No, Original Medicare does not pay for hearing aids or for exams to fit them. Medicare Part B does cover diagnostic hearing and balance exams when a doctor or other provider orders them to find out if you need medical treatment. Help with the cost of the devices themselves can come from a Medicare Advantage plan that adds hearing benefits, from New York Medicaid for people who qualify, or from the lower prices of over-the-counter models.
Does Medicare pay for hearing aids?
Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not. Medicare.gov lists hearing aids, and exams for fitting hearing aids, as not covered, and says you pay all costs. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) says the same thing: Medicare does not cover hearing aids for adults, although diagnostic evaluations ordered by a physician are covered.
| Item | Original Medicare |
|---|---|
| Hearing aids | Not covered. You pay all costs. |
| Exams to fit hearing aids | Not covered. You pay all costs. |
| Diagnostic hearing and balance exams ordered by a doctor or other provider | Covered by Part B. After the Part B deductible you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount. |
| Hospital outpatient setting | You also pay the hospital a copayment. |
Our guide to Medicare versus Medicaid in New York explains why the two programs treat benefits like this so differently.
What hearing tests does Medicare cover?
Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams, including balance (fall risk) exams, if your doctor or other health care provider orders them to find out whether you need medical treatment. The exam is about diagnosis, not about choosing a device.
Medicare.gov also says you can see an audiologist once every 12 months without an order from your provider, but only for non-acute hearing conditions, such as hearing loss that develops over many years, and for diagnostic services related to hearing loss treated with surgically implanted hearing devices. Anything else needs an order first.
Medicare.gov also warns that a provider may recommend services Medicare does not cover. Ask whether Medicare will pay before you book.
Do Medicare Advantage plans cover hearing aids?
Some do. Medicare.gov says some Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) offer extra benefits that Original Medicare does not cover, such as vision, hearing or dental, and tells people to contact the plan for details. Whether a plan has a hearing benefit, and how much it pays, differs from plan to plan.
Before you rely on a plan, ask these questions in writing or note the answers:
- Does the plan pay for hearing aids, for the fitting exam, or both?
- Is there a dollar limit, and how often does it renew?
- Must you use certain audiologists or dispensers?
- Does it need a referral or prior authorization first?
Free counseling on Medicare plans is available from New York’s HIICAP program at 1-800-701-0501.
Does New York Medicaid cover hearing aids?
Yes, when they are medically necessary. The New York State Medicaid Hearing Aid/Audiology Services Policy Manual, effective 7/1/2026, says Medicaid pays for eligible members, when medically necessary, to relieve disability caused by loss or impairment of hearing. It is written for providers, but it shows exactly what has to happen. For people who also have Medicare, Medicare not paying for hearing aids does not change the fact that Medicaid has its own hearing aid policy for eligible members.
The manual’s main coverage criteria are:
- There is documented medical need.
- The member is alert, oriented and able to use a hearing aid appropriately, or has help with use and care available if needed.
- The aid is fitted to the better-hearing ear unless a medical reason is documented.
- Hearing loss in the better ear is 30 dBHL or greater (average of 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz). The manual also lists two alternative measures for people who cannot be tested that way.
A second aid (binaural fitting) needs extra reasons listed in the manual. For adults 21 and older, binaural requests, replacements and repairs costing $70 or more need prior approval, and prior approval does not guarantee payment.
Not everything is paid. Per the manual, FM systems, assisted listening devices and tinnitus maskers are not reimbursable by Medicaid. If you are in a managed long term care plan, the state’s covered services list includes audiology and hearing aids. Other Medicaid plans may have their own provider networks and steps, so ask yours. Whether you qualify for Medicaid at all is a separate question, covered in our guide to what Medicaid covers for home care.
How the Medicaid process works, step by step
- Start with a hearing test. Hearing screening can be done by any licensed provider within their scope. Audiology services generally need a referral from a physician, physician assistant or nurse practitioner, though a screening or a hearing aid check does not.
- Get a written recommendation. An otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) or audiologist must say you need a hearing aid and include pure tone and speech audiometry results.
- Get medical clearance. The manual lists medical clearance among the phases of care and the documents needed for prior approval.
- Use an enrolled dispenser. Hearing aids must be dispensed by a licensed or registered provider enrolled in New York Medicaid, and within six months of the recommendation.
- Use the trial period. The manual describes a 45-day trial after dispensing, with return visits for adjustments, followed by a statement confirming the aid helps.
Are over-the-counter hearing aids a cheaper option?
They can be, but they suit only some people. The FDA created a category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. The category went into effect on October 17, 2022, after the final rule was published in the Federal Register. You can buy them in a store or online without an exam, a prescription or a fitting by an audiologist.
NIDCD notes that hearing aids range from hundreds to several thousand dollars and says to check whether your insurance covers any of the cost. Original Medicare does not, and New York Medicaid requires an enrolled provider to dispense hearing aids, so confirm with your plan or Medicaid before a store purchase.
| OTC hearing aid | Prescription hearing aid | |
|---|---|---|
| Who it is for | Adults 18+ with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss | Any level of loss and any age, as appropriate |
| Exam needed first | No | Yes, through a licensed hearing health professional |
| Fitting and programming | You do it yourself, using tools or software | A licensed professional programs it to your hearing |
| Where to buy | Store or online | From a licensed professional |
The FDA says OTC aids are not for severe or profound hearing loss, and lists “red flag” conditions that call for a doctor, preferably an ear, nose and throat doctor, instead of self-treatment. They include blood, pus or fluid from the ear in the past six months, ear pain, a lot of earwax, severe dizziness or spinning, hearing that changed suddenly in the past six months, worse hearing in one ear, and ringing in only one ear. If you have trouble hearing in a quiet room, see a hearing health professional.
