Hearing and balance: what Medicare covers (and why not hearing aids)

Hearing and balance exams

• Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance (fall risk) exams when your doctor or other provider orders them to see whether you need medical treatment.
• You can see an audiologist once every 12 months without an order, but only for gradual hearing loss (like loss that develops over years) and for hearing loss treated with surgically implanted devices.
• You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the Part B deductible, plus a copay in a hospital outpatient setting.

Cochlear implants

Medicare covers cochlear devices as prosthetic devices when your doctor orders them and you get them from a Medicare-enrolled supplier. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after the deductible.

Hearing aids aren't covered

Original Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids or exams for fitting them, and Medigap generally doesn't either. Most Medicare Advantage plans offer extra benefits like hearing coverage. Compare what each plan pays before you join; see dental, vision and hearing.

Preventing falls

If balance is a concern, ask about a balance exam. Medicare also covers medically necessary physical therapy, and walkers and canes as medical equipment.