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Hearing Loss
July 3, 2024
5 Min

How To Save on Hearing Aids

While hearing aids are beneficial for those experiencing hearing loss, they're also expensive. Learn more about financing options for hearing aids!

Author:
Nicole Brener
How To Save on Hearing Aids
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While hearing aids are highly beneficial for those experiencing hearing loss, they're also quite expensive. 

A pair of prescription hearing aids costs between $2,000 and $7,000, while over-the-counter options are generally less than $1,000. This is just one barrier to receiving the care people with hearing loss need.

The good news is that you have a range of options and resources for saving money on hearing aids. 

This article will empower you with knowledge about alternatives such as government assistance programs, nonprofit organizations, and tax savings accounts, helping you find cost-effective ways of getting the hearing aids you need.

The Real Cost of Hearing Aids

It is estimated that more than 1.5 billion people worldwide live with some degree of hearing loss, which is about 20% of the global population. So, if you're experiencing hearing loss symptoms, remember you're not alone.

Hearing aids have evolved into highly reliable hearing devices, but what's the real cost of getting hearing aids?

In-the-canal (ITC) or completely-in-canal (CIC) hearing aids are more expensive than behind-the-ear designs. Rechargeable, Bluetooth-enabled devices and those equipped with AI capabilities also have a higher price point.

In addition to the hearing aids, you may need a medical exam with an audiologist, fitting, programming, and adjustments, which can add to the total cost. Depending on where you purchase them, some of these costs are bundled together with the purchase of your hearing aids. 

Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are a more affordable option than prescription ones. Some of the most inexpensive models of OTC hearing aids cost around $99 for a pair. While most cost between $500 and $1,000 per pair, it's reassuring to know that there are options that won't break the bank.

There’s also the “hidden cost” of owning hearing aids. Maintenance costs, hearing aid batteries (if your device is not rechargeable), tunings, accessories, and repairs can all add up. For these reasons, it is wise to consider financial assistance options to help lessen the burden. 

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Financial Assistance Programs for Hearing Aids

Let’s look at the available programs to make hearing aids affordable and accessible.

Medicare Advantage Plan

Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids. However, some Medicare Advantage plans include hearing aid coverage as supplemental benefits, including the cost of hearing tests, fittings, and repairs. Medicare Advantage plans cap hearing coverage limit costs to $960 per year, but the range can be from $66 to $4,000.

You can sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan when you become eligible for Medicare, whether when you turn 65 or qualify based on a disability. Evaluating your options before deciding that the Medicare Advantage plan is the best for you is important.

Employer Health Plan

Check the insurance provided by your employer, as it may include hearing aid coverage. Depending on your plan's benefits, you may need to meet a deductible, co-pay, or cover exceeding costs. If you have a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plan, you have access to out-of-network benefits, meaning you can choose a hearing health provider outside of your insurance’s network. 

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Children’s Health Insurance programs that are Medicaid expansions cover screening, diagnostic, and treatment services called the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) benefit, a Medicaid benefit for children. This includes services like speech and language therapies and hearing screenings, and 95% cover hearing aids.

TRICARE

TRICARE is a government-managed healthcare program for the U.S. military, including active-duty service members and their families. TRICARE covers hearing aids if you have a hearing loss that meets certain criteria. Dependents of active-duty members may also qualify for coverage if hearing loss significantly impacts their quality of life or daily functioning. 

It’s important to check with TRICARE to understand your specific eligibility. 

VA Healthcare

Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare qualify for hearing tests and clinically-justified hearing aids.

Worker’s Compensation

If your hearing loss directly results from your job, you may be eligible for worker’s compensation. Coverage and policies vary by state and employer, so it is important to consult beforehand.

Private Health Insurance

Policies are commonly region-specific, so it is recommended that you check your plan coverage details or call your insurance company and ask for more information. You may find that your plan covers some amount, so it’s worth doing your homework.

Medicaid

Medicaid programs vary by state and may offer hearing aid services to eligible individuals.

Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Some prescription and OTC hearing aids are eligible to pay using FSA/HSA funds.

Financing Options

Financing options with flexible payment plans can make hearing aids more affordable. Some options include Healthcare Credit Cards with zero or low-interest fees or financing companies like PayPal Credit and Ally.

Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services 

Federal and state programs may provide funding for hearing aids to eligible individuals. Check your state’s local policies to find a list of resources. Additionally, vocational rehabilitation services can potentially help with obtaining hearing aids. These services often offer assessments, counseling, and financial assistance to support your employment goals and improve your quality of life. 

Non Profit Organizations

The best advice for seeking help from non-profit organizations is to research local entities that support the deaf or hard-of-hearing population, such as The Hear NOW program, The Miracle-Ear Foundation, The Foundation for Sight & Sound, and many more. The HLAA is a good resource for finding these organizations.

Tax Deductions

Great news! Hearing aids qualify as a medical expense, which means you can deduct the cost of your hearing aids from your tax return. However, you must itemize deductions instead of taking the standard deduction. This includes costs for hearing aids, batteries, repairs, and maintenance.

