Will Medicare Pay for Hearing Aid Repairs?

If you're among the 37 million Americans over 65 with hearing loss, you've probably discovered that hearing aids don't come cheap. A pair can cost $5,000 or more, and that's before you factor in repairs and maintenance. Unfortunately, Medicare's stance on hearing aid repairs is straightforward but disappointing: if you have Original Medicare, you're on your own for repair costs.

This coverage gap exists because Medicare law specifically excludes hearing aids from coverage—and has since 1965. When the devices themselves aren't covered, neither are the repairs, batteries, adjustments, or any other related services. This means you'll pay 100% out of pocket when your hearing aid needs fixing.

Why Original Medicare Won't Cover Your Hearing Aid Repairs

The reason Medicare doesn't cover hearing aid repairs goes back to the program's original design. Federal law contains what's called a "statutory exclusion" for hearing aids and related services. This isn't a policy that Medicare administrators can change on their own—it would require Congress to pass new legislation.

This exclusion is remarkably broad. It doesn't matter if your hearing loss affects your job, your safety, or your quality of life. Traditional hearing aids that you wear in or behind your ear are simply not covered, period. Since Medicare considers repairs, maintenance, and batteries as services related to hearing aids, none of these costs are covered either.

The financial impact can be significant. Minor repairs like replacing a receiver typically cost $120 to $150, while major repairs can reach $350 or more per device. Professional cleaning and maintenance runs $60 to $100 per visit. Over the five to seven years you'll likely keep your hearing aids, these costs add up quickly.

Related Reading: Does Medicare Cover Hearing Aids?

The Important Exception: Surgically Implanted Devices

While Medicare won't cover traditional hearing aids, it does cover certain surgically implanted hearing devices and their repairs. The key difference? Medicare classifies these as prosthetic devices that replace the function of body parts, not just amplify sound.

Cochlear implants are the most common example. These devices bypass damaged parts of your ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. Because they replace the function of your cochlea, Medicare covers them as prosthetics. This coverage extends to repairs, maintenance, and replacement parts. You'll still pay the standard 20% Medicare coinsurance after meeting your Part B deductible, but that's far better than paying 100%.

Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) get similar treatment. These devices are surgically attached to the bone behind your ear and transmit sound through bone conduction. Medicare covers BAHAs and their repairs because they're considered medically necessary prosthetics, not simple hearing aids.

The distinction might seem arbitrary, but it makes a huge difference in coverage. If you need a $300 repair on a cochlear implant, Medicare would typically pay $240 and you'd pay $60. For the same repair on a traditional hearing aid, you'd pay the full $300.

How Medicare Advantage Plans Fill the Gap

If you're enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan instead of Original Medicare, you likely have access to hearing aid repair coverage. In 2025, 97% of Medicare Advantage plans offer hearing benefits that Original Medicare doesn't provide. These benefits vary widely, but they often include repair coverage that can save you hundreds of dollars.

Many Medicare Advantage plans partner with hearing aid networks like TruHearing or NationsHearing. Through these partnerships, plans typically provide hearing aids with three-year manufacturer warranties that cover repairs at no additional cost. After the warranty expires, your plan may still offer repair benefits, though coverage details vary significantly.

For example, some UnitedHealthcare plans through AARP offer hearing aids for copayments ranging from $399 to $1,699 per ear, depending on the technology level. These copayments include the three-year warranty covering repairs. Humana plans might offer similar benefits with different copayment amounts and coverage terms.

The catch is that you usually must use in-network providers for both the hearing aids and repairs. Going outside the network often means losing coverage entirely. Plans can also change their benefits annually, so this year's generous repair coverage might disappear next year.

Finding Alternative Ways to Pay for Repairs

Without insurance coverage, you'll need to explore other options for managing repair costs. Start with your manufacturer's warranty. Most hearing aids come with warranties lasting one to three years that cover repairs for defects and sometimes accidental damage. Some manufacturers offer extended warranties for purchase, which might be worth considering if you don't have other coverage.

Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare have the best alternative option available. The VA provides comprehensive hearing aid services, including all repairs and maintenance, at no cost to eligible veterans. This coverage is separate from Medicare and continues for the life of the device. If you're a veteran, this benefit alone makes VA enrollment worthwhile.

For those with limited income, state Medicaid programs might help. Twenty-eight states currently offer some hearing aid coverage for adults on Medicaid. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid (dual-eligible), check whether your state covers repairs. States like California provide up to $1,510 annually for hearing aids and repairs, while Washington State recently expanded coverage to include all medically necessary repairs.

Nonprofit organizations provide another safety net. Local Lions Clubs operate hearing aid assistance programs nationwide, often helping with repairs or providing refurbished devices. The Starkey Hearing Foundation's Hear Now program and the Miracle-Ear Foundation also assist low-income individuals, though eligibility requirements and application processes vary.

Strategies to Minimize Repair Costs

Prevention remains your best defense against expensive repairs. Regular maintenance can prevent many common problems. Clean your hearing aids daily, store them properly in a dry place, and replace batteries on schedule. Many audiologists offer annual maintenance plans for around $400 that include unlimited cleanings and minor adjustments—potentially good value if you'd otherwise need frequent service.

