Aetna covers hearing aids as a part of some of its Medicare Advantage plans, in cases where a hearing aid is deemed medically necessary. Hearing aids can be expensive, and not all Medicare plans include them so having a policy that includes hearing care can be invaluable for many older adults. Below, we provide an overview of the best hearing aids and explain how Aetna may offer coverage for the devices.

Overview of the Top Recommended Hearing Aids
Hear.com
  • Starting Price: $3,200 or $139 a month for one pair
  • Battery Type: Wireless Rechargeable
  • Standout Feature: Bluetooth-Enabled for All Smartphones
See Packages → Read Our Review →
Eargo
  • Starting Price: $1,650 for one pair
  • Battery Type: Rechargeable Batteries for all Models
  • Standout Feature: Small, Discrete, and Appealing Designs
See Packages → Read Our Review →
Jabra Enhance (formerly Lively)
  • Starting Price: $1,195 for one pair
  • Battery Type: Rechargeable and Standard Batteries (Depends on Model)
  • Standout Feature: Custom-Programmed by Expert Audiologists
See Packages → Read Our Review →
Audicus
  • Starting Price: $1,398 for one pair
  • Battery Type: Standard Batteries and Rechargeable Upgrade Available for Some Models
  • Standout Feature: Low Monthly Payment Options
See Packages → Read Our Review →
Lexie
  • Starting Price: $649 for one pair
  • Battery Type: Standard Disposable Batteries Only
  • Standout Feature: Unique Rewards Program
See Packages → Read Our Review →
ReSound
  • Starting Price: $3,000 - $6,500 average for one pair
  • Battery Type: Rechargeable and Standard Batteries (Depends on Model)
  • Standout Feature: All Current Models are Bluetooth-Enabled for Direct Streaming
See Packages → Read Our Review →
Phonak
  • Starting Price: $1,995 - $3,900 average for one ear
  • Battery Type: Rechargeable and Standard Batteries (Depends on Model)
  • Standout Feature: Provides a 100% Invisible Device (Lyric Model)
See Packages → Read Our Review →
Signia
  • Starting Price: $1,540 - $5,945 average per pair
  • Battery Type: Rechargeable and Standard Batteries (Depends on Model)
  • Standout Feature: High-End Features Like Dolby-Digital Sound Streaming and Tinnitus Relief
See Packages → Read Our Review →
Widex
  • Starting Price: $900 - $6,500 average per pair
  • Battery Type: Rechargeable and Standard Batteries (Depends on Model)
  • Standout Feature: Specializes in Hearing Aids with Artificial Intelligence Technology
See Packages → Read Our Review →
Starkey
  • Starting Price: $1,600 - $4,798 average per pair
  • Battery Type: Rechargeable and Standard Batteries (Depends on Model)
  • Standout Feature: Provides Assistive Features for Seniors such as Fall Detection and Amazon Alexa Support
See Packages → Read Our Review →

Aetna Covers Hearing Aids for Those Diagnosed with Hearing Loss

Aetna offers hearing care services for some of its Medicare members. These services are delivered by Hearing Care Solutions. As a part of its hearing care cover, individuals may receive help with the cost of hearing exams, the purchase of hearing aids and any fitting costs.

To qualify for help with hearing aids, members must have a confirmed diagnosis of hearing loss. The type of hearing aid covered depends on the severity of the hearing loss.

For example, Aetna considers air conduction hearing aids to be necessary if:

  • The user’s hearing thresholds are 40dB HL or greater at 500, 1000, 200, 3000 or 4000 Hz
  • Hearing thresholds are 26 dB HL or greater at three of the above frequencies
  • The user has speech recognition levels below 94%

Implantable or semi-implantable hearing aids may be offered for those with moderate or severe hearing loss. Over-the-counter products such as the Bose Hearing Aid are covered on some plans if the device has been prescribed by a physician.

Aetna’s Medicare Advantage Plans May Cover Hearing Aids

Aetna offers several plans that fall under the Medicare Advantage umbrella. These plans offer the same coverage as Original Medicare (Part A and B), as well as supplementary benefits which may include hearing, vision and dental care.

Aetna’s Medicare Advantage plans are:

  • HMO
  • HMO-POS
  • Dual Eligible SNPs
  • PPO

If you’re not sure what is included in your plan, contact the provider to confirm before ordering a hearing aid, hearing test, or other related products.

Aetna Can Provide Reimbursement For Out-Of-Network Hearing Aid Providers

Medicare Advantage plans usually offer total coverage for routine hearing tests and hearing aid fitting. Some plans also cover the cost of purchasing a new hearing aid from an in-network provider.

If you’d prefer to work with an out-of-network provider, check whether your plan offers Direct Member Reimbursement (DMR). Some Aetna plans include an annual allowance that members may spend on sharing care with any licensed provider in the United States that accepts Medicare Beneficiaries.

If your plan includes DMR, you will be responsible for paying the out-of-network provider. After paying for the hearing services, you can submit a receipt to Aetna who will reimburse you for those expenses. This gives you the freedom to choose the brands you prefer or providers you trust, even if they’re outside of the Aetna network.

Hearing Aid Brand Reviews