Original Medicare does not pay for hearing aids, hearing-aid fittings, or routine hearing exams performed solely to select a hearing aid. You generally pay the full cost unless you have other coverage.

What Hearing Services Can Medicare Cover?

Part B may cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams when a doctor or other qualified provider orders them to determine whether medical treatment is needed.

For certain hearing problems that are not sudden, called non-acute conditions, you can see an audiologist without an order once every 12 months. This also applies to certain diagnostic services related to surgically implanted hearing devices. This does not create coverage for conventional hearing aids or fitting exams. Medicare lists the eligible diagnostic visits.

For covered diagnostic services, the Part B deductible and 20% coinsurance generally apply. A hospital outpatient copayment may also apply.

What About Cochlear Implants?

Cochlear implants and other surgically implanted hearing devices are different from conventional hearing aids. Medicare may cover an implant, related surgery, programming, and follow-up when medical criteria are met.

Medicare Advantage Hearing Benefits

Some Medicare Advantage plans offer benefits for routine hearing exams or hearing aids. Review:

  • The audiologist and hearing-aid provider network
  • Copayments
  • Brand or device restrictions
  • Annual or multi-year allowances
  • Replacement frequency
  • Trial, return, battery, and repair policies

An allowance may cover only part of the device's price.

When asking for a cost estimate, ask separately about the diagnostic exam, a conventional hearing aid, and any proposed implanted device. For an Advantage hearing allowance, a hypothetical $1,000 benefit toward an eligible $2,500 device would still leave $1,500 before other applicable charges; use your plan’s actual price and benefit rules.

Medicare policy sources last checked: October 8, 2026.