Where the money comes from

Most people pay for hearing aids out of pocket, but the cost does not have to come all at once. Your options depend on your insurance, your age, and whether you may have access to for government programs — and many hearing aid sellers offer their own payment plans to spread the expense over months.

Medicare covers hearing aid exams but not the devices themselves, with one exception: if you have a VA benefit or are a Native American, your government coverage includes the aids. For everyone else, the path forward is usually private insurance (if your plan covers hearing aids), a payment plan from the audiologist or hearing aid company, a personal loan, or a combination of these.

The price of a pair of hearing aids ranges widely — from around $1,000 to $6,000 or more depending on the technology and the seller. Knowing what financing routes are actually open to you before you buy saves you from discovering too late that you cannot afford the device you chose.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare does not cover hearing aids for most seniors, but some private insurance plans do — call your insurer before you schedule a fitting.
  • Hearing aid sellers often offer payment plans that split the cost into monthly payments with no interest, usually over 12 to 36 months.
  • Medicaid covers hearing aids in some states but not others, and coverage rules vary widely — contact your state Medicaid office to learn what your state pays for.
  • Veterans, Native Americans, and people with certain disabilities may have government coverage that includes the full cost of hearing aids.
  • A personal loan or credit card can cover the upfront cost, but compare the interest rate to what a hearing aid seller offers before you choose.

Private insurance and what it actually covers

Some private health insurance plans cover hearing aids, but most do not. The plans that do usually cover a percentage of the cost — often 50 percent — and set a dollar limit on what they will pay per ear, per year, or per lifetime. A plan might pay up to $1,500 per hearing aid every three years, for example, which means you still owe the rest.

Call your insurance company before you buy. Ask whether your plan covers hearing aids, what percentage it pays, what the dollar limit is, and whether you need a referral from your doctor. Some plans require you to use an audiologist in their network. Get the answer in writing if you can, because phone representatives sometimes give incomplete information.

If your plan does cover hearing aids, the insurance payment usually goes directly to the audiologist or hearing aid seller, and you pay the difference out of pocket or through a payment plan. The seller can tell you exactly how much your insurance will cover once you provide your member ID.

Medicaid coverage by state

Medicaid is a state program, and each state decides whether to cover hearing aids. About half of states cover them, but the rules differ — some cover only one pair per lifetime, others cover a new pair every few years, and some limit coverage to people under a certain age or with specific conditions.

To find out whether your state's Medicaid covers hearing aids, contact your state Medicaid office. You can find the phone number by searching "[your state] Medicaid" online or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE and asking for a referral. If your state does cover hearing aids, Medicaid will usually pay the full cost, but you may have to use an audiologist in the Medicaid network.

If you are not yet on Medicaid but think you might be may be able to access based on income, your state Medicaid office can tell you how the process works. may be able to access rules vary by state, and some states have expanded coverage to people over 65 with low income.

Payment plans from hearing aid sellers

Most audiologists and hearing aid companies offer payment plans that let you split the cost into monthly payments. These plans typically run 12 to 36 months and charge no interest if you pay on time. Some sellers offer plans through third-party lenders like CareCredit or Affirm, which may charge interest if you do not pay off the balance within a promotional period.

Before you agree to a payment plan, ask the seller three things: the monthly payment amount, the total interest you will pay (if any), and what happens if you miss a payment. Some plans charge a late fee or raise the interest rate if you fall behind. If the seller uses a third-party lender, read the terms carefully — promotional zero-percent plans often jump to a high interest rate if you do not pay in full by the end of the promotion.

A payment plan through the seller is often easier than a personal loan because there is no credit check and the approval is usually when ready. However, if you have good credit and can get a personal loan at a lower interest rate, that may be cheaper in the long run.

Personal loans and credit cards

A personal loan from a bank or credit union can cover the full cost of hearing aids upfront, and you repay the loan over a set period — usually 2 to 7 years. The interest rate depends on your credit score and the lender. If you have good credit, a personal loan may cost less than a payment plan from the hearing aid seller, especially if the seller uses a third-party lender with a high promotional rate.

