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Hearing Aids
Hearing Aids & Medicare Advantage: What You Need to Know
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
Original Medicare (Part A & Part B) does not cover hearing aids or fitting services — you pay 100% out-of-pocket for them. Routine hearing tests may be covered under Part B only if medically ordered by a doctor, but no hearing aid devices are covered.
That’s where Medicare Advantage (Part C) comes in. These are private insurance plans approved by Medicare that can offer extra benefits — including hearing services and hearing aids — that Original Medicare doesn’t provide.
Network Providers Matter — Coverage Isn’t “Go Anywhere”
Important: Most Medicare Advantage hearing benefits require you to use network hearing providers — not simply any audiologist or brick-and-mortar hearing store. Many plans work with third-party hearing networks such as TruHearing or NationsHearing, or have their own provider networks.
For example:
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UnitedHealthcare plans typically require you to use UnitedHealthcare Hearing network providers to get hearing aids covered. Hearing exams themselves may be done anywhere (sometimes any provider), but the devices must be ordered through their approved network or the benefit won’t pay.
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Humana offers Medicare Advantage plans with hearing benefits, but details (such as copay amounts and device tiers) vary by plan — you’ll need to see their in-network partner and policies to get hearing aids covered.
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Aetna Medicare Advantage partners with NationsHearing for hearing aid coverage. Under many plans, hearing aids are only covered when obtained through NationsHearing providers; exams may be more flexible depending on plan type (HMO vs. PPO).
This means if you go to a local hearing store that isn’t in your plan’s network, your plan likely won’t pay — and you’ll be responsible for the full cost yourself. That’s why network compliance matters just like it does for doctors or specialists in your plan.
What the Plans Typically Cover
Medicare Advantage hearing benefits vary a lot by plan and region, but common features include:
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A routine hearing exam each year (some plans cover this separately even with out-of-network exam providers).
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Coverage or allowances toward hearing aid devices, often with copays or cost-sharing.
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Fittings and follow-up appointments included with the benefit.
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Trial periods and manufacturer warranties through the hearing aid network partner.
Limits may apply:
✔ Dollar limits per ear every plan year or every few years
✔ Certain technology levels covered (basic or mid-tier)
✔ Some plans may exclude premium features unless you pay extra
✔ Coverage only at approved provider offices or partners
Why This Network Requirement Matters
While it may seem convenient to walk into any hearing store — like a big-box retailer or independent audiologist — coverage generally won’t apply unless that provider is in your plan’s approved network or works with the plan’s designated hearing partner. This is similar to how medical specialists must be in-network for full coverage under MA plans.
Always:
✔ Check the plan’s Evidence of Coverage (EOC)
✔ Call member services to confirm hearing aid provider network
✔ Ask ahead whether a specific store or clinic accepts your plan
Visual Examples of Hearing Aids
Below are different styles of hearing aids that may be available through provider networks — quality, features, and coverage depend on your specific plan:
Hearing aids come in many styles — from behind-the-ear (BTE) devices to in-the-ear (ITE), receiver-in-canal (RIC), and completely-in-canal (CIC) models.
In Summary
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Use a Medicare Advantage plan if you want hearing aids covered — Original Medicare won’t pay for them.
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Most plans require using specific network providers for hearing aids.
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Major carriers like UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Aetna have hearing benefits, but the details and networks vary by plan.
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Always confirm network participation before you make an appointment or buy devices, because going outside the network can mean full cost to you.
Where to shop
TruHearing - Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, & UnitedHealthcare.
TruHearing does not provide a public, searchable list of its provider network.
To find an in-network provider, you must contact TruHearing directly at 1-800-334-1807.
Their specialists will verify your insurance benefits and schedule an appointment with a local provider on your behalf.
Key Provider Network Details
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Coverage: The network includes over 7,000 provider locations nationwide, consisting of audiologists and hearing instrument specialists.
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Insurance Partners: TruHearing manages benefits for major plans, including Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and UnitedHealthcare.
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Service Requirements: To access discounted pricing or insurance copays, you must see a provider within the TruHearing network; out-of-network services are generally not covered.
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Standard Services: Network providers typically offer a comprehensive hearing exam and three follow-up visits for fitting and adjustments within the first year.
Bynder +6
Available Hearing Aid Brands
In-network providers offer a range of technology levels from major manufacturers:
Hearing Tracker +4
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Signia (WSA brand)
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Phonak (Sonova brand)
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Oticon (Demant brand)
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Starkey
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ReSound (GN Hearing)
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Widex (WSA brand)
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TruHearing (Private label manufactured by Signia)
UnitedHealthcare specific
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Prescription Hearing Aids: Members can choose from top brands including Phonak, Starkey, Signia, Resound, Widex, and Unitron.
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Private Label: UHC offers its own brand called Relate®, which often provides high-quality technology at a lower price point.
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Over-the-Counter (OTC): For mild-to-moderate hearing loss, UHC offers OTC brands such as Jabra Enhance, Lexie Hearing, and Sony through their online store.
