There are no two ways about it: hearing aids are expensive.

The average cost for a pair of hearing aids can exceed a few thousand dollars when bundled with things like hearing exams, fittings, adjustments, and follow-up visits, according to a report published in Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technologies.¹ And for the majority of us who live with hearing loss—as many as 77%, according to the report—that price tag can be financially devastating.

“It’s truly an injustice,” said Gretchen Tanbonliong, Associate Director of Health & Wellness at NCOA. “By the time we reach our 70s, nearly half of us will experience some degree of age-related hearing loss. And we know how important it is to treat. Better hearing wards off feelings of social isolation and depression—and even puts the brakes on cognitive decline.”

And yet, as researchers from the U.S. Census Bureau discovered, 42% of people age 65 and over rely on Social Security for at least half of their income.2 Nearly one quarter depend on it for 75% of their monthly budget.2 At a time when the average Social Security check is around $2,0803—and consumer prices continue to rise—this leaves little room for “extras.”

Given this, you may wonder: does Medicare provide hearing aid coverage?

With very few exceptions, the answer is “no.”

“Hearing aids should be non-negotiable, not a discretionary expense,” Tanbonliong said. “That’s why my colleagues at NCOA work hard, every day, to advocate for improvements to Medicare benefits.”

In the meantime, if you or someone you know needs help paying for hearing aids, several options do exist. We cover them all below.

How much do hearing aids cost?

In the United States, the average amount you’ll pay for a pair runs between $2,500–$3,690.1,4

Typically, that range applies to prescription models that you get from a licensed hearing specialist, like an audiologist or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor. On the other hand, some of the best affordable hearing aids are available over the counter without a prescription; these may cost as little as $200 depending on the type, brand, and model.

Where can I buy cheap hearing aids?

First, when you think about the cost of hearing aids, it’s important to consider “low price” versus “low quality.”

Here’s why. In October 2022, the FDA lifted its previously strict rules around who could get hearing aids and how they could get them. Among other things, this action broadened access to safe, affordable, and effective hearing aid technology for millions of American adults. By removing the requirement for a prescription, the FDA opened the door on a direct-to-consumer market. This meant that companies could now sell their hearing aids over the counter (OTC) in stores and online. Many of these companies are established, known, and have solid reputations. Some aren’t, and don’t.

Seeing an opportunity, these latter companies rushed in to provide cheap OTC hearing aids to a willing audience. These hearing aids may be easier on your wallet up front but a lot more expensive down the line: measured in extra, unbudgeted time and money spent getting them to work, repairing them, or replacing them altogether. And there always are scammers looking to make money on cheap knock-offs. So the old adage applies: buyer beware.

Many inexpensive OTC hearing aids are made and perform quite well (see our Audien hearing aid review for one example). And you can find them in many familiar online and brick-and-mortar pharmacies, electronics stores, and wholesale clubs like:

• Amazon
• Best Buy
• BJ’s
• Costco
• CVS
• Walmart

Are there programs to help pay for hearing aids?

Yes.

While Medicare coverage is strictly limited (more on this a little further down), you still may qualify for other sources of financial help with hearing aids. These include:

Federal

• Veterans Affairs: If you’re a U.S. veteran whose hearing loss is service-related, you may qualify for no-cost hearing health services and hearing aids through the Veterans Health Administration.

State

• Dedicated agencies: Currently, 38 states host agencies for the deaf and hard of hearing. In addition to advocacy and resources, some of these agencies provide loaner hearing aids and financial assistance programs for permanent ones. Find your agency here.
• Medicaid: Medicaid hearing aid coverage depends on where you live. Some states opt to include a certain level of hearing care in their plans. If you’re a Medicaid enrollee, contact your state agency to ask whether this coverage is included.

Nonprofit and community resources

• Help America Hear: Offered through the Foundation for Sight and Sound, this program provides new prescription hearing aids for people who live on low income. Participants make a $250 good-faith deposit which they either can pay forward or request back if they need it.
• Lions Club: Many U.S.-based chapters of this international service organization participate in the Lions Affordable Hearing Aid Project (AHAP), which offers highly discounted or free hearing tests, devices, and fittings. Contact your local chapter for more info. 
• Miracle-Ear Foundation: In partnership with customer donors, this foundation provides free hearing aids and related support services to income-eligible recipients. For more information and to learn how to apply, visit their foundation page.
• Sertoma: Sertoma’s Hearing Aid Project works to connect people in financial need to state, national, and international assistance programs. Check its searchable database for resources you may qualify for.

