How to get hearing aid financial assistance in the US
Key Highlights
- Hearing aids typically cost about $1,000 to more than $4,000 per ear, and most last about three to seven years.
- Over-the-counter hearing aids often cost less, at about $200 to $2,000 per pair. They’re designed for adults 18 and older with mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Free support is limited and varies by state and age. Children may get hearing aids through their school’s IEP, and some students and workers may qualify through state vocational rehabilitation agencies.
- Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids, though some Medicare Advantage plans do. Medicaid coverage varies by state, and the VA offers programs for those who qualify.
- Nonprofits such as the HIKE Fund, the Hearing Aid Project, the Miracle Ear Foundation, the Starkey Hearing Foundation, and the Travelers Protective Association offer help. Most have eligibility rules and waiting periods.
- If those options fall short, you can start a fundraiser to ask your community for help.
Estimates show that more than 44 million American adults have hearing loss. That number is expected to grow to 73.5 million by 2060, according to the National Council on Aging (NCOA, November 2024).
Even more concerning is that most adults who need hearing aids have never used them. Among adults 70 and older who could benefit, fewer than 1 in 3 (30%) have ever used them. For adults ages 20 to 69, it’s about 16%, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD, accessed October 2026).
In the US, access to free hearing aids varies wildly. In some cases, people can’t get free care at all. That’s why cost is often a barrier for people who are hard of hearing.
If you need hearing aids but are struggling to cover the costs, you have options. Below are several ways to get hearing aid financial assistance for an improved quality of life.
How much do hearing aids cost?
If you’ve ever thought, “I need a hearing aid but can’t afford it,” know you’re not alone. Hearing aids are typically an out-of-pocket expense that can reach into the thousands of dollars. That cost is out of reach for many people who need them.
Hearing aid prices can range from about $1,000 to more than $4,000 per ear, depending on the type of technology used, according to Healthy Hearing. That cost usually includes a consultation and hearing test, the initial fitting, and follow-up adjustments.
How long do hearing aids last?
The estimated lifespan of hearing aids is about three to seven years. They may last longer, depending on the style and your changing hearing needs.
In-the-ear hearing aids are more exposed to sweat, which shortens their lifespans to four to five years. Behind-the-ear hearing systems can be worn for five to six years.
Do over-the-counter hearing aids cost less?
Often, yes. Since October 2022, adults with mild to moderate hearing loss can buy FDA-regulated over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids without a prescription. According to UCSF EARS, OTC hearing aids typically cost about $200 to $2,000 per pair.
OTC hearing aids are designed for adults 18 and older. If your hearing loss is more severe, you may still need a prescription hearing aid.
How to qualify for free hearing aids in the US
Unfortunately, in the US there’s no one-size-fits-all way to qualify for free hearing aids. Support varies from state to state, and it often depends on the age of the patient. However, some support is available.
Children with hearing loss
If your child has hearing loss, they may qualify for free support. They can receive hearing assistive technology at no cost if their Individualized Education Program (IEP) specifies they need it. Hearing aids and FM systems are two examples. The technology must be needed for your child to receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
The IEP assesses your child’s present level of performance in school. It also provides individualized instruction and related services, such as occupational therapy.
For more information, see the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
College students and workers
For some college students and people of working age, you may qualify for hearing aid support from your state vocational rehabilitation agency.
These agencies offer assistance with hearing aids, assistive technology, and other rehabilitative services.
How to find hearing aid financial assistance
No one should have to struggle to hear the world around them. No one should miss out on special moments with family and friends simply due to hearing loss. Below, take a look at a variety of resources that can help you afford the hearing aids you need.
Government hearing aid assistance
Financial help for hearing aids may be provided by the federal government, but this support can also be limited. The Social Security Administration does not offer support with hearing aids.
Medicare
Medicare is the federal health insurance for people 65 or older. It doesn’t cover hearing aid units or fitting exams, although some Medicare Advantage plans do.
Call or email your plan or your local Medicare center to ask whether it offers this coverage.
Medicaid
Medicaid assistance for people with hearing loss varies from state to state. In some states, people with low incomes might qualify for help.
The Hearing Loss Association of America explains how Medicaid works for hearing aids and points you to each state’s rules. It also notes that Medicaid provides hearing aids for children in all states.
Medicaid also has a “medically needy program.” It offers temporary support for people with higher incomes who need help with medical expenses, including hearing aids. Your county social services agency runs this program.
Contact your local county social services office and request an appointment to find out if you’re eligible for Medicaid.
Veterans Affairs
The Veterans Affairs Department provides hearing aid assistance programs for those who qualify. You must also maintain eligibility for VA care to receive these benefits.
Hearing aid coverage by state
Hearing aid coverage by state varies. It depends on whether your health insurance policy includes a provision for state-mandated benefits.
