According to GoodRx, hearing aids can cost between $2,000 and $7,000 on average. So, where can you turn when you, your child, or your parent has hearing loss and can’t afford the hearing aids they need?
We’ve put together a list of:
- Free government hearing aids
- Free hearing aids for low-income families
- Places where you can get a free hearing test
If you have a low income, you are more likely to qualify for free or low-cost hearing aids, though income isn’t a qualification for every program on this list:
Free government hearing aids
If you are a veteran or qualify for Medicaid, you can get free hearing aids through the government:
Medicaid program for free hearing aids for children
If your child has Medicaid and/or Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) benefits, they can get free hearing screenings, diagnostics, and treatment from birth to age 21. Medicaid benefits extend to children 21 years old or younger. CHIP benefits are for children 18 or younger.
In some states — like Florida, Texas, and New York — Medicaid offers hearing aid coverage through the Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic, and Treatment (EPSDT) program to address hearing impairment. However, not all states cover hearing aids.
CHIP also offers the EPSDT program. Although many states cover hearing aids for children under CHIP, some do not.
For questions about Medicaid and CHIP coverage, check with your state Medicaid office.
In some states, like Texas, you can also apply for a Medicaid Buy-In (MBI) for your children. An MBI program provides more affordable health services to children in families that cannot qualify for Medicaid.
In Texas, your child may be eligible if they:
- Are 18 years old or younger
- Have a disability
- Are a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen
- Are a resident of Texas
Eligibility requirements vary by state. Check with your state Medicaid office to see if MBI is available in your state.
Medicaid coverage for free hearing aids for adults
Each state governs its own Medicaid coverage. That means your state may offer full, partial, or no coverage for hearing aids.
For example, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America, 28 states currently cover hearing aids for adults:
However, healing aid coverages are subject to change. For the latest coverage, contact your state Medicaid office.
Free hearing aids for veterans
Veterans who have registered and are enrolled in Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health care can receive a hearing test. If it is determined that hearing aids are necessary, they will be provided at no cost to the veteran.
Contact your local VA medical center to learn more.
Free hearing aids for low-income families
If you have a low income and need hearing aids for yourself or a member of your family, there are several options available to you:
- Look for a hearing clinical aid trial in your area. If accepted as a volunteer, you might be able to get free hearing aids or other hearing assistive devices.
- Help America Hear is a nationwide program that helps men, women, and children get free, new hearing aids. Applicants must not have any other financial means to buy hearing aids. The scholarship application deadline for this year is April 2, 2023.
- Travelers Protective Association provides grants to use toward hearing devices, treatments, speech classes, and other resources to address hearing impairment. Grant applications are accepted by the end of each quarter: March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. Grant awards vary, and anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing can apply (families may apply on behalf of children).
- Audient Alliance helps low-income households get access to hearing care and hearing aids at a much lower cost than retail and works with brands like Oticon and Siemens. Audient prices start at $495 per ear for entry-level technology with a max price of $1,750 for two premium aids ($875 each). These are the income limits to qualify for Audient:
| Family size | 48 other states | Alaska | Hawaii |
| 1 | $27,075 | $33,825 | $31,150 |
| 2 | $36,425 | $45,525 | $41,900 |
| 3 | $45,775 | $57,225 | $52,650 |
| For each additional person, add: | $9,350 | $11,700 | $10,750 |
- Hearing Charities of America works with partner organizations to provide refurbished hearing aids for free to low-income individuals through The Hearing Aid Project. They also provide an A-Z list of hearing aid assistance programs by state — Click “Resources” on the linked page above.
- Talk to your audiologist. They may know of local programs for seniors, students, and low-income families that can offer affordable or free hearing aids such as the Penn Hearing Aid Program, which matches patients with hearing aids based on their budgets.
Free hearing aids for students
School-aged students (pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade) may be able to get free hearing aids through one of several school programs:
- Individualized Education Program (IEP): If your child has an IEP at school stating that they need hearing assistance, you may be able to get free hearing aids if you cannot afford them as part of the federal Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). Talk to your child’s guidance counselor or special education coordinator to find out what may be available.
- State-sponsored programs: Check with your state Department of Social Services (DSS), Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR), or Health and Human Services (HHS) offices for free hearing aid programs.
- The HIKE Fund: This not-for-profit charity helps about 100 children each year in the U.S. and Canada get free hearing aids and other assistive devices. To apply, your household income cannot exceed $125,000.
- The Miracle-Ear Foundation: The Gift of Sound program provides free hearing aids to children and adults whose household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines. There is a $150 non-refundable application fee for adults ages 19 years and older.
- Hearing aid loaner banks: Some cities/states have hearing aid banks that supply hearing aids temporarily while you seek a permanent solution. Search Google for “hearing aid loaner bank near me.”
- 2 Ears 2 Learn: This nonprofit helps children from birth to 10 years old suffering from specific hearing impairments (microtia and aural atresia) get refurbished sound processors at no cost. The program is geared toward children between birth and 10 years of age.