A credit card works the same way, but the interest rate is usually higher than a personal loan unless you have excellent credit. Some credit cards offer a promotional zero-percent period for large purchases, which can work well if you can pay off the balance before the promotion ends. If you cannot, the regular interest rate kicks in and the cost rises quickly.

Before you take out a loan or put hearing aids on a credit card, compare the total cost — the device price plus all interest — to what the hearing aid seller's payment plan would cost. A spreadsheet or a loan calculator can show you the difference. Sometimes the seller's plan is cheaper because it has no interest at all.

Veterans and other government programs

The VA covers hearing aids for veterans at no cost, including the exam, the device, and adjustments. To use this benefit, you must be enrolled in the VA health system. If you are not enrolled, contact your local VA medical center or call 1-800-MY-VA411 to start the process. The VA typically fits you with hearing aids at no charge and provides follow-up care.

Native Americans may have coverage through the Indian Health Service or their tribal health program. Contact your tribal health office or the nearest IHS facility to learn what hearing aid services are available to you.

Some people with disabilities may have coverage through state vocational rehabilitation programs, which help people with disabilities prepare for work. If you are working or planning to work and a hearing loss affects your job, your state vocational rehabilitation office may pay for hearing aids. Contact your state's vocational rehabilitation agency to ask whether you are may be able to access.

Nonprofit organizations and discount programs

Several nonprofits offer discounted hearing aids or financial help paying for them. The Hearing Loss Association of America runs a network of local chapters that sometimes have information about low-cost clinics or used hearing aid programs. Starkey Hearing Foundation and other manufacturers sometimes donate hearing aids to people who cannot afford them, though the process is slow and the devices are not always the latest models.

Some hearing aid chains offer discount programs for people without insurance. Costco, for example, sells hearing aids at lower prices than many independent audiologists, though you need a Costco membership. Sam's Club and Walmart also offer hearing aid services at lower price points, though the selection of devices may be smaller.

Before you pursue a discount program, get a hearing test and know what type of hearing aid you need. A discount on the wrong device is not a bargain.

What to do if you cannot afford the payment plan

If the monthly payment is still too high, ask the seller whether they can lower it by extending the payment period. A 36-month plan costs less per month than a 12-month plan. Some sellers will also negotiate on price if you are paying cash or if you are a cash customer without insurance.

If the seller cannot work with you, ask whether they offer a trial period or a return policy. Many sellers let you try hearing aids for 30 days and return them for a refund if they do not work for you. This protects you if you buy a device and realize you cannot afford the ongoing adjustments or batteries.

You can also ask your audiologist whether a less expensive device would work for your hearing loss. Entry-level hearing aids cost less than premium models and work well for many people, though they may have fewer features. An audiologist can tell you whether a cheaper model would meet your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Medicare cover hearing aids?

Medicare does not cover hearing aids for most people, even though it covers the hearing test. The only exceptions are veterans (through the VA), Native Americans (through the Indian Health Service), and people with certain disabilities. If you have a private Medicare Advantage plan, check with your insurer — some of these plans do cover hearing aids.

Can I use a payment plan if I have bad credit?

Yes. Payment plans from hearing aid sellers usually do not require a credit check. However, if the seller uses a third-party lender like CareCredit, you may be asked to provide credit information. Even if you are denied, the seller may offer their own in-house payment plan with no credit check.

What happens if I stop paying a hearing aid payment plan?

If you miss payments, the seller may charge a late fee, raise the interest rate, or refer the debt to a collection agency. Some payment plans require you to pay the full remaining balance when ready if you miss a payment. Read the contract before you sign so you know what the consequences are.

Are used or refurbished hearing aids cheaper?

Yes, used and refurbished hearing aids cost less than new ones — sometimes 30 to 50 percent less. However, they usually come with a shorter warranty and may not have the latest technology. Some nonprofits and hearing aid manufacturers donate refurbished devices to people who cannot afford new ones. Ask your audiologist whether refurbished options are available.

Can I buy hearing aids online to save money?

You can buy some hearing aids online, but you still need a hearing test and fitting from an audiologist, which costs extra. Online retailers often have lower prices on the device itself, but once you add the cost of a professional fitting, the total may not be much cheaper than buying from a local audiologist. Online devices also may not come with the same warranty or follow-up support as devices sold by a local provider.