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Hearing Benefits to Look for in a Health Insurance Plan

What to look for, what to avoid, and how to get the hearing benefits that work for you.
Last update on Dec, 22, 2025

Choosing a health insurance plan is often a balancing act of comparing premiums, deductibles, and doctor networks. Understanding the fine print of your health insurance benefits before committing is crucial to getting the care you need, especially when you’re seeking care for your hearing health.

Read on to learn what to consider when reviewing potential healthcare plans.

Is Hearing Coverage Automatically Included in Healthcare Plans?

Never assume that standard medical plans automatically cover hearing aids.  While most evaluations related to hearing, hearing loss, dizziness, and tinnitus are covered, hearing aids frequently are not. When reviewing a Plan Summary, look specifically for the following words:

  • Amplification
  • Audiology
  • Hearing Aids
  • Hearing Services
  • Hearing Tests
  • Hearing Coverage

It’s important to know if hearing aids are covered and if so, what the coverage entails (or leaves out). You’ll also want to determine if the plan includes preventive care coverage for a baseline hearing screening during your annual physical, or if diagnostic audiological exams are covered when recommended by a doctor.

Understanding Hearing Costs

Even if a plan lists hearing benefits, the associated costs can vary widely. To understand what you’ll actually pay for services, here are a few key insurance terms:

  • Copays and Coinsurance. For an office visit with an audiologist, you may have a fixed health insurance copay (e.g., $50 per visit). Alternatively, your plan may require a coinsurance, which means you pay a percentage of the total cost after you've met your deductible (e.g., the plan pays 80% and you pay 20%). Weighing the cost of these two options is important.

  • Out-of-Pocket Maximums. The annual out-of-pocket maximum for health insurance is the most you will have to pay for covered services in a plan year. Once you spend this amount on deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance, the health plan pays 100% of the costs of covered benefits.

What is Out-of-Network Coverage?

Out-of-network coverage refers to medical services received from doctors or facilities that do not have a contract with your health insurance plan.

Most plans negotiate lower rates with specific doctors and clinics, making them “in-network.” Using these in-network providers generally results in the lowest costs for you.

Many plans will pay significantly less, or nothing at all, if you see an audiologist not contracted with the insurance company, leading to higher out-of-pocket costs.

Hearing Aid Coverage

If you know or suspect that you need hearing aids, this is the most critical section to review. Adult hearing aid coverage is highly variable. While Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, there are options available to you, including Medicare Advantage plans.

When checking for device coverage, look for these potential hurdles:

  • Insurance Coverage Limits. Some plans that offer hearing aid benefits place caps on them. This could be a dollar limit (e.g., $1,500 per ear) or a frequency limit (e.g., one pair every three to five years).
  • Prior Authorization. Some plans require prior authorization before they agree to cover hearing aids. This means your provider must submit evidence of medical necessity to the insurance company for approval before you receive the devices.

Find Out More about Hearing Aid Costs

Quick Hearing Insurance Checklist

Consider the following when choosing a new health insurance plan that offers comprehensive hearing benefits:

  • Specific Keywords: Scan your Plan Summary for terms like "Audiology," "Hearing Services, hearing aids" or "Hearing Care." Don’t assume they’re included under general medical care.
  • Exam Coverage: Check if the plan covers diagnostic hearing exams (tests to find a problem) versus simple preventive screenings (routine checks during a physical).
  • Hearing Aid Benefits: Look for a specific line item for "Hearing Aids." Many plans cover the exam but not the devices.
  • Benefit Limits: If hearing aids are covered, look for caps (e.g., “up to $1,500 per ear” or “one pair every three years”)
  • Network Status: Verify that your preferred audiologist (if you have one) is in-network.
  • Cost Sharing: See if you’ll pay a flat fee (copay) or a percentage of the cost (coinsurance) for specialist visits.

Prior Authorization: Check whether you need a referral from your primary care doctor or pre-approval from your insurance company before booking an audiology appointment. This may depend on the type of appointment you’re trying to book.

How Amplifon Hearing Health Care Fits In

For many Americans, hearing coverage doesn't come directly from their primary insurance company; it comes through a third-party administrator (TPA), like Amplifon Hearing Health Care.

There’s major benefits to having Amplifon Hearing Health Care coverage. As a dedicated TPA, we offer in-depth hearing health care expertise, navigating its ever-changing research and regulations, so you get the best care possible. What’s more, Amplifon’s highly qualified, nationwide provider network ensures that you’re getting excellent care that puts your needs first.

Use the Clinic Locator Tool to find an authorized and close-by clinic that's ready to get you the care you deserve.

Understanding The Amplifon Network & Discounts

Amplifon also negotiates strict pricing with hearing aid manufacturers. This lowers costs, meaning you can get access to high-tech hearing aids at significantly discounted prices below retail.

Taking the Guesswork Out of Insurance

Amplifon plays a vital role in making hearing care affordable by negotiating lower rates for hearing aids. With our team of experts on your side, we can help you navigate the system confidently and get the support you need.

Reviewing insurance documents can be tedious, but understanding these details empowers you to make the right choice for your hearing health. The experts at Amplifon Hearing Health Care understand how confusing insurance can be, and we’re here to help. Our program exists to help you prioritize your hearing health.

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Does My Insurance Have Hearing Benefits?

If you’re not in the market for new insurance but are curious whether your current insurance includes hearing health care benefits, Amplifon’s benefit checker can help.

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