- United Healthcare Children’s Foundation: This nonprofit provides medical grants up to $5,000 to help children 16 or younger get devices like hearing aids and to improve their quality of life. These are the income requirements:
- Family of 2: $55,000 or less
- Family of 3: $85,000 or less
- Family of 4: $115,000 or less
- Family of 5 or more: $145,000 or less
Free hearing aids for seniors
If you are a senior looking for free hearing aids or a family member searching for free hearing aids for seniors, check out these options:
- Lion’s Club: Local Lion’s Clubs collect donated hearing aids and give them to people in need. Contact your local chapter to see what’s available.
- State-sponsored programs: Check for free hearing aid programs through your state DSS, DHHR, or HHS offices.
- Medicare Advantage Plan: While Medicare does not cover hearing aid costs, a Medicare Advantage Plan might. If you have one, contact your benefits administrator to find out if hearing aids are a fully or partially covered expense.
- Senior centers: You can also check with your local senior center or dial 2-1-1 to ask a United Way representative about programs in your area for free hearing aids for seniors.
Free hearing aids for workers
Some programs are available to help people who need hearing aids to do their jobs:
- State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies: These agencies serve people of working age, helping them get the proper help or devices they need to address impairments and disabilities so that they can get or keep a job.
- Start Hearing: This program is for people who are current or retired federal employees.
Where to get a free hearing test
If you want to check your hearing, there are in-person and online options for free hearing tests:
Free online hearing test
There are many online hearing tests you can take right in the comfort of your home. For best results, use wired headphones and take the test in a quiet area.
Here are a few to choose from:
- Lexie online hearing test
- Jabra Enhance hearing survey and test
- Resound online hearing test
- Miracle-Ear hearing test
Free hearing test near me
These are some places you can get a free hearing test:
- Pharmacies: You can usually get a free hearing test at your local pharmacy, like Walgreens or CVS. Contact your pharmacy for details.
- Sam’s Club: Sam’s offers free hearing tests in-store for people 19 or older, which are available to members and non-members. Schedule an appointment through your local center. If you decide to make a hearing aid purchase, you will need a Sam’s Club membership.
- AARP: If you are an AARP member, you can take a free at-home hearing test by phone.
To find other options, search “free hearing test near me” online to view all of the places where you can get a free hearing exam in your area:
Are there hearing screenings for students?
Yes, but they are not mandatory in all states. Hearing screenings are required in 37 states for students in K-12. In the remaining states, they are suggested but not required. View the map to get details about your state.
Free hearing aids FAQs
Do insurance companies cover hearing aids?
All insurance companies do not cover the purchase and fitting of hearing aids. That’s because all states don’t mandate hearing aid coverage. Speak with your insurer directly to find out what’s covered under your plan.
Can I get hearing aids through a workers' compensation claim?
If your hearing loss is related to an accident at work, you may be able to purchase hearing aids using proceeds of your worker’s compensation settlement. It’s best to consult a lawyer first. Sites like Avvo.com allow you to ask lawyers legal questions for free.
How do poor people get hearing aids?
If you have low income and are eligible for Medicaid, you can check to see if free hearing aids are covered in your state by contacting your state Medicaid office.
If you don’t qualify for Medicaid, research nonprofits, community free clinics, and grants that offer free or discounted hearing aids or that give you cash to purchase them. There are also less expensive over-the-counter hearing aids available.
Does Social Security pay for hearing aids?
While the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not pay directly for hearing aids, if you have hearing loss that prevents you from working, you can apply for SSA financial assistance.
Does Medicare pay for hearing aids?
No, Medicare does not pay for hearing aids.
Where can I get cheap hearing aids?
If you don’t qualify for free hearing aids, these are some other low-cost options:
- Over-the-counter hearing aids can be purchased out of pocket or using funds from a flexible spending account (FSA), health savings account (HSA), or health reimbursement account (HRA). Some hearing aid makers, like Klarna, offer installment payments.
- Lexie hearing aids with BOSE-quality sound start at $42 per month for 24 months, with a 45-day risk-free trial. FSA and HSA accepted. Try out Lexie now >>
- Go Hearing offers discreet digital hearing aids for as low as $199 with free shipping. FSA, HA, and Klarna installment payments accepted. Check out Go Hearing >>
Bottom line: How do you get hearing aids when you can't afford them?
There are many free hearing aid programs. Some are available only to children, while others are open to people of all ages.
Here’s a quick recap on where to look for free hearing aid help:
- State programs run by DSS, DHHR, or HHS
- State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies
- Medicaid
- CHIP
- Medicare Advantage Plans
- VA
- Nonprofits
- Hearing aid loaner banks
And if you don’t know where to start, call the United Way at 2-1-1 or visit the United Way website to find resources in your area. It’s an easy way to get connected to resources that help you and your family experience better hearing.
Check out these other resources for low-income individuals:
All insurance companies do not cover the purchase and fitting of hearing aids. That’s because all states don’t mandate hearing aid coverage. Speak with your insurer directly to find out what’s covered under your plan.
If you have low income and are eligible for Medicaid, you can check to see if free hearing aids are covered in your state by contacting your state Medicaid office.
While the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not pay directly for hearing aids, if you have hearing loss that prevents you from working, you can apply for SSA financial assistance.
No, Medicare does not pay for hearing aids.