The Takeaway

If you need hearing aids and the thing that’s stopping you is financial expenses, there are many programs that may be able to help you. Check with your health insurance, ask about your Medicaid policy, seek nonprofit organizations that can provide discounted services and look at over-the-counter hearing aids that provide more accessible options. 

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Nicole Brener

Copywriter based in Miami, FL. Leads copywriting workshops and mentors women entrepreneurs at the Idea Center of Miami Dade College.

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Nagish Acquires Sign.mt to Drive Research in AI and Sign Language. 
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How To Save on Hearing Aids

Key Findings

  • Workplace Impact: 62% of Deaf and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals report that communication barriers hinder career mobility.
  • Healthcare Challenges: 62% of Deaf and 66% of Hard-of-Hearing individuals experience communication barriers in healthcare settings, contributing to delays in treatment.
  • Concerns About Emergency Communications: 20% of Deaf and 24.3% Hard-of-Hearing users also expressed serious concerns that communication barriers would prohibit them from contacting healthcare personnel in an emergency situation.
  • Independence Boost: Assistive technology nearly doubled rates of independence, with 60% of Deaf users and 63% of Hard-of-Hearing users reporting increased autonomy.
  • Emotional Strain: 55% of Deaf users and 83% of Hard-of-Hearing users reported emotional distress due to communication frustrations.
  • Social and Professional Opportunities: 46% of Deaf and 32.9% of Hard-of-Hearing users saw improved social and career prospects thanks to assistive technologies.

Empowering the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Through Technology: A New Era of Communication and Independence

At Nagish, we’ve seen firsthand just how much communication shapes daily life for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing communities. Our recent survey highlights the significant barriers they face in the workplace, healthcare settings, and in their social lives. But it also sheds light on a powerful solution: assistive technology. The results of this survey reinforce our commitment to empowering these communities and remind us why our mission matters: with access to the right tools, independence grows, opportunities expand, and well-being improves.

We collected data through a comprehensive survey involving over 300 individuals who are Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing and currently use hearing assistive technology. The survey included 179 Deaf and 140 Hard-of-Hearing participants, with data collected in an inclusive and accessible manner to ensure that everyone could participate and share their experiences without barriers.Communication Barriers in the Workplace: Limiting Career Mobility

Communication challenges in the workplace remain one of the most significant hurdles for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals, preventing them from fully realizing their career potential. Assistive technology offers a solution by removing these barriers and expanding access to a broader range of job opportunities and career growth.

Download the PDF Report

A majority of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing participants reported that communication barriers affected their career decisions, making it harder to pursue job opportunities or advance in their careers.

Deaf Participants

Hard-of-Hearing participants

65% of Deaf users rely on assistance from hearing individuals at least once a week to communicate effectively, which can limit their ability to fully engage in dynamic work environments.

Communication Barriers in Healthcare: A Matter of Public Safety
Communication challenges are not just a workplace issue — they extend into healthcare settings, where they can directly impact individuals’ health outcomes. Accessible communication tools are essential for ensuring that Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can receive timely and accurate medical care, especially in emergency situations

Many Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users face communication barriers in healthcare settings, which can lead to missed appointments, misunderstandings about medical treatments, and delayed care.

Deaf users:

62%

Hard of Hearing users:

66%

Some Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users have concerns about reaching healthcare professionals in emergencies, highlighting serious public safety risks.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Empowering Independence Through Assistive Technology
One of the most encouraging findings from our survey is just how much independence is boosted with assistive technology. This improvement in independence is not just about doing things on their own; it’s about having the confidence and ability to engage fully in both professional and personal settings.

Assistive technology has significantly increased the independence of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users in managing daily tasks, showing clear improvements after adoption.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Expanding Social and Professional Opportunities
Beyond independence, assistive technology creates connection.By removing communication barriers that keep people from joining in socially or professionallyassistive technology allows users to engage more deeply in social activities and pursue career opportunities that were previously out of reach.

Assistive technology has helped Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users expand their social networks and professional opportunities, enabling new connections and career growth.

Emotional and Psychological Impact: The Hidden Toll of Communication Barriers
People often overlook the emotional and psychological toll of communication , but they can have a profound impact on the mental well-being of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals. Assistive technology can help alleviate this emotional strain, empowering users to communicate more effectively and reducing the anxiety associated with relying on others for basic communication.

A significant number of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing users experience frustration and anxiety when communicating with family and friends, leading to isolation and stress.

Deaf users

Hard-of-Hearing users

Why This Matters: A Call for Widespread Adoption of Assistive Technologies
The findings from our survey are clear: communication barriers continue to limit the lives of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals in many areas, from the workplace to healthcare to their social lives. What’s also clear to us is that the question isn’t whether assistive technology helps—it’s how quickly we can make this powerful solution universally available.. By making these tools more accessible, we can open up new opportunities for individuals to thrive in their careers, maintain better health, and lead more independent lives.
At Nagish, we are committed to advocating for the integration of assistive technologies in all aspects of life. Whether it’s in healthcare, the workplace, or social settings, these technologies have the potential to create a more inclusive society where Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing individuals can live fully empowered lives. 
Our hope is that these findings inspire not just awareness, but action. We hope this survey creates awareness and action in promoting accessibility and inclusion for these communities. Together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of their hearing abilities, has equal access to opportunities and services.