Believe it or not, hearing loss can happen at any age. Whenever it happens, there are options available to help with restoring your hearing. The truth is, the odds of experiencing hearing loss only increase with age. It’s not surprising that many seniors are diagnosed with hearing problems. In many cases, hearing aids are recommended by medical professionals for these patients as a way to preserve their quality of life. The increasing cases of senior hearing difficulties should convince you of the importance of routine hearing checkups*. Like most medical devices, hearing aids and exams can cost a significant amount of money. Unfortunately, Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not usually cover most hearing services, including hearing exams, hearing aids, or testing and fitting procedures for hearing devices. While some diagnostic hearing tests may be covered by Original Medicare (if ordered by a doctor in relation to other medical conditions that may affect hearing) People who are only enrolled in Original Medicare Parts A and B are usually required to pay for their hearing aid costs completely out-of-pocket. Thankfully, many Medicare Advantage plans, also known as Medicare Part C plans, may offer hearing coverage, that may include coverage for hearing aid tests, fittings, and/or the devices themselves. Getting the right hearing coverage under your health insurance plan can be a great way to ensure that your needs are well-managed should any hearing difficulties arise.*https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/hearing-loss-common-problem-older-adults
Routine Hearing Exams
If you are aged 65 or older, it’s usually a good idea to have your hearing tested regularly by a doctor. With many Medicare Advantage plans, these exams are covered at no additional premium cost to you.