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Hearing Aid Cost: With and Without Insurance
Insurance may lower the cost of hearing aids, depending on your plan and provider.
Updated:
At a glance:
- Without insurance, hearing aids can cost between $1,000 and $12,000. Costs with insurance depend on your insurance provider and plan.
- Medicare Advantage may offer hearing aid coverage, depending on network limitations and your eligibility, while Medicaid is required to cover hearing aids for children.
- Financing options and assistance programs at the state and national levels are available to help cover the cost of hearing aids.
Hearing aids are crucial for people with hearing loss, whether mild to severe, and finding the best hearing aid that works for you is vital to taking care of your hearing and mental well-being. Unfortunately, these medical devices are costly, especially prescription models tailored to your specific hearing needs.
Because many people develop hearing loss as they age, many assume hearing aids are covered by insurance; however, the rules are a bit more complex. Below, we explore the cost of hearing aids with and without insurance, and discuss financing and assistance programs.
Hearing Aid Cost Without Insurance
The cost of hearing aids without insurance can range anywhere from $1,000 to $12,000 per pair. However, the price greatly depends on the type of hearing aid, the provider, technology level, included features, warranties, and other factors.
Hearing aid price is also influenced by whether your hearing aids are prescribed or over-the-counter (OTC). The average price for prescription hearing aids ranges from $4,000 to $12,000. These models are best for people with severe or complex hearing loss. Prescription hearing aids are fitted perfectly to your ears and are manufactured to meet your specific needs, thereby increasing costs.
Over-the-counter hearing aids are best for those with mild to moderate hearing loss and who don’t have complex hearing needs. OTC hearing aids tend to cost anywhere from $100 for simple options to $2,500 for premium models.
While these budget-friendly options work for many people, they might not work for your type of hearing loss. When it comes to your hearing health, it’s often best to opt for a higher-quality medical device that will address your hearing needs and increase your quality of life, even if it costs more.
Hearing Aid Cost With Insurance
Not every insurance plan offers coverage for hearing services, and those that do typically only cover a percentage. In most cases, your insurance company will require you to meet a deductible or certain requirements before coverage occurs.
Additionally, insurance coverage varies significantly by provider and plan. Some insurance providers may only offer hearing aid support in certain plan tiers, while others may only offer partial coverage for exams or devices.
Because coverage varies between insurance companies and within insurance plans, it’s impossible to provide the exact price of hearing aids with insurance. However, we can offer an example: If your plan offers a $1,500 allowance and the pair of hearing aids you need costs $5,500, your out-of-pocket cost would be $4,000.
Keep in mind, every insurance plan is different, and you may qualify for greater coverage, depending on your medical needs, the state you live in, whether the professional services are in-network, and more.
Medicare and Medicaid Hearing Aid Coverage & Costs
Medicare and Medicaid are common insurance providers, and you may wonder if they help cover the cost of hearing aids.
Medicare
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) typically does not cover hearing aids; however, Medicare Advantage (Part C) may offer hearing aid coverage. Coverage often depends on network limitations and your eligibility; additionally, each plan may include different copayments, deductibles, premiums, vendor restrictions, and more.
Medicare Part B may cover diagnostic hearing exams and balance exams. However, these tests must be ordered by a hearing professional to determine if medical treatment is necessary. If an exam is covered, you’re still required to pay the Part B deductible and 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for the doctor’s services.
Medicaid
Medicaid is required to cover the cost of hearing aids for children under 21; this is true for every state. Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefits include exams, fittings, and replacements.
However, coverage for adults (21+) varies by state, and a physician’s signature is usually needed to confirm the hearing aid is medically necessary. Coverage may include audiological exams, dispensing fees, repairs, and replacements. However, many states limit the number of times a new hearing aid can be obtained over a specified period.
You can visit Medicaid.gov to learn more about your coverage options.
Hearing Aid Financing Options and Assistance Programs
Paying for a hearing aid can be a major obstacle for some people, preventing them from accessing necessary hearing care. However, financing options and assistance programs are available to help both children and older adults with a hearing aid purchase.
Many hearing aid manufacturers offer financing directly, allowing you to pay off the hearing aid over time, often at low or 0% interest rates. A few of these companies include Eargo (12 or 24-month financing with 0% APR), Audicus (flexible payment plans through CareCredit or Allegro), and Lexie (subscription-based payment plans).
Some audiology practices may also offer financing. Be sure to discuss what financing options are available with your healthcare provider, especially if your private insurance does not cover hearing aids.
Other potential financing and assistance programs include:
- FSA and HSA Savings Plans
- Veteran benefits
- Nonprofits (e.g., National Hearing Aid Project and Sertoma)
- Discount/Assistance Programs (e.g., Hear Now and Miracle-Ear Foundation)
Be sure to look into local and state programs to help pay for your hearing aids.
Bottom Line: Hearing Aids Can Be Pricey, But Insurance Coverage and Discounts are Available
Hearing aids are a major investment, and with modern hearing aid technology adding Bluetooth, rechargeable batteries, and tinnitus relief, costs can skyrocket. Without insurance, paying for a hearing aid may be a major obstacle for some people. Luckily, with the right insurance plans and providers, you can receive assistance, either through discounts or coverage for hearing tests and follow-up care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlike with vision or dental, there are no insurance plans specifically for hearing aids; however, many third-party insurance companies do cover loss, damage, or repairs for devices. However, these third-party providers may cover only certain types of hearing aids (which may not meet your needs) or provide coverage only for theft or damage. Be sure to read the details closely before opting for these third-party providers.
Yes, you can get workers’ compensation for hearing loss caused by long-term exposure to loud noise at work or by specific workplace incidents. In most cases, these benefits will cover medical treatment and offer compensation for permanent impairment; however, claims can be complex and require proof that your hearing loss was caused by working conditions.
Yes, in many cases, hearing aids are considered a deductible medical expense by the IRS if you weren’t compensated by your insurance to pay for them.
Yes, coverage is available for active-duty service members, their families, and many veterans. Programs like TRICARE cover hearing aids for active duty personnel with hearing loss that meets specific criteria. Also, the VA provides high-quality, free hearing aids and repairs for eligible veterans, particularly those with service-connected hearing loss, disabilities, or other qualifying conditions.
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