Insurance information reviewed by Kristin Keiner, Business Manager. Last reviewed July 15, 2026.
The short answer: Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or exams performed solely to fit hearing aids. Medicare Part B may cover certain diagnostic hearing and balance exams, and some Medicare Advantage plans offer additional hearing benefits. Your exact costs depend on your plan and the reason for the visit.
That distinction is easy to miss. “Medicare covers a hearing test” does not necessarily mean “Medicare pays for hearing aids.” Here is how the main parts fit together.
Does Original Medicare pay for hearing aids?
No. Medicare's official coverage page states that Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids. If you have only Original Medicare and no other hearing benefit, you generally pay the full cost of the devices and fitting-related services.
This exclusion applies to the hearing aids themselves. It does not mean that every service performed by an audiologist is excluded.
When can Medicare Part B cover a hearing test?
Medicare Part B may cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams when they are medically necessary and meet Medicare's requirements. Medicare explains that qualifying exams may be covered when a doctor or other healthcare provider orders them to determine whether medical treatment is needed.
Medicare also allows direct access to an audiologist once every 12 months for certain non-acute hearing conditions and certain services related to surgically implanted hearing devices. Coverage rules are specific, so it is worth confirming the reason for the test and the expected patient cost before the appointment.
A test performed only to select, prescribe, fit, or adjust a conventional hearing aid is different from a covered diagnostic exam and may not be covered by Original Medicare.
What about Medicare Advantage hearing aid benefits?
Some Medicare Advantage plans—also called Medicare Part C—include hearing benefits that Original Medicare does not. Those benefits vary widely. A plan may use:
- a fixed allowance;
- a copayment for selected devices;
- a restricted network of providers;
- a third-party hearing-benefit administrator;
- limits on brands, technology levels, or replacement frequency.
Do not rely only on the word “hearing” in a benefit summary. Ask what is covered, which providers are in network, whether an authorization is required, and whether professional services are included.
Questions to ask your insurance plan
Before choosing a device, call the member-services number on your insurance card and ask:
- Do I have a hearing aid benefit this year?
- Is the benefit an allowance, discount, or copayment program?
- Must I use a specific provider network or third-party administrator?
- Are the hearing evaluation, fitting, follow-up visits, and repairs included?
- Which brands and technology levels are eligible?
- How often may I use the benefit?
- Does the benefit apply to one hearing aid or a pair?
Write down the representative's name, the date, and any reference number. Benefits can differ even between plans offered by the same insurer.
How much do hearing aids cost without coverage?
Merit Hearing publishes hearing aid prices so patients can compare options before booking. As of this article's draft date, prescription hearing aids at Merit start at $815 for one device or $1,435 for a pair. Exact pricing varies by brand, model, technology level, and service plan.
If a third-party hearing benefit is involved, its required pricing may differ from the prices shown on Merit Hearing's website. Confirm both the device price and included services before deciding.
Compare Merit Hearing's current hearing aid prices.
Can Merit Hearing help check a benefit?
Merit Hearing works with many insurance plans and can help patients understand their hearing benefits. Coverage and participation vary by plan and clinic location, so verification is not a guarantee of payment.
Review payment and insurance information or contact Merit Hearing before your visit.
Local Medicare and hearing aid help
Merit Hearing serves patients in Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and Florida. Medicare Advantage networks and benefits can differ by plan and county, so verification should be completed for the clinic you intend to visit. Start with the Merit Hearing locations directory to find the appropriate office, then ask that team to help you identify the information needed for a benefit check.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover a hearing test every year?
Part B may cover qualifying diagnostic services, and Medicare permits certain direct-access audiology services once every 12 months. A routine exam performed only for hearing aid fitting is not automatically covered. Ask the provider and Medicare plan how the specific service will be billed.
Does Medicare cover hearing aid batteries or repairs?
Original Medicare generally does not cover conventional hearing aids, so routine supplies and repairs for those devices are generally not covered either. A Medicare Advantage plan may offer different benefits.
Does Medicaid cover hearing aids?
Medicaid rules vary by state and eligibility category. Contact the state program or plan shown on your card for current details.
Are cochlear implants treated the same as hearing aids?
No. Surgically implanted hearing devices are governed by different Medicare rules than conventional hearing aids. A specialist can explain eligibility and coverage requirements.
Sources
- Medicare: Hearing aids
- Medicare: Hearing and balance exams
- CMS: Audiology services
- Merit Hearing pricing
This article provides general educational information, not medical or insurance advice. Benefits and costs vary. Confirm current coverage with your plan and provider.