What hearing aids do and who pays for them
A hearing aid is a small electronic device that sits in or behind your ear and makes sound louder so you can hear conversation, television, and everyday noise better. Most hearing aids have a microphone that picks up sound, a processor that adjusts it, and a speaker that sends it into your ear canal.
Who pays depends on your insurance. Medicare does not cover hearing aids themselves, though it does cover the hearing test that determines whether you need one. Medicaid covers hearing aids in some states but not others — your state program decides. If you have a private insurance plan through an employer or the marketplace, check your policy documents or call the number on your card, because coverage varies widely. Veterans can get hearing aids through the VA if they served on active duty. If you have no insurance, you pay out of pocket, though some hearing aid manufacturers offer payment plans or discounts for uninsured customers.
Key Takeaways
- Medicare covers the hearing test but not the hearing aid itself; Medicaid coverage depends on your state.
- A hearing aid costs between $1,000 and $6,000 per device, and most people need two, one for each ear.
- You need a hearing test from an audiologist or otolaryngologist before you can get a hearing aid fitted.
- Hearing aids require regular cleaning, battery changes or charging, and adjustments as your hearing changes over time.
- Some hearing aids connect to your phone or television; others are simpler and work without electronics.
How much hearing aids cost and what affects the price
A single hearing aid typically costs between $1,000 and $6,000, depending on the technology inside it and the brand. Most people need two — one for each ear — so the total can reach $12,000. The price reflects the processor quality, how many channels the device has (more channels mean finer sound adjustment), and whether it connects wirelessly to your phone or other devices.
Basic hearing aids with fewer channels and no wireless features cost less. Premium models with artificial intelligence that learns your listening preferences, automatic noise reduction, and Bluetooth connectivity to smartphones cost more. Some manufacturers offer the same technology at different price points depending on where you buy it — a hearing aid from a big-box retailer may cost less than the identical model from an independent audiologist's office, though the fitting service and follow-up adjustments may differ.
If cost is a barrier, ask about manufacturer programs. Some companies offer discounts for people without insurance, payment plans that spread the cost over months, or trade-in programs if you already own an older hearing aid. The Hearing Loss Association of America maintains a list of programs by manufacturer on their website.
Getting a hearing test and finding an audiologist
Before you can get a hearing aid, you need a hearing test (also called an audiogram) from either an audiologist or an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat doctor). The test takes place in a soundproof booth and measures how well you hear different pitches and volumes. It shows which frequencies you struggle with and how much amplification you need.
To find an audiologist, start with your primary care doctor, who can refer you to someone in your area. You can also search the American Academy of Audiology website by zip code. If you have Medicare, call your local Medicare office or check Medicare.gov to find providers in your network. Some audiologists work in hospitals or large medical centers; others have independent practices. Ask whether they accept your insurance before you schedule, because some do and some do not.
The hearing test itself is covered by Medicare if your doctor orders it. If you have Medicaid, check whether your state plan covers it. Private insurance often covers it too, though you may have a copay. If you have no insurance, the test typically costs $50 to $200 depending on where you go.
Types of hearing aids and how they fit
Hearing aids come in several styles, and the right one depends on how much amplification you need, the shape of your ear canal, and your preference for visibility.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids sit on top of your ear with a tube that runs into your ear canal. They are larger and more visible but easier to handle if you have arthritis or dexterity problems. In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids fit inside your ear canal and are less visible but smaller and harder to adjust. Completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids are the smallest and sit deep in the ear canal, making them nearly invisible, but they are not suitable for severe hearing loss and can be difficult to remove. Receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids are a middle ground — the speaker sits in your ear and the processor sits behind it, so they are less visible than BTE but easier to handle than CIC.
Your audiologist will recommend a style based on your hearing test results and the shape of your ear. They will take an impression of your ear (a mold made of soft material) so the hearing aid fits snugly. Custom-molded hearing aids take one to two weeks to arrive after your appointment. Some hearing aids come in standard sizes that do not require a mold and can be fitted the same day.
