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How Much Does a Hearing Test Cost With and Without Insurance?

Hearing loss becomes more likely the older we get, which is why it’s important to get your hearing assessed with a hearing test. About 14% of people between the ages of 45 and 64 and 30% of people 65 and older have some degree of hearing loss.1 Experts recommend getting a hearing test once every ten years until age 50, and then once every three years after that. Aflac Dental, Vision and Hearing (DVH) insurance plans can help with the costs of hearing care to help you prioritize your hearing without burdening your budget.

3 Min Read

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

  • There are many factors that impact how much a hearing test will cost, but it can typically range from $18 to $85 depending on the specifics of the exam.2
  • Medicare and private health insurance often cover hearing tests when they’re deemed medically necessary.
  • Aflac DVH Insurance offers benefits that can save you money if your health insurance won’t cover a test.

How much does a hearing test cost?

If you’re referred to an audiologist for a medically necessary hearing exam, you may not have to pay anything out of pocket, depending on your plan. The national average cost range of a hearing test without insurance is $18 to $85, depending on several factors.2

What factors affect the cost of a hearing test?

Here are some of the factors that may impact the cost of a hearing test:

Type of test

There are several different types of tests an audiologist may perform to test your hearing. More basic tests include tympanometry, which measures how your eardrum moves to determine your hearing ability.3 These will be less expensive than more thorough audiometry tests or a cochlear implant evaluation.4

Provider type

Primary care doctors may be able to administer hearing tests, but audiologists are doctors specifically trained in ear health and hearing. As such, they tend to be more expensive due to their specialization.

Insurance coverage

Depending on your plan, your insurer may cover a hearing test completely or partially. Coverage may also vary based on whether it’s a routine exam or one ordered by your doctor.

Your location

Healthcare services tend to be more expensive in areas with a higher cost of living. This is due to the higher wages staff must earn in order to live in the area, a cost that is passed on to patients.

Bundled services

You may opt to receive several services in addition to the hearing test during the same visit. For instance, if you receive a hearing aid consultation or a custom fitting after the test, the total cost of the visit will be higher.

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Does health insurance cover hearing tests?

Health insurance typically covers hearing tests that are deemed medically necessary and ordered by a doctor. Medicare Part B (medical insurance) also covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams if ordered by a doctor. You may also visit an audiologist once each year for non-acute hearing conditions and diagnostics services related to hearing loss that is treated with surgically implanted hearing devices.5

Can hearing insurance cover hearing tests?

Aflac’s hearing coverage provided through the DVH Insurance plans offers benefits that can help with annual hearing services. If you’re concerned about your hearing but unable to get a referral for a test, these plans can reduce your out-of-pocket costs for an annual test.

How much does a hearing exam cost with insurance?

If you’re concerned about your hearing but your doctor won’t refer you to an audiologist for a test, you can still opt to go in. For example, let’s say the audiologist performs a conditioning play audiometry test, which costs an average of $150.4 Aflac’s DVH Insurance plans could provide benefits directly to you, unless otherwise assigned to help you visit the audiologist and reduce related expenses.

Get a quote for hearing insurance today

Many people experience hearing loss as they get older, and one of the best ways to get ahead of this issue is through regular hearing tests. While health insurance often covers doctor-ordered hearing tests, Aflac hearing coverage provided through the DVH Insurance can reduce your out-of-pocket costs when you can’t get a referral. To learn more about coverage and get a quote, chat with an agent today.

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