Living With Hearing Aids
Hearing Aid FAQs
Does Medicare cover hearing aids?
No, Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover the cost of hearing aids.
Many Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, offered through private insurers, include supplemental benefits that help pay for routine hearing care, diagnostic screenings, and hearing aids. What’s more: 94% of Medicare Advantage plans have partial or full coverage for hearing aids.
Are hearing aids covered by insurance?
Hearing aids aren’t necessarily covered by insurance. Coverage varies significantly depending on your specific insurance policy, state mandates, and employer group benefits.
While traditional health insurance plans do not always include hearing device coverage, many managed care organizations, commercial plans, and union plans offer hearing care benefits or discount programs.
To check your specific coverage, use our Insurance Benefits Checker. The Amplifon Hearing Health Care team is happy to help you understand what coverage you currently have!
What insurance covers hearing aids for seniors?
Seniors looking for hearing aid coverage typically rely on:
- Medicare Advantage (Part C). 94% of Medicare Advantage plans offer partial or full coverage for hearing aids.
- Employee-Sponsored Hearing Insurance. Some plans may fully or partially cover the cost of hearing aids.
- Supplemental Benefits Plans. Some people choose to purchase supplemental health insurance plans specifically for hearing coverage.
Why are hearing aids so expensive?
The cost of hearing aids has a direct correlation with the significant research and development required to create them. These days, a pair of hearing aids can include:
- Sophisticated noise cancellation
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Directional microphones
- Sound processing algorithms.
Additionally, depending on your insurance coverage and clinic, the price can cover services provided by licensed hearing care professionals, including:
- Initial testing
- Custom fitting
- Programming
- Ongoing follow-up visits.
All of these steps help make sure your hearing aids are working for you.
Are hearing aids tax deductible?
Yes, hearing aids are tax deductible, provided you meet the appropriate requirements.
According to IRS Publication 502, hearing aids, replacement batteries, maintenance, and repair expenses qualify as deductible medical expenses. You can claim these costs on your federal income tax return if:
- You itemize your deductions on Schedule A.
- Your total qualifying medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) in a given year.
Additionally, hearing aids and related accessories are eligible expenses under Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), allowing you to pay for them using pre-tax dollars.
Daily Use, Setpup & Maintenance
How to insert hearing aids
Inserting your hearing aids correctly helps make sure that they’re comfortable and working optimally. Here are general guidelines to help you get started.
- Wash and dry your hands before touching your hearing aids.
- Gently insert the hearing aid's receiver into your ear canal. You want it to feel snug, but not uncomfortable.
- Once it’s in place, adjust the volume and settings as needed.
- Having trouble inserting your hearing aid? Try gently pulling on your earlobe and pushing or aiming the receiver toward your nose.
Want more specific instructions for your hearing aid style? We've broken them down here: How to Insert and Adjust Hearing Aids
How to pair hearing aids to iPhone
Most modern digital hearing aids feature Bluetooth connectivity:
- Enable Bluetooth on your iPhone (Settings > Bluetooth).
- Put your hearing aids in pairing mode.
- On your iPhone, navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Hearing Devices.
- Your iPhone will search for devices. Tap the name of your hearing aids under "MFi Hearing Devices."
- Tap Pair on the pop-up request (you may need to tap twice if you have two hearing aids).
- Once your hearing aids are paired, adjust the volume and other settings.
Need more guidance or need to pair to a different type of phone? Read How to Pair Hearing Aids With Your Smartphone.
How to clean hearing aids
Cleaning your hearing aids is important for extending their lifespan and preventing earwax buildup. Here are a few recommendations:
- Daily Wipe-Down. Wipe the exterior surfaces with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Do not use water, alcohol, or household cleaners.
- Clean Wax Guards & Domes. Use a wax brush or loop tool to remove debris from the sound outlet and microphone ports. Make a point to regularly change the wax filters to avoid wax buildup.
- Dehumidify. Dehumidify your hearing aids periodically, at least once a week. Many people opt to store them in a dehumidifier overnight.
- Be Specific. Follow instructions provided by your hearing care provider based on your specific hearing aid style.
Hearing Aid Technology & Fundamentals
How do hearing aids work?
Hearing aids are small electronic devices that amplify sound waves to help individuals with hearing loss.
Hearing aids consist of four key components:
- Microphone. Converts incoming sound into electrical signals.
- Amplifier. Increases signal strength and volume.
- Digital Processor. Customizes sound to individual hearing needs and reduces background noise.
- Speaker (Receiver). Transmits the final audio directly into the ear.
Want to know more? Dive further into how hearing aids work.
What are the different types of hearing aids?
There are different hearing aid types meant for varying degrees of hearing loss, aesthetic preferences, and dexterity requirements:
- Behind-The-Ear (BTE). Electronic components sit in a case behind the outer ear, connected via a thin tube or earmold. Works well for almost all types of hearing loss.
- Receiver-In-Canal (RIC). Smaller than BTE, these fit comfortably behind your ear. Instead of tubing and an ear mold, they use a wire and a small receiver. Great for nearly all hearing losses except the most significantly impaired.
- In-The-Ear (ITE). Custom-molded to fit entirely within the outer ear bowl, making them easy to operate. Works well for mild to severe hearing loss.
- In-The-Canal (ITC). Smaller custom devices that sit partially or deeply inside the canal, offering a discreet appearance. Great for mild to moderately-severe hearing loss, although they offer less control than other options
- Completely-In-Canal (CIC). Minimal custom design that fits deeply in the ear canal. Works well for mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
When were hearing aids invented?
The earliest passive hearing aids, back then known as ear trumpets, were developed in the 17th century. The first electric hearing aid, the Akouphone, was invented by Miller Reese Hutchison in 1898 following the development of carbon microphone technology.
A few more noteworthy developments:
- 1920s- Vacuum tube devices emerge
- 1950s - Transistor-based devices come out
- 1990s - Fully digital hearing aids debut.
- Present Day - Hearing aids continue to evolve, making them even easier to use and personalize.
Learn more about how hearing aid technology has changed over time.
Are hearing aids waterproof?
No, fully waterproof hearing aids don’t exist yet! However, most modern hearing aids are water-resistant.
Electronic devices, including hearing aids, carry an Ingress Protection (IP), which lets you know how well they protect against solid (i.e., dust and debris) or liquid intrusions (i.e., water). The highest rating is IP68, meaning the device can resist dust, sweat, and brief moisture exposure or accidental splashes. When you get your new hearing aids, you can ask about the IP rating.
However, you should always remove hearing aids, even water-resistant ones, before swimming, showering, or entering a sauna to prevent moisture damage.
Learn more about water-resistant hearing aids, including which brands have an IP68 rating.
Health, Hearing Outcomes, & Buying Guide
Can hearing aids help tinnitus?
Can hearing aids cause vertigo?
How long do hearing aids last, and how often should you get new hearing aids?
On average, modern high-quality hearing aids last 3 to 7 years. However, that can change based on how you use them and how well you maintain them.
Consider getting new hearing aids every 4 to 5 years because:
- Physical wear and tear from moisture and earwax can accumulate over time.
- Your hearing health profile may change, requiring different amplification ranges. Talk to your hearing health care provider for ongoing monitoring.
Also, you may be able to benefit from ever-evolving technological advances!
To Read: Is it Time for New Hearing Aids?
Where to buy hearing aids?
For the best result, you’ll want to go through a professional hearing health care provider. This allows you to get comprehensive diagnostic testing and precise recommendations for your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
Not sure where to go? Amplifon can connect you with nearby clinics while maximizing your health plan's coverage. Use our Clinic Locator tool to find nearby assistance.
Good hearing matters
