Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids in 2026?
Reviewed by Galit Sacajiu MD, MPH
Hearing loss affects more than 30 million Americans over 65, yet Original Medicare has never covered hearing aids. This is one of the most significant and costly gaps in Medicare coverage.
Original Medicare Does Not Cover Hearing Aids
Medicare Parts A and B do not pay for hearing aids, the hearing exam used to fit them, or routine hearing screenings. This has been true since Medicare was created in 1965, and it has not changed. If you purchase hearing aids with only Original Medicare, you are paying out of pocket.
Hearing aids are not cheap. A pair from an audiologist typically runs $2,000 to $6,000 or more, depending on technology level. Even entry-level professional hearing aids start around $1,000 per pair.
Medicare Does Cover Certain Diagnostic Hearing Tests
There is a distinction between a hearing exam to fit hearing aids and a diagnostic hearing test ordered by a doctor to evaluate a medical condition. Part B covers the latter. If your doctor orders a hearing test to diagnose a specific medical issue, Medicare pays 80% of the Medicare-approved amount after your deductible. A routine hearing exam performed to fit hearing aids is not covered.
Medicare Advantage Plans and Hearing Benefits
Many Medicare Advantage plans include a hearing benefit as part of their extra benefits package. Coverage varies significantly from plan to plan. Some offer a modest annual allowance, such as $500 toward in-network hearing aids. Others provide allowances of $1,500 to $2,500 and include coverage for exams and fittings.
When comparing Advantage plans, look at the specific dollar amount of the hearing benefit, whether you must use the plan's hearing network (most use HearUSA or a similar network), and whether the allowance covers one or two hearing aids.
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
In August 2022, the FDA finalized rules allowing hearing aids to be sold over the counter without a prescription for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. OTC devices from brands like Jabra Enhance, Sony CRE, and Lexie now sell for $200 to $1,500 per pair, a fraction of the cost of prescription devices.
OTC hearing aids are not covered by Medicare, but they are a legitimate option for many people. They work best for mild to moderate hearing loss. Severe hearing loss typically requires a prescription device fitted by an audiologist.
Your Options in 2026
If you want hearing coverage through Medicare, your best path is a Medicare Advantage plan with a meaningful hearing benefit. Compare plans in your area using the hearing benefit allowance as one of your key criteria. If you have Original Medicare and Medigap, you will need either a standalone hearing benefit plan or an OTC device.
See our [Medicare Advantage guide](/medicare-advantage) to find plans with hearing coverage near you.