Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids? (2026)

Short answer: Original Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids or exams to fit them. It does cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams, and there are other ways to get help with the cost.

I’m Michael Cubell, a licensed independent agent with Triangle Life & Health (licensed since 2013, NPN 16899969). I help people in 15 states sort through Medicare every day. Here’s the plain-English version.

What Original Medicare Covers for Hearing

Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance (fall risk) exams when your doctor or other provider orders them to see whether you need medical treatment. You can visit an audiologist once every 12 months without an order, but only for non-acute hearing conditions (like hearing loss that develops over many years) and for diagnostic services related to surgically implanted hearing devices.

You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible, plus a copayment if you’re seen in a hospital outpatient setting.

What Original Medicare Doesn’t Cover

• Hearing aids
• Exams for fitting hearing aids
• Routine hearing exams that aren’t diagnostic

Ways to Get Help Paying for Hearing Aids

Option	What to know
Medicare Advantage with hearing benefits	Many plans include a hearing exam and an allowance or copay for hearing aids. Amounts and approved providers vary by plan
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids	Since 2022, the FDA allows OTC hearing aids for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, with no prescription or exam needed
Stand-alone hearing or dental/vision/hearing policies	Some supplemental policies include a hearing aid benefit
VA benefits	Eligible veterans may get hearing aids through the VA

Compare extra benefits across plans in Medicare Advantage dental, vision & hearing.

With a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, most or all of the 20% for covered diagnostic exams can be covered. For example, Plan G pays the Part B coinsurance once you’ve met the Part B deductible. See my Plan G guide.

Medigap plans don’t cover hearing aids themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare pay for hearing aids?

Original Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids or exams for fitting them. Many Medicare Advantage plans include hearing aid benefits, and over-the-counter hearing aids are available for mild to moderate hearing loss.

Does Medicare cover hearing tests?

Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams when your doctor orders them. You can also see an audiologist once every 12 months without an order for certain non-acute hearing conditions. You pay 20% after the Part B deductible.

Do Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids?

Many do, usually through an allowance or set copays with specific providers. Coverage varies by plan, so compare the details.

Does Medigap cover hearing aids?

No. Medigap plans help with Medicare-covered costs, like your share of a diagnostic hearing exam, but they don’t cover hearing aids.

Are over-the-counter hearing aids an option on Medicare?

Yes. Adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss can buy FDA-regulated OTC hearing aids without a prescription. Medicare doesn’t pay for them, but they’re often less expensive than prescription hearing aids.

Questions? Let’s Talk It Through

Is hearing coverage a priority for you? I can show you which plans in your area include it. Call me at (919) 944-8443 or schedule a free consultation. No pressure, just straight answers.

📞 Call (919) 944-8443