Hearing & balance exams
Medicare Coverage Information
Overview
Medicare provides limited coverage for hearing and balance exams, primarily focusing on diagnostic tests that are medically necessary to diagnose or treat a medical condition. Most routine hearing tests and hearing aids are not fully covered under Original Medicare.
- Medicare Part B covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams if ordered by a doctor to diagnose or treat a medical condition
- Beneficiaries typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved cost after meeting the Part B deductible
- Routine hearing screenings and hearing aids are generally not covered by Original Medicare
- Some Medicare Advantage plans may offer additional hearing benefits
- Medicare Part B beneficiaries
- Patients with a medical need for hearing or balance diagnostic testing
- Referral from primary care physician or specialist required
- 20% coinsurance after meeting Part B deductible
- Diagnostic exams must be deemed medically necessary
- Additional costs may apply for comprehensive testing
- Must be ordered by a qualified healthcare provider
- Limited to medically necessary diagnostic exams
- Does not cover routine hearing screenings
- Hearing aids and most hearing aid-related services are not covered
- Consult with your healthcare provider about medical necessity of hearing/balance exam
- Verify coverage with your specific Medicare plan
- Get a referral from your doctor for diagnostic testing
- Check if your Medicare Advantage plan offers additional hearing benefits
Last updated: 6/15/2025
Quick Information
- Provider
- Medicare
- Last Updated
- 6/15/2025
- Topics
- Medicare hearing examsbalance test coverageMedicare ear healthdiagnostic hearing testsMedicare audiology
Related Coverage Topics
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