When repairs become necessary, shop around. Independent repair services often charge less than manufacturers for out-of-warranty repairs. Some offer mail-in services that can be convenient and cost-effective. Just verify their credentials and check reviews before sending your expensive devices to anyone.

Consider the repair-versus-replace calculation carefully. If your hearing aids are more than five years old and need major repairs costing over $500, replacement might make more sense. Newer models often have better technology and fresh warranties. Over-the-counter hearing aids, now FDA-approved for mild to moderate hearing loss, cost $99 to $2,500 per pair—potentially less than repairing older prescription devices.

Planning ahead helps too. During Medicare's annual enrollment period, carefully review Medicare Advantage plans' hearing benefits if you're considering switching from Original Medicare. Look specifically for repair coverage after warranties expire, annual dollar limits, and network requirements. The plan with the lowest monthly premium might not offer the best hearing aid coverage.

How a Solace Advocate Can Help

Navigating Medicare's hearing aid coverage rules can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already dealing with hearing loss. A Solace advocate can clarify exactly what Medicare covers and what it doesn't, including the important distinctions between excluded hearing aids and covered prosthetic devices like cochlear implants.

Your advocate can help you understand your Medicare Advantage plan's hearing benefits, including repair coverage details that might be buried in your plan documents. They'll know what questions to ask about warranties, network restrictions, and coverage limits. If you're considering switching plans during open enrollment, they can compare hearing benefits across different options to find the best coverage for your needs.

When coverage is denied, your advocate can help appeal the decision. They understand the documentation needed and can coordinate with your audiologist to build a strong case. They're particularly helpful when dealing with prior authorization requirements for covered devices or when trying to establish medical necessity for implanted devices.

Beyond insurance, your advocate can connect you with financial assistance programs you might not know exist. They can help you apply for nonprofit programs, navigate state Medicaid benefits if you're dual-eligible, or access VA benefits if you're a veteran. They know which programs are worth pursuing and can help manage the often complex application processes.

Perhaps most importantly, your advocate can coordinate your overall hearing healthcare. They can ensure your primary care doctor, ENT specialist, and audiologist are all communicating effectively. They can help schedule appointments, transfer medical records, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. When you're dealing with hearing loss, having someone who can handle phone calls and advocate for your needs makes a real difference.

Frequently Asked Questions about Medicare Hearing Aid Repair Coverage

Q: If Medicare doesn't cover hearing aids, why would it cover repairs for them?

Original Medicare doesn't cover hearing aid repairs at all—that's the short answer. Since Medicare excludes hearing aids entirely from coverage, it also excludes all related services including repairs, maintenance, batteries, and adjustments. The only hearing devices Medicare covers for repairs are surgically implanted ones like cochlear implants and bone-anchored hearing aids, which Medicare classifies as prosthetic devices rather than hearing aids.

Q: My Medicare Advantage plan covers hearing aids. Does that mean repairs are covered too?

Not necessarily. While 97% of Medicare Advantage plans offer some hearing benefits, repair coverage varies significantly between plans. Many plans include hearing aids with three-year manufacturer warranties that cover repairs during that period. After the warranty expires, you'll need to check your specific plan's benefits. Some plans continue covering repairs with copayments or up to annual limits, while others don't. Always verify repair coverage with your plan before assuming it's included.

Q: What's the difference between a hearing aid and a cochlear implant in terms of Medicare coverage?

The key difference is how Medicare classifies them. Traditional hearing aids amplify sound and are specifically excluded from Medicare coverage by law. Cochlear implants, however, bypass damaged parts of your ear to directly stimulate the auditory nerve. Medicare considers them prosthetic devices that replace the function of your cochlea. This classification means Medicare covers cochlear implants, their surgical placement, and all related repairs and maintenance, though you'll still pay 20% coinsurance after meeting your deductible.

Q: I'm a veteran with Medicare. Should I get my hearing aids through the VA or Medicare?

If you're eligible for VA healthcare, absolutely use VA benefits for hearing aids. The VA provides comprehensive coverage that far exceeds anything available through Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans. This includes hearing aids, all repairs, maintenance, batteries, and accessories at no cost for the life of the devices. You can have both Medicare and VA coverage simultaneously—use the VA for hearing healthcare and Medicare for other medical needs.

Q: How much should I budget for hearing aid repairs if I have Original Medicare?

Without coverage, plan for $100 to $400 annually in routine maintenance costs after your warranty expires. Basic cleaning and adjustments typically cost $60 to $100 per visit. Minor repairs run $120 to $350, while major repairs can reach $500 or more. Battery costs add about $50 annually for disposable batteries, or around $200 every four to six years for rechargeable battery replacements. Consider purchasing an extended warranty or setting aside funds specifically for these expenses, especially as your devices age.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for professional advice. Information is subject to change. Consult your healthcare provider or a qualified professional for guidance on medical issues, financial concerns, or healthcare benefits.

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