Hearing aids are not covered
Medicare.gov lists both hearing aids and exams for fitting hearing aids as not covered. You pay the full cost under Original Medicare.
A Medigap policy won't fill this gap. It pays your share of services Medicare covers, and hearing aids are not one of them.
What Part B does cover
Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams when your doctor or other provider orders them to find out if you need medical treatment.
You can also see an audiologist once every 12 months without an order, for non-acute hearing conditions. In 2026 you pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the $283 deductible, plus a copay in a hospital outpatient setting.
| Service | Covered? | What you pay in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing aids | No | All costs |
| Exams for fitting hearing aids | No | All costs |
| Diagnostic hearing and balance exams (ordered by a provider) | Yes, Part B | 20% after the $283 deductible |
| Audiologist visit without an order (non-acute conditions) | Yes, once every 12 months | 20% after the $283 deductible |
Where hearing coverage comes from
Some Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits Original Medicare doesn't, including hearing. Benefits and allowances differ by plan, so read the details. Our county guides, such as Duval County, list every 2027 plan.
If you keep Original Medicare, some supplemental plans include a hearing benefit. Our coverage gap calculator helps you see what is left uncovered, and our dental and vision service can walk you through the options.