Hearing difficulty can affect communication, school, work, safety, and quality of life. The cause may involve earwax, infection, medicine effects, noise exposure, aging, or another medical condition.
Start with a professional hearing evaluation rather than buying a device based only on an online test.
When to Seek Prompt Care
Contact a healthcare professional promptly for:
- Sudden hearing loss
- Hearing loss in one ear
- Severe ear pain
- Drainage or bleeding
- Dizziness with new hearing change
- Hearing loss after injury
- A foreign object in the ear
- New neurologic symptoms
Sudden hearing loss can be time-sensitive.
Types of Hearing Evaluation
Depending on the concern, care may involve:
- Primary-care examination
- Audiology testing
- Ear, nose, and throat evaluation
- School hearing screening
- Occupational hearing testing
- Pediatric developmental evaluation
A screening does not replace a complete diagnostic evaluation when symptoms persist.
Insurance Coverage
Coverage varies by plan.
Ask whether the plan covers:
- Diagnostic hearing tests
- Specialist visits
- Hearing aids
- Fitting and programming
- Batteries or accessories
- Repairs
- Replacement
- Pediatric hearing services
- Cochlear implant evaluation
Medicare coverage differs between diagnostic testing and routine hearing aids, so confirm current benefits.
Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
Over-the-counter hearing aids are intended for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.
They are not appropriate for children or for every type of hearing problem.
Before buying, review:
- Return period
- Warranty
- Customer support
- Adjustment options
- Compatibility with phones
- Replacement parts
- Total long-term cost
Seek professional care for red-flag symptoms or uncertainty about the degree of hearing loss.
Children
Children may receive services through:
- Pediatricians
- School systems
- Early intervention
- Medicaid or CHIP
- Children's hospitals
- State programs
- University audiology clinics
Do not delay evaluation when speech, learning, balance, or responsiveness is affected.
State and Community Assistance
Possible sources include:
- State vocational-rehabilitation agencies
- Assistive-technology programs
- University audiology clinics
- Veterans' benefits
- Medicaid
- Nonprofit hearing programs
- Local Lions Clubs
- Area agencies on aging
- Employer accommodations
- School special-education services
Eligibility and available devices vary.
Veterans
Eligible veterans may receive hearing services and devices through the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Contact the VA care team before purchasing privately if VA coverage may apply.
Questions to Ask
- What type of hearing loss is present?
- Does it need medical treatment?
- Is a hearing aid appropriate?
- What is included in the quoted price?
- How many follow-up visits are included?
- What is the return period?
- What repairs and warranties are included?
- Is financial assistance available?
- Are lower-cost devices appropriate?
Sources
- National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders: Hearing aids
- FDA: Over-the-counter hearing aids
- Medicare: Hearing and balance exams
- Administration for Community Living: Assistive technology
- Department of Veterans Affairs: Audiology
This article is for general information only and is not medical advice.