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Around 15% of the adult U.S. population reports trouble hearing.1 At the same time, some hearing loss is undetectable, so a greater share of the population may have hearing loss than is reported.2
Hearing aids can help restore lost hearing. However, they can be expensive, so many wonder if their health insurance will cover the cost. Below, we explore the benefits of hearing aids and whether they're covered by insurance, then dive into some tips for finding affordable hearing aids.
A hearing aid is a small electronic device worn on the ear that amplifies incoming sound waves in order to improve hearing and speech in someone with hearing loss. A hearing aid contains three parts:3
Hearing aids can be customized to suit different levels of hearing loss and fit comfortably on each individual's ears.
Good hearing isn't just crucial for convenience and quality of life. Restoring your hearing can impact your health in several ways:4
Hearing aids typically aren't covered by traditional health insurance because many insurers don't consider them to be essential medical devices.5 However, in some cases, coverage may be available. For example, 20 states require insurance companies to cover hearing aids for children in most insurance plans. Additionally, five states require coverage for children and adults, although specific plans may be exempt from mandates:5
Additionally, Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans may cover hearing aids, exams, and hearing services.6 Exact coverage varies by plan. Medicare Parts A and B don't cover hearing aids but may cover diagnostic procedures.6
Outside of these instances, some insurers may offer private plans with hearing aid coverage even if not legally required. However, these may be more difficult to find, and exact coverage can vary by plan.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Help cover yourself and your family with affordable coverage from Aflac.
Hearing aids can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $7,000 on average without insurance.7 Since many health plans don't offer hearing aid coverage, and those that do may not cover the full cost, here are some ways to make hearing aids more affordable:3
In 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration established a new category for OTC hearing aids to increase accessibility to people with hearing loss.7 These generally cost $200 to $1,000.8 This can provide an affordable and convenient alternative for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. However, more severe hearing loss still requires visiting a medical professional to get custom hearing aids.7
Hearing aid retailers and manufacturers may offer discounts or deals on hearing aids. For example, they may run holiday sales or special promotions yearly. Senior-focused organizations like AAA and AARP may also offer members hearing aid discounts. Audiologists and licensed hearing aid dispenses may provide additional advice on ways to find hearing aid discounts or point you to places where you could get better deals.3
Financing options can help you spread the cost of hearing aids over a long period so you don't have to pay the full price upfront. Several financing solutions exist:
Various non-profit organizations help you find affordable hearing aids. Criteria to qualify can vary by organization, and you generally fill out an application to see if you're eligible. Here are a few non-profit organizations that can help you get affordable hearing aids:
The Hearing Charities of America website has more information on charitable organizations that help with hearing aids. Additionally, states and localities may have their own organizations that help residents get affordable hearing aids and related hearing care.
Traditional medical insurance may not cover hearing aids. That's where hearing insurance, a supplemental insurance policy offered by insurers like Aflac, comes in. Aflac's hearing insurance doesn't just offer coverage for hearing aids. It also helps you pay for related costs, like:
Hearing aids don't just restore your hearing. They help protect your overall health and help you live a satisfying life. However, the devices alone can be pricey. That doesn't account for the exams, batteries, and repairs. Fortunately, Aflac's hearing insurance can reduce these costs, making hearing restoration more affordable. Speak with an agent today to learn more and get a quote.
1National Institute of Health (NIH) - Quick Statistics About Hearing, Balance, & Dizziness. Updated March 4, 2024. https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/statistics/quick-statistics-hearing. Accessed June 4, 2024.
2National Institute of Health (NIH) - Diagnosing hidden hearing loss. Updated July 26, 2022. https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diagnosing-hidden-hearing-loss. Accessed June 4, 2024.
3Forbes - Are Hearing Aids Covered by Insurance in 2024? Updated September 12, 2023. https://www.forbes.com/health/hearing-aids/hearing-aids-insurance-coverage/. Accessed June 4, 2024.
4Healthy Hearing - Health benefits of hearing aids. Updated August 22, 2023. https://www.healthyhearing.com/help/hearing-aids/health-benefits. Accessed June 4, 2024.
5Professional Hearing Center - Why don't insurance companies cover hearing aids? https://www.professionalhearingkc.com/blog/why-dont-insurance-companies-cover-hearing-aids. Accessed June 4, 2024.
6National Council on Aging (NCOA) - Does Medicare & Insurance Cover Hearing Aids in 2024? Updated August 14, 2023. https://www.ncoa.org/adviser/hearing-aids/does-medicare-cover-hearing-aids/. Accessed June 4, 2024.
7GoodRx Health - Hearing Aids: How Much Do Prescription and Over-the-Counter Devices Cost? Updated August 16, 2022. https://www.goodrx.com/health-topic/ear/hearing-aid-cost. Accessed June 4, 2024.
8Consumer Reports - A Complete Guide to Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids. Updated November 7, 2023. https://www.consumerreports.org/health/hearing-aids/complete-guide-to-over-the-counter-hearing-aids-a3898239010/. Accessed June 4, 2024.
9CareCredit - Existing CareCredit Cardholders. https://www.carecredit.com/howcarecreditworks/existing/. Accessed June 4, 2024.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations. For complete details, including availability and costs of Aflac insurance, please contact your local Aflac agent.
Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus. In New York, Aflac coverage is underwritten by American Family Life Assurance Company of New York.
A81000 & A82000 series: In Arkansas, Policies A81100AR–A81400AR. Policies A82100RAR–A82400RAR. In Delaware, Policies A81100–A81400. Policies A82100R–A82400R. In Idaho, Policies A81100ID–A81400ID. Policies A82100RID–A82400RID. In Oklahoma, Policies A81100OK–A81400OK. Policies A82100ROK–A82400ROK. In Virginia, Policies A81100VA–A81200VA. Policies A82100RVA–A82400RVA.
Dental, Vision, and Hearing coverage is underwritten by Tier One Insurance Company. Tier One Insurance Company is part of the Aflac family of insurers. In California, Tier One Insurance Company does business as Tier One Life Insurance Company (Tier One NAIC 92908).
Dental, Vision and Hearing: In Delaware, Policy T80000. In Idaho, Policy T80000ID. In Oklahoma, Policy T80000OK. Not available NY or VA. Dental claims are administered by Aflac Benefits Solutions, Inc. Vision claims are administered by EyeMed Vision Care, LLC. Hearing claims are administered by Nations Hearing. NOTICE: The coverage offered is not a qualified health plan (QHP) under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) and is not required to satisfy essential health benefits mandates of the ACA. The coverage provides limited benefits.
Coverage may not be available in all states, including but not limited to NJ, NM, NY or VA. Benefits/premium rates may vary based on state and plan levels. Optional riders may be available at an additional cost. Policies and riders may also contain a waiting period. Refer to the exact policy and rider forms for benefit details, definitions, limitations and exclusions.
Aflac WWHQ | Tier One Insurance Company | 1932 Wynnton Road | Columbus, GA 31999
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