Finally, the Hearing Industries Association publishes a comprehensive directory of hearing and hearing aid financial assistance resources.

Does Medicare or other insurance pay for hearing aids?

Original Medicare (Parts A and B) doesn’t cover hearing aids or the costs associated with getting them. This includes hearing exams, hearing aids, or fittings (There is one important exception: if your doctor believes your hearing loss may be due to an underlying medical condition, Medicare will pay for a diagnostic hearing exam and balance assessment).

On the other hand, many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans do offer additional hearing, vision, and dental benefits. If you’re enrolled in Medicare Advantage, check with your plan to see what coverage you may have for hearing health.

What about other types of insurance?

Here’s a quick run-down:

• Private plans: Do you purchase your own health insurance? Some of these plans, including big names like Blue Cross Blue Shield, offer limited hearing aid benefits—usually in the form of discount programs like TruHearing. Others may provide a small allowance that’s tied to a specific hearing aid vendor, has a lifetime cap, or both.
• Employer or union plans: Likewise, some employer-sponsored plans offer partial hearing aid benefits for current and retired workers. These benefits can vary widely and may change year to year. Ask your human resources department for current guidance or check your plan documents to see what may be covered.
• Supplemental plans: There are a number of special stand-alone policies that cover hearing aids, including UnitedHealthcare Hearing; Aflac’s DVH (dental, vision, and hearing) Insurance; Humana Extend; and others. Still, this coverage is tightly defined and may be limited to hearing exams—with high co-pays attached to the devices themselves.

Other ways to pay for hearing aids

• Check with the manufacturer—Some offer financing options, special rebates, and other incentives.
• Use your pre-tax dollars—Hearing aids generally are reimbursable via HSA and FSA spending accounts.
• CareCredit—This third-party health and wellness credit card can help you spread costs over time.

Tips to save money on hearing aids

Purchasing hearing aids is a lot like purchasing clothes or groceries. Meaning: it pays to shop around. Once you’ve brushed up on how to buy OTC hearing aids, you can compare and contrast brands, models, and prices. You may find that you can save considerably from one store to the next.

Beyond comparison shopping, you can also:

• Research community hearing clinics in your area: Many colleges, universities, and allied health training programs offer free or low-cost hearing exams and hearing aids to people in need.
• Ask about discount programs: While they don’t always advertise it, retailers and service providers often extend special savings to customers age 55 and over.

How long do hearing aids last?

It depends on several things: how much they cost; how well you maintain them; how often you charge or change the batteries; and where you store them. (Humid environments, like a medicine cabinet or closet in your bathroom, can damage your hearing aids).

If you take good care of your hearing aids, there’s no reason they shouldn’t last for quite a long time. Still, it's always a good idea to find a manufacturer that stands behind their brands with solid product warranties and customer support. (This is especially important because the FDA does not require manufacturers to offer warranties or return policies for their devices).

FAQ

Are cheap hearing aids worth buying?
They can be. Keep in mind the difference between “low cost” and “low quality.” There are a dizzying number of inexpensive over-the-counter options available today. The best affordable hearing aids are made to last; others aren’t. Before you buy, it makes sense to research manufacturers and read product reviews to assess their value for the price.

Can I get hearing aids for free?
Possibly. Federal and state programs, including the Veterans Health Administration and Medicaid, provide affordable or free access to hearing aids for eligible enrollees. A variety of nonprofit and private organizations, like Lions Club and the Miracle-Ear Foundation, offer financial assistance as well. The Hearing Industries Association offers a list.

Why are hearing aids so expensive?
Typically, it’s because they’re bundled together with hearing evaluations, fittings, ongoing adjustments, and follow-up appointments. In the past, getting hearing aids through an audiologist’s office also meant that you paid a significant mark-up on them. The good news is, there are many ways to access affordable hearing aids today.

Sources

1. Anna Marie Jilla et al. Hearing aid affordability in the United States. Disability and Rehabilitation: Assistive Technology. Oct. 28, 2020. Found on the internet at https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17483107.2020.1822449

2. Peter Gratton. How Many People Rely Mostly on Social Security in Retirement? Investopedia. April 23, 2026. Found on the internet at https://www.investopedia.com/how-many-people-rely-mostly-on-social-security-in-retirement-11954297

3. Donna LeValley. The Average Monthly Social Security Check: March 2026. Kiplinger. Found on the internet at https://www.kiplinger.com/retirement/social-security/average-monthly-social-security-check

4. Ethan D. Borre, PhD et al. Potential Clinical and Economic Outcomes of Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids in the US. JAMA Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery. May 18, 2023. Found on the internet at https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2805260