Hearing Aids for Seniors

Sensorineural hearing loss can happen at any age.  It can also happen as we age.  It is one of those cruel dichotomies in life that the seniors who need hearing aids are least able to pay because they live on a fixed income.  Hearing aids can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. If you are a senior and need help paying for hearing aids here are some things you should know.

Affordable Health Care Act and Hearing Aids

If you receive your insurance through one of the state exchanges established by the Affordable Health Care Act (Obamacare) you may be eligible for reimbursement for your hearing aids and the cost of hearing screenings. For example, Arizona, Nevada, and Hawaii offer some coverage for hearing aids and screening tests.  Be sure to check with your state to see what is covered where you live.

Private Insurance and Hearing Aids for Seniors

While some private insurance may cover hearing aids, screenings, and audiologist fees for children and young adults (usually under 18 or 21), most do not.  You can check your policy to determine your coverage.  Arkansas, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island are the exception. These states mandate coverage for hearing aids and hearing tests.

Medicare and Hearing Aids

Original Medicare and Medicare Part A and Part B do not provide for coverage of hearing screenings and hearing aids.  Medicare Part B does cover diagnostic hearing test costs if they are ordered by your doctor if your hearing loss is due to illness, injury, or the use of ototoxic medication.

Medicare Advantage plans may cover hearing aid exams and hearing aids.  Referred to as Medicare Part C, these are private policies that are designed to pick up a portion of costs not provided by other parts of Medicare.  Since every plan is different, be sure to check your plan before scheduling your appointment.  Also, make sure your doctor accepts Medicare Advantage plans.

Ask the Audiologist

Your local audiologist can be a tremendous resource in finding grants and groups that provide assistance with purchasing hearing aids.  Be sure to contact an audiologist in your area to see what assistance at the local level is available.

Private Organizations

The Hearing Loss Association of America works as a private clearinghouse for financial assistance.  They don’t provide direct assistance, but they maintain a database of organizations, foundations, and other sources of financial assistance. You can check their website or give them a call.  Since they update information frequently, be sure to check frequently.

The Lions Club International has created the Affordable Hearing Aid Project to help people on low and fixed incomes have access to hearing aids and hearing tests.  Eligible seniors will have an appointment scheduled by a hearing professional; hearing aids will be ordered and then fitted at no charge.  The project will also cover the cost of follow-up visits.  This program operates in almost every community served by Lions Clubs.

The Audient alliance helps low income seniors that need hearing tests and hearing aids.  Through the alliance, eligible seniors have access to services and equipment at discounted prices.  You can call their offices or download an application directly from their website. 

Speaking if discounts, if you are a member of AARP, you are eligible for a 20% discount on your hearing aids and services through HearUSA.  In addition, you get a three year supply of batteries for free when you participate in the program.

Don’t let finances stand in the way of getting the hearing aids you need.