How to Use Your Benefits
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Schedule an Exam: Book a routine hearing exam with an in-network provider. Many Medicare Advantage plans offer this exam with a $0 copay. 1-855-523-9355
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Professional Evaluation: The provider will perform a hearing test and recommend devices based on your results.
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Ordering: Once you select a device, the provider submits the recommendation to UHC, who handles the billing and insurance claims.
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Fitting: Your provider will fit the new devices and provide follow-up care.
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Do you have your Member ID card ready to check if your specific plan includes a hearing aid allowance or fixed copays?
Can You Legally Drive With Hearing Loss? Debunking the Myths
Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) government agencies must treat disabled individuals in a nondiscriminatory manner. In practice, this means that state licensing agencies must evaluate each person based on their ability to drive safely, rather than the presence of a medical condition. Safe driving is primarily a visual and cognitive task, so being deaf or hard of hearing alone is not typically a valid reason to deny someone a license.
States may still apply reasonable restrictions before issuing a license if a medical condition could affect an individual’s driving ability. For example, states may require applicants with hearing loss to undergo a medical review. This may involve presenting medical documentation demonstrating that they can operate a vehicle safely with or without adaptive equipment.
Safety and Prevalence of Driving While Deaf
Hearing loss is more common than many people might think. Approximately 15% of American adults have some degree of hearing difficulty, and 13% have hearing loss in both ears. Overall, 28.8 million U.S. adults—about 11% of the nation’s adult population—could benefit from using hearing aids.
Significant hearing difficulty becomes more common with age. Around 5% of individuals ages 45-54 and 10% ages 55-64 have disabling hearing loss. The rate increases to 22% for adults ages 65-74 and 55% for those 75 and older.
Many people in this population are capable of being safe drivers. A review by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found no evidence that people with hearing loss have a higher risk of motor vehicle crashes compared to hearing drivers.
Research from the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that older adults with hearing impairment were less likely to drive at night, on highways, or in heavy traffic. While this suggests a reduced confidence in challenging driving situations, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re unsafe drivers. Many people with hearing loss continue to drive safely by self-regulating their driving habits and choosing conditions that feel manageable.
Basic Safety Tips for Driving While Hard of Hearing
While hearing loss doesn’t automatically prevent safe driving, it does require additional precautions. Here are some safety tips to minimize your accident risk as a hard-of-hearing driver:
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Keep your vision sharp. Schedule regular eye exams and wear corrective lenses if needed. This allows your vision to better compensate for your hearing impairment.
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Work with an audiologist. If your doctor recommends a hearing aid, consider wearing it while driving, even if you don’t use it in other settings. A properly fitted device can help you pick up important sounds such as sirens or horns. Schedule regular checkups with the audiologist to ensure your hearing aid continues to work at its best.
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Limit distractions. Reduce background noise from phones, music, or passengers. A quiet environment makes it easier to detect subtle vibrations and visual cues.
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Plan ahead. Review your route before leaving and confirm that you’re comfortable with the driving conditions.
Tools and Technology That Enhance Safety and Communication
Modern technology offers valuable support for drivers who are deaf or hard of hearing. For example, some cars feature devices that flash or vibrate when sensors detect sirens, horns, or other urgent sounds.
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems also enhance safety through features such as blind spot monitoring, lane departure warnings, and collision avoidance. Wide-angle mirrors and rearview cameras can enhance rear and side visibility, compensating for some of the environmental cues that sound would typically provide.
Additionally, many hearing aids and cochlear implants can be connected to GPS devices or smartphones via Bluetooth. This allows directions to be fed directly into the hearing device, helping you navigate while keeping your eyes on the road.
Communication tools, such as live transcription apps or pre-written visor cards, can ease interactions with law enforcement. These tools can help you quickly explain that you are deaf and provide a means of communication.
Know Your Rights: Interactions With Law Enforcement
Traffic stops can be stressful for anyone, but they’re especially challenging for drivers with hearing loss. Officers may assume that a deaf person is non-compliant, which can lead to escalations or wrongful arrests.
Law enforcement officers are required to comply with the ADA when interacting with drivers with disabilities, including those who are hard of hearing. That means they must provide reasonable accommodations to facilitate effective encounters, such as using an interpreter or written communication.
What To Do When Pulled Over if You’re Deaf or Hard of Hearing
If you have a hearing impairment, here’s how you can protect yourself during a roadside encounter with law enforcement:
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Stay calm and visible. Pull over safely as soon as you notice the patrol car’s lights. Remain in the vehicle as the officer approaches and keep your hands visible.
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Signal your intentions before grabbing your communication tools. If you can speak, calmly tell the officer that you’re going to reach for your phone, notepad, or visor card so they can communicate with you. If you’re nonverbal, point toward the item first and wait to see that the officer appears at ease before reaching for it. Then, use your preferred tool to explain that you’re deaf or hard of hearing.
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Share your preferred communication method. Let the officer know how you communicate best, such as by writing, reading lips, or using a transcription app.
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Prevent misunderstandings. If you’re unsure what the officer is saying, don’t nod or respond as if you understand. Instead, politely indicate that you need clarification. This can help you avoid unintentionally giving information that law enforcement could use against you.
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