insurance

Most employer-sponsored health insurance plans and individual marketplace plans do not include hearing aid benefits. Hearing aids are generally not considered an essential health benefit under the Affordable Care Act for adults, so insurers are not required to cover them. However, some states have enacted mandates requiring certain plans to provide hearing aid coverage, and some employers offer hearing benefits as part of their plans. A typical employer hearing benefit, when available, provides $1,000 to $2,500 per ear every three to five years. Always check your specific plan's summary of benefits.

Medicaid Coverage for Hearing Aids

Medicaid hearing aid coverage varies significantly by state. For children, hearing aids are a mandatory Medicaid benefit under the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) program. For adults, hearing aid coverage is an optional benefit that each state decides whether to include.

As of 2026, approximately 30 states offer some level of hearing aid coverage for adult Medicaid recipients. The scope of coverage varies widely:

• Comprehensive coverage states: Some states cover the full cost of hearing aids, hearing evaluations, fittings, and follow-up visits with few restrictions. Replacement is typically allowed every three to five years.
• Limited coverage states: Some states cover hearing aids but impose dollar caps, limit the available models, or restrict coverage to one hearing aid instead of a pair. Dollar limits may range from $500 to $1,500 per ear.
• No adult coverage states: Roughly 20 states do not provide any hearing aid coverage for adult Medicaid beneficiaries. In these states, adults on Medicaid must pay out of pocket or seek other assistance programs.

If you are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid (dual-eligible), your Medicaid program may cover hearing aids that Medicare does not. Contact your state Medicaid office to understand your specific benefits.

VA Hearing Aids: Free for Eligible Veterans

The Department of Veterans Affairs operates one of the most comprehensive hearing aid programs in the country. Veterans enrolled in VA health care can receive hearing aids at no cost, regardless of whether their hearing loss is service-connected. The VA benefit includes:

• Complete hearing evaluation by a VA audiologist
• Hearing aids from major manufacturers (the VA is the largest purchaser of hearing aids in the United States)
• Custom fitting and programming
• Batteries or rechargeable chargers at no cost
• Ongoing repairs and maintenance
• Replacement hearing aids when needed

Hearing loss is the most common service-connected disability among veterans, and the VA dispenses over 900,000 hearing aids annually. If you are a veteran, enrolling in VA health care should be your first step before paying out of pocket for hearing aids.

Discount Retailers: Costco and Sam's Club

Warehouse clubs have become one of the best values in the hearing aid market. Costco operates hearing aid centers in most of its locations, staffed by licensed hearing instrument specialists. Sam's Club also offers hearing aid services in select locations.

Costco's Kirkland Signature hearing aids are manufactured by major hearing aid companies and sold under Costco's private label. In 2026, a pair of Kirkland Signature hearing aids costs approximately $1,400 to $1,800, compared to $4,000 to $6,000 for equivalent technology-level models from private audiology practices. The Costco price includes a hearing test, fitting, programming, and follow-up adjustments. Costco also sells brand-name hearing aids from manufacturers like Phonak, ReSound, and Jabra at prices that are typically 30% to 50% below what private practices charge.

The trade-offs of buying from a warehouse club include shorter appointment times, less personalized counseling compared to a dedicated audiology practice, and the need for a membership (Costco membership is $65 per year, though you do not need a membership for a free hearing test). For many cost-conscious buyers, the savings of $2,000 to $4,000 or more per pair make warehouse clubs an excellent option.

Payment Plans and Financing Options

If you cannot afford to pay for hearing aids in full, several financing options can make the cost more manageable:

• Audiologist payment plans: Many private audiology practices offer in-house payment plans that allow you to spread the cost over 6 to 24 months, often with zero interest. Ask your audiologist about available financing before your purchase.
• Healthcare credit cards: CareCredit and similar healthcare financing companies offer credit lines specifically for medical expenses including hearing aids. Many offer promotional periods of 6 to 24 months with zero interest if the balance is paid in full during the promotional period. Be aware that deferred interest charges can apply if you do not pay off the balance in time.
• HSA and FSA funds: If you have a Health Savings Account or Flexible Spending Account, you can use these pre-tax funds to pay for hearing aids, including OTC models. This effectively gives you a discount equal to your marginal tax rate, typically 22% to 32% for most taxpayers.
• Charitable assistance programs: Organizations like the Starkey Hearing Foundation, Lions Club International, and the Hearing Loss Association of America offer programs that provide free or reduced-cost hearing aids to qualifying individuals based on income and need.

Tax Deductions for Hearing Aids

The IRS classifies hearing aids as a deductible medical expense under Publication 502. This means you can include the cost of hearing aids, along with batteries, maintenance, and repairs, when calculating your medical expense deduction on Schedule A. To claim this deduction, you must itemize your deductions, and you can only deduct the portion of your total medical expenses that exceeds 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).