How hearing aids connect to your devices and daily life
Many modern hearing aids use Bluetooth to connect wirelessly to your smartphone, television, or tablet. When your phone rings, the call comes through your hearing aid. When you watch television, the sound streams directly to your ears instead of through the TV speaker. Some hearing aids let you adjust volume or switch programs using an app on your phone.
Not all hearing aids have Bluetooth. Simpler models work without wireless connection — you adjust them using a button on the device itself or a small remote control. These are often less expensive and do not require you to pair them with electronics, which some people prefer.
Hearing aids need maintenance. If your device uses batteries, you replace them every few days to two weeks depending on the size and how much you use the hearing aid. If it is rechargeable, you plug it into a charger each night, similar to charging a phone. You clean the microphone and speaker regularly with a soft cloth or a special cleaning tool to remove earwax and moisture. Your audiologist will show you how during your fitting appointment.
Insurance coverage and payment options
Medicare Part B covers the hearing test if your doctor orders it, but it does not cover the hearing aid device or the fitting. Some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do cover hearing aids, though the coverage varies by plan and by state. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check your plan documents or call the plan directly to ask whether hearing aids are covered and what your out-of-pocket cost would be.
Medicaid covers hearing aids in roughly half of U.S. states. Coverage varies — some states cover one hearing aid per ear every few years, others cover both ears annually. Contact your state Medicaid office or your Medicaid managed care plan to find out what your state covers. The phone number is on your Medicaid card.
Private insurance through an employer or the marketplace may cover hearing aids, but the amount varies. Some plans cover a percentage of the cost; others cover a fixed dollar amount per year. Check your policy documents or call the customer service number on your insurance card.
If you are a veteran, the VA covers hearing aids and fitting for service-connected hearing loss. Contact your local VA medical center or call the Veterans Benefits Hotline at 1-800-827-1000 to learn whether you are covered.
Adjusting to hearing aids and getting help when they do not fit right
When you first get hearing aids, the world sounds different — louder, sometimes sharper. Your brain needs time to adjust, usually two to four weeks. Sounds you have not heard in years (like the hum of a refrigerator or traffic noise) may feel overwhelming at first. Most people find these sounds fade into the background as they adjust.
Your audiologist will schedule follow-up appointments to adjust the settings as you get used to the hearing aid. If certain sounds are too loud, if you are having feedback (a whistling sound), or if the device does not fit comfortably, tell your audiologist. These are common problems with straightforward fixes — adjusting the volume, changing the earpiece size, or reprogramming the device. Most audiologists include several follow-up visits in the price of the hearing aid.
If you are struggling after a few weeks, ask your audiologist whether you can try a different style or brand. Some practices offer a trial period (usually 30 days) during which you can return the hearing aid if it is not working for you, though you may lose part of the cost as a restocking fee. Ask about the trial policy before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Medicare pay for hearing aids?
Medicare Part B covers the hearing test but not the hearing aid itself. Some Medicare Advantage plans do cover hearing aids, but coverage varies by plan and state. Check your plan documents or call your plan to ask.
How long do hearing aids last?
Most hearing aids last three to seven years before they need to be replaced. The lifespan depends on how well you care for them, how much moisture they are exposed to, and how often the internal components wear out. Your audiologist can tell you when replacement is likely.
Can I wear just one hearing aid instead of two?
You can, but audiologists usually recommend two because your ears work together to locate sound direction and understand speech in noisy places. One hearing aid works if you have hearing loss in only one ear or if cost is a barrier, but two generally provide better results.
What if I lose or damage my hearing aid?
Some hearing aid manufacturers and insurance plans cover loss or damage, but not all. Ask your audiologist or insurance company about coverage before you buy. If damage occurs, contact your audiologist — they can often repair it or send it to the manufacturer for repair, which usually takes one to two weeks.
Are there hearing aids I can buy without seeing an audiologist?
Over-the-counter hearing aids are now available at pharmacies and online without a prescription, and they cost less than prescription hearing aids. However, they are designed for mild to moderate hearing loss and do not include professional fitting or follow-up adjustments. If you have severe hearing loss or complex needs, a prescription hearing aid fitted by an audiologist is usually a better choice.