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Hearing loss is common in older adults, yet many do not use hearing aids. Beyond improving hearing, hearing aids have been shown to positively impact physical and mental health.
Medicare and Hearing Aid Coverage
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or exams for fitting them. However, some Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans provide additional benefits, including hearing services.
Medicare does cover hearing implants. Additionally, other programs and organizations offer financial assistance for hearing aids. Given the high out-of-pocket cost and the importance to overall health, it is worth exploring all options.
Health Benefits of Hearing Aids
An estimated 37.5 million U.S. adults have some degree of hearing loss, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). Yet, only about one in four who need hearing aids actually use them.
Research shows that hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, dementia, impaired physical function, and poorer overall health. Here are some key findings:
- Wearing hearing aids reduces the risk of cognitive decline by nearly 50% in older adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- People who do not use hearing aids have a higher risk of dementia compared to those who do.
- Older adults with hearing loss have a 2.4 times greater risk of falls, but regular hearing aid use reduces this risk by 50%.
- Hearing aids can improve mental health and reduce depressive symptoms within three months of use.
- Regular hearing aid use is associated with a 24% lower risk of mortality in older adults with hearing loss.
Hearing loss becomes more prevalent with age, affecting 90% of those aged 85 and older. Many adults over 50 are unaware that hearing health impacts overall health and well-being.
Does Medicare Pay for Hearing Aids?
Many adults who need hearing aids do not use them due to cost. Prescription hearing aids can range from $4,000–$6,000 per pair, while FDA-authorized over-the-counter (OTC) aids cost around $1,000.
Coverage under Medicare:
- Original Medicare (Parts A & B): Does not cover hearing aids or exams for purchasing them. Part B covers diagnostic hearing exams if ordered by a doctor, with patients paying 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after deductibles.
- Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): Private plans that may offer hearing aids and audiologist exams in addition to Original Medicare benefits.
- Cochlear Implants: Original Medicare covers 80% of costs for eligible patients, including the device, surgery, and rehabilitation.
Other Options to Pay for Hearing Aids
If Medicare coverage is insufficient, consider these options:
- Private health insurance: Some plans cover hearing aids.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) & Health Savings Accounts (HSA) can be used to pay for hearing aids.
- Veterans Administration benefits: May provide coverage for veterans.
- Medicaid: Coverage varies by state; over half of state programs provide some coverage for hearing aids for adults.
- Charitable organizations & discount programs:
- Starkey Hearing Foundation
- Lions Clubs International
- Easter Seals
- Let Them Hear
- Miracle-Ear Foundation
- Hearing Aid Project
- EPIC Hearing Healthcare
- Hearing Industries Association Guide to Financial Assistance
Your elder law attorney can provide guidance on Medicaid eligibility, applications, and other ways to pay for hearing health care.