For example, if your AGI is $60,000, the 7.5% threshold is $4,500. If your total medical expenses for the year, including a $5,000 pair of hearing aids, are $7,000, you could deduct $2,500 ($7,000 minus $4,500). At a 22% tax rate, that deduction saves you $550. The deduction is more valuable if you have other significant medical expenses in the same year that push you further above the 7.5% threshold.

OTC vs. Prescription: When to Choose Each

Choosing between OTC and prescription hearing aids depends on your hearing loss severity, lifestyle, budget, and insurance coverage. Here is a practical framework to guide your decision.

Choose OTC hearing aids if: you have mild to moderate hearing loss, you are comfortable with self-fitting using a smartphone app, you do not have insurance coverage for hearing aids, you want an affordable entry point to try hearing amplification for the first time, or you primarily need help hearing in quiet to moderately noisy environments. A mid-range OTC model at $500 to $1,000 per pair provides the best balance of cost and features for most first-time users.

Choose prescription hearing aids if: you have moderate to severe or profound hearing loss, you have tried OTC hearing aids and found them inadequate, you have asymmetric hearing loss or tinnitus that requires specialized programming, you spend significant time in noisy environments like restaurants, meetings, or social gatherings, or you have insurance coverage that makes prescription aids affordable. With good Medicare Advantage coverage, prescription hearing aids can cost less out of pocket than premium OTC models.

Bundled Dental, Vision, and Hearing Plans

Many Medicare Advantage plans bundle dental, vision, and hearing benefits together. If you need coverage across all three areas, choosing a plan with a comprehensive bundle can be more cost-effective than addressing each need separately. Some bundled plans include hearing aid allowances of $1,000 to $3,000 per ear alongside dental coverage for cleanings, fillings, and dentures, plus vision coverage for annual eye exams and eyeglasses. For a comparison of the best bundled plans, see our guide on the best dental, vision, and hearing bundle plans.

Total Cost of Ownership: What to Factor In

The sticker price of hearing aids is only part of the total cost. When budgeting, consider these additional expenses:

• Batteries: If your hearing aids use disposable batteries, expect to spend $50 to $150 per year on batteries. Rechargeable hearing aids eliminate this ongoing cost but may require a battery replacement after three to five years, costing $100 to $300.
• Repairs: Out-of-warranty repairs typically cost $150 to $400 per hearing aid. Many audiologists include a two- to three-year warranty with new hearing aids, and extended warranties are available for $200 to $500.
• Follow-up visits: If your initial purchase does not include bundled follow-up visits, individual audiology appointments for adjustments cost $50 to $150 each. Some practices charge separately for these visits (unbundled pricing) while others include them in the hearing aid price (bundled pricing).
• Replacement cycle: Hearing aids typically last three to seven years. If you pay $4,000 for a pair that lasts five years, your annualized cost is $800 per year. A $1,400 Costco pair lasting five years costs $280 per year.

How to Reduce Your Hearing Aid Costs

Regardless of your insurance situation, there are several strategies to lower the cost of hearing aids:

• Shop at Costco or Sam's Club for prescription hearing aids at 30% to 60% below private practice prices.
• Choose a Medicare Advantage plan with strong hearing benefits during the Annual Enrollment Period if you anticipate needing hearing aids.
• Use HSA or FSA funds to pay with pre-tax dollars, saving 22% to 32% on the effective cost.
• Check for state Medicaid coverage if you are a Medicaid beneficiary.
• Enroll in VA health care if you are a veteran, for free hearing aids and ongoing care.
• Consider OTC hearing aids first if you have mild to moderate hearing loss and no insurance coverage.
• Deduct hearing aids on your taxes as a medical expense if you itemize deductions.
• Ask about previous-generation models when buying prescription aids. When a manufacturer releases a new model, the previous generation is often available at a significant discount with only minor differences in technology.

The Bottom Line

Hearing aid costs in 2026 range from under $200 for a basic OTC pair to over $12,000 for premium prescription hearing aids. The right choice depends on your hearing loss severity, your insurance benefits, and your budget. For many people with mild to moderate hearing loss and no insurance, OTC hearing aids at $500 to $1,000 per pair offer a significant improvement in quality of life at an affordable price. For those with more significant hearing loss or strong insurance coverage, prescription hearing aids from a warehouse club or through a Medicare Advantage hearing benefit can provide superior performance at a manageable cost.

Regardless of which option you choose, the most important step is to address your hearing loss rather than ignore it. Untreated hearing loss is associated with social isolation, cognitive decline, depression, and increased fall risk. Whether you start with a $300 OTC pair or invest in premium prescription aids, better hearing is an investment in your overall health and quality of life.