Does health insurance cover hearing aids?
Dr. Tia Flynn | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 12 years, 4 months AGO
Does my health insurance cover hearing aids?
Some private insurance policies or Medicare supplements may have a limited benefit or may cover hearing aids. To find out - call the (800) number on the back of your insurance card and ask if you are entitled to any hearing aid benefits. I am finding that more and more private insurances are covering a portion of the cost of hearing aids and some special policies will cover all of the cost of hearing aids. Always check and document who you spoke with and the date when you inquire about your benefits.
Medicare does not cover the cost of the hearing aid(s). Medicare will cover the cost of a hearing evaluation and any medical related problems like ear infections or ear wax removal.
Medicaid stopped covering hearing aids over a year ago.
Some hearing health-care offices have certified audiologists and others do not. If you have a hearing aid benefit with your insurance make sure you ask the office if they can bill your insurance before you make an appointment. Some insurance companies want you to go to an in network audiologist. This is something you should ask about when you call for your appointment.
Dr. Tia Flynn is a certified audiologist and has been in business for more than 12 years. Every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, Dr. Flynn provides free hearing screenings at 1601 Third St. in Coeur d'Alene, (208) 664-2767. Visit www.affordablehearinginc.com for a free copy of the consumers guide to hearing aids and watch helpful videos.
ARTICLES BY DR. TIA FLYNN
How long does it take to get hearing aids?
It depends on what style of hearing aid you are purchasing. If you are purchasing one of the new mini BTE’s (Behind the Ear) your hearing health care office may have some in stock that you may take home that day. There are generally two types of mini BTE’s. One is an open fit model, which has a selection of tubes, and tips that can usually fit anyone’s ear shape. The other type is a receiver in the canal, which also has a selection of receivers, and dome tips that can usually fit anyone’s ear shape. Some offices stock these types of aids but you usually have to special order the color that matches your hair.
About age-related hearing loss
Presbycusis is the medical term for age-related hearing loss. Causes of presbycusis include changes within the inner ear (damage to the tiny hair cells that pick up sound), changes in the middle ear (stiffening of the tympanic membrane and ossicles), complex changes along the nerve pathway leading to the brain, and cognitive changes in the brain.
Ask your audiologist: Free hearing help and repairs for the holidays!
Every holiday season I give back to the community by giving away a free pair of digital hearing aids to a deserving individual. I will also provide free in house repairs by appointment and bringing in a copy of this article. Everyone deserves to hear during the holidays! The holidays are usually the most important family gatherings of the year. Many people with hearing loss get left out of family conversations around the dinner table if they do not have hearing aids or if their hearing aid(s) are broken.