Where can you find free or low-cost hearing help in New York City?
Start with free information, then look at nonprofit and plan options. We checked the following, and we did not list any New York State hearing aid program we could not confirm.
- NY Connects, 1-800-342-9871. A free service of the state, run in New York City by the Department for the Aging. It serves older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers of all income levels, and can help with benefit eligibility, applications and referrals. People who are deaf or hard of hearing can use NY Relay at 7-1-1. NYC Aging lists the Brooklyn office at (718) 671-6200 and the Queens office at (718) 559-4400.
- HLAA-NYC. The New York City chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America offers chapter meetings, information about assistive technology and peer support. Its site lists a meeting on cochlear implants on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, from 6 to 7:30 PM.
- NIDCD Information Clearinghouse, 1-800-241-1044. NIDCD says some nonprofit organizations give financial help for hearing aids and others provide used or refurbished ones, and its staff can point you to them.
- Our equipment guide. See free medical equipment in New York for other ways to find home equipment at low or no cost.
What are the signs of hearing loss, and why does it matter?
About one-third of older adults have hearing loss, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), and because age-related loss is gradual, people often do not notice it. NIA suggests seeing a doctor if you or someone you care for:
- has trouble understanding people on the telephone,
- finds it hard to follow conversations when two or more people talk,
- often asks people to repeat themselves,
- needs the TV so loud that others complain,
- has trouble with speech in background noise, or thinks others mumble.
It matters for more than convenience. NIA reports that older adults with hearing loss have a greater risk of developing dementia, and that people who used hearing aids or cochlear implants had a lower risk of long-term cognitive decline than people with uncorrected hearing loss. Hearing loss, even small amounts, is also linked to a higher risk of falls, and it can lead to withdrawal and loneliness. NIA also notes that people who cannot hear well are sometimes mistakenly thought to be confused or uncooperative.
Sudden hearing loss is different. NIA says it should be treated as a medical emergency and that a person should see a doctor immediately. For related reading, see our guides on fall prevention in NYC apartments and loneliness and mental health in seniors. Questions about hearing and memory belong with the person’s doctor.
How can a caregiver or home care aide help with hearing aids?
Day-to-day habits make a large difference, and they are where family members and aides can help once a device has been fitted. Following the care tips from NIDCD, a routine can include:
- Keeping hearing aids away from heat and moisture.
- Cleaning them as instructed, since earwax and ear drainage can damage them.
- Avoiding hairspray and other hair products while they are worn.
- Turning them off when not in use.
- Replacing dead batteries right away, and keeping spare batteries and small aids away from children and pets.
NIDCD says whistling can come from a poor fit or from earwax or fluid in the device, and the audiologist should adjust it. The FDA notes it takes time and practice to get used to wearing hearing aids.
Communication matters just as much. NIA’s tips for talking with someone who has hearing loss include finding a quiet place, standing in good lighting, facing the person and speaking clearly, speaking a little louder than normal without shouting, not covering your mouth or chewing while talking, rewording instead of only repeating, and letting only one person talk at a time. Be patient, because frustration is common.
An aide does not diagnose or adjust devices. If the person says the hearing aid is uncomfortable, silent or whistling, the aide should tell the family, and the audiologist or doctor should decide what to do. If you are building a daily care routine, our personal care services and in-home care pages describe the help we provide.
Need help with the next step?
ProLife Home Care is a licensed home care agency in Brooklyn and Queens (NY State Department of Health licence #2572L001). We are not an audiology practice and cannot tell you which hearing aid to choose or whether you qualify for a benefit. If a family member needs daily help at home, call (718) 232-2777 or use our contact page.
Coverage rules change. Everything above was checked on 14 October 2026 against medicare.gov, fda.gov, federalregister.gov, nia.nih.gov, nidcd.nih.gov, emedny.org, health.ny.gov, nyc.gov, hearinglossnyc.org and shiphelp.org. Confirm your own situation with your plan, the New York Medicaid program or 1-800-MEDICARE. Plan benefits differ, and Medicaid eligibility depends on your circumstances. This page is general information, not medical or legal advice. Ask the person’s doctor or audiologist about hearing tests and devices.
Frequently asked questions
Does Medicare cover hearing aids?
No. Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids, and you pay all costs. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing benefits, so check your plan.
Does Medicare pay for hearing tests?
Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams if a doctor or other health care provider orders them to find out if you need medical treatment. After the Part B deductible you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount.
Are hearing aids covered by Medicare Advantage?
Some plans include hearing as an extra benefit, but it varies by plan. Ask the plan whether it covers the device, the fitting exam, any dollar limits and which providers you must use.
Does Medicaid in New York pay for hearing aids?
Yes, for eligible members when medically necessary. The state’s policy requires documented need, a written recommendation from an audiologist or otolaryngologist with test results, an enrolled dispenser and, in some cases, prior approval.
What is the hearing loss requirement for New York Medicaid?
The manual’s main test is hearing loss of 30 dBHL or greater in the better ear, based on the average of 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz. It lists alternative measures if that cannot be tested.
Can I use an over-the-counter hearing aid if I have Medicare?
You can buy one, but Medicare will not pay for it. The FDA says OTC hearing aids are for adults 18 and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. If you cannot hear well in a quiet room or have a red flag symptom, see a doctor or hearing health professional first.
Where can I get free hearing help in NYC?
Call NY Connects at 1-800-342-9871 for free information and referrals, and contact the HLAA-NYC chapter for support and information. NIDCD can point you to nonprofits that offer financial help or refurbished aids.