State insurance laws
Some states require health insurance plans to cover hearing aids for adults, and more require it for children. To see what your state requires, check the American Academy of Audiology’s 2026 state-by-state chart.
These state insurance laws can differ significantly when it comes to the amount covered, benefit periods, and provider qualifications. For example, Delaware mandates coverage for everyone under 24.
Telephone equipment programs
Some states offer technology to help people who are hard of hearing use the phone. The programs vary in what support they offer. Some provide free or low-cost telephone equipment to eligible residents.
You can see if your state is part of a program on the Telephone Equipment Distribution Program Association (TEDPA) website.
Crowdfunding for hearing aids
Crowdfunding can help you afford the hearing aids you need when other options for low-cost hearing aids fall short. With crowdfunding, you can easily raise money for your medical expenses without going through a lengthy application process or waiting period.
These top fundraising tips will help you create a successful fundraiser, so you can get back to hearing and enjoying life to the fullest. Read on to find out how it works.
- A compelling fundraiser story will help you connect with your audience and local community, inspiring more donations in the process. Another fundraising tip for writing an engaging story is to give readers a full understanding of what you’re going through.
- The most successful fundraisers have a powerful campaign title that summarizes your story and draws the reader in. Catchy titles are more memorable and can attract more donations and public attention to your fundraiser.
- Check out these fundraiser sharing tips to help get your cause seen by as many people as possible. The more people know about your fundraiser, the more donations you’re likely to receive.
- Follow the eight best practices in this comprehensive medical crowdfunding guide, which walks you through how to create a winning fundraiser from start to finish.
Many people have fundraised on GoFundMe for similar reasons. Head to our site to have all your crowdfunding questions answered.
Nonprofits that can help with hearing aids
Several nonprofits offer hearing aid assistance for low-income households. However, they have eligibility criteria you must meet when you apply, as well as application deadlines and waiting periods. Some of these organizations also charge a small application fee.
- The HIKE Fund provides hearing aid programs for children from birth to age 20 whose parents don’t have the extra funds to buy hearing aids.
- The Hearing Aid Project, run by Sertoma International with support from partners like Hearing Charities of America, provides hearing aids to people who can’t afford them. You can apply on its website.
- The Miracle Ear Foundation provides hearing aids and support services at no cost to people who can show a financial need.
- Established in 1984, the Starkey Hearing Foundation delivers community-based hearing healthcare to residents of the US and abroad. Its Hear Now program is application-based and provides hearing help to low-income Americans.
- Travelers Protective Association offers assistance for people who can show a financial need. Its grants can cover the purchase of hearing aids or assistive listening equipment, or help with the cost of a cochlear implant.
Hearing aid fundraisers that work
Medical fundraisers can be a powerful tool to find the hearing aid financial assistance you deserve. With fundraising through a crowdfunding platform like GoFundMe, it’s easy to find the help you need when you need it.
Looking for ideas? Take some inspiration from the people who have done it before.
Braden’s hearing aid awareness
When young Braden’s dog, Chewy, ate his hearing aids, his parents suggested he start a fundraiser to cover the cost of a replacement. They also encouraged him to help others in need.
With the help of his parents, Braden created a fundraiser to help the Oticon Hearing Foundation supply hearing aids to people who cannot afford them. Braden raised more than $114,000 for the foundation.
Hearing aids for Gerry
Gerry had been struggling with hereditary hearing loss and had looked into getting hearing aids, but found they were too expensive.
Fortunately for Gerry, his friends heard about his struggle and decided to surprise him for his 50th birthday. They raised $10,000 so Gerry could get his hearing aids.
This is what Gerry had to say to everyone who donated:
“Your generosity has changed my life in ways you cannot imagine. I am now able to fully participate in conversations and activities that were once difficult or impossible for me, including the chirping of birds in the morning.”
Find hearing aid financial assistance today
Coping with hearing loss can be difficult, but there are many resources to help you cover the costs of doctor appointments, hearing aids, or even a cochlear implant.
With a quality fundraising website, you can quickly raise money for the hearing aids you need to live your best life, free from the inconvenience of hearing loss. Create your fundraiser today.
Frequently asked questions
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Support varies by state and often depends on age. Children may get hearing aids through their school’s IEP, and some students and workers may qualify through state vocational rehabilitation agencies. Veterans may get help through the VA.
Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aid units or fitting exams. Some Medicare Advantage plans do, so call or email your plan to ask what it includes.
You can look into government programs like Medicaid and the VA, state insurance coverage rules, and nonprofits such as the HIKE Fund and the Hearing Aid Project. You can also start a fundraiser to ask your community for help.
Often, yes. OTC hearing aids typically cost about $200 to $2,000 per pair, according to UCSF EARS. They’re designed for adults 18 and older with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Most hearing aids last about three to seven years, depending on the style and your changing hearing needs.