How to Get Free Hearing Aids for Seniors: An Honest Guide (Updated for 2025)

That’s exactly why I made this guide to help anybody else how may have to buy hearing aids for themselves or an elderly family member.

It’s a simple, step-by-step guide to legitimate resources that can actually help.

By the way, all the links I have provides go directly to the source (the official .gov pages, the non-profit foundations, and the veteran services that actually provide the help.).

It’s the safest and most direct path to getting assistance with critical medical devices like these, and it’s a core part of our mission to help you find all the real free stuff for seniors you’ve earned.

With that said, let’s get started.

Why Original Medicare Won’t Cover Hearing Aids

Yep, you read that right, original Medicare will not pay for hearing aids.

According to the official Medicare website, Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does not cover hearing aids, the exams for fitting them, or the fittings themselves.

I know, it’s a stupid rule and very frustrating. Now you have to jump through hoops and look for other options to cover the cost of your hearing aids.

This can be frustrating, and it’s why understanding all the available options is a key part of navigating the larger system of government benefits for seniors.

The Big Exception: Medicare Advantage (Part C) Plans

Now, here’s the important exception…

Medicare Advantage plans, which are also known as Part C, are a different story.

These are private insurance plans that are approved by Medicare. Because private companies run them, they are able to offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t.

This usually includes some coverage for dental, vision, and, you guessed it, hearing.

Some plans also have an annual allowance, co-pay help, or partial coverage for hearing aids.

The bottom line is that if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, make sure to call your insurance company or check your plan’s “Evidence of Coverage” document to see exactly what hearing benefits you’re entitled to. And could be the key to getting a free or low-cost hearing aid device.

The Main Routes to Free or Low-Cost Hearing Aids

Ok, so if Original Medicare isn’t going to help, don’t worry, you have a few other options.

Thankfully, there are a few other ways you can get the help you need, and many of them lead to a free or very low-cost device

Here are the most effective options you have, starting with the best one.

For Veterans: The VA Health System (Your Best First Stop)

If you’re a veteran (thank you for your service!), this should be your first call.

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers full hearing health services, and for most eligible veterans, that includes really high quality hearing aids and all related care at no cost.

Unlike some other programs, the VA doesn’t just hand you a device.

Their care typically includes:

• The hearing aid device itself
• A professional fitting with an audiologist
• Follow-up appointments and any necessary repairs
• A lifetime supply of hearing aid batteries

How to get started: You must be enrolled in the VA health care system to be eligible. The first step is to schedule an appointment with your VA primary care provider to request a hearing evaluation. You can learn more on the official VA.gov audiology and hearing aid benefits page.

National Non-Profits & Foundations

If you’re not a veteran, your next best stop is going through the many national non-profits and foundations that help low-income seniors get hearing assistance.

Most of these organizations rely on donations.

Here are a few of the best ones:

• Starkey Hearing Foundation: Through its Hear Now program, Starkey provides free hearing aids to low-income Americans. It’s an application-based program, and it’s one of the biggest and most well-known of its kind.
• The Miracle-Ear Foundation: This foundation supports underserved Americans with a limited income who have no other resources for hearing aids. If you qualify, they provide devices and care free of charge. You can learn about their program on the Miracle-Ear Foundation website.
• The Lions Club HARP Program: I love this program. They collect and refurbish hearing aids to give to people in need. It’s community-based, and the best way to start is by contacting your local chapter. You can learn about their Hearing Aid Recycling Program (HARP) and find a club near you on their main site.

State Medicaid & Local Programs

Alright, this is where it can get a bit confusing.

You see, Medicaid coverage for hearing aids is not the same in every state.

Yeah, crazy, I know!

While federal law requires Medicaid to cover hearing services for children, it’s optional for adults.

This means some states give you full coverage for hearing aids, some offer partial coverage, and some offer none at all.

To make it easy for you to see what your state offers, I’ve built a comprehensive, state-by-state guide in the very next section.

State-by-State Medicaid Coverage for Hearing Aids

As I mentioned, whether Medicaid covers hearing aids for adults is decided at the state level.

This unfortunately makes the whole thing even more confusing and frustrating because now there is a patchwork of rules across the country.

So to make this simple for you, I’ve made an easy-to-read table with all the important info you need for your state.

Important: Please keep in mind that policies can and do change. This information is for guidance, but you should always use the link provided to contact your official state agency to confirm eligibility and coverage details.

Your Application Toolkit: Checklist & Scripts

Okay, now that you know which programs to contact, let’s get you prepared to apply.

Having the right documents ready and knowing what to say can make the process much smoother.

Think of this as your personal toolkit for getting the free or low-cost hearing aids for seniors you need.

A Checklist of Documents You’ll Probably Need

Most of these programs, especially the foundations and government agencies, will ask you for some basic paperwork so they can verify your identity, income, and hearing loss.

I would make sure to have these documents ready before applying. This can really save you a lot of time and hassle later on.

Here’s what you should have ready:

• Proof of Identity & Age: Your state-issued driver’s license, ID card, or passport.
• Proof of Address: A recent utility bill or bank statement with your current address.
• Proof of Limited Income: This could be your most recent tax return, a Social Security benefit statement, or a recent pay stub.
• An Audiogram or Hearing Test: Most programs will require an official hearing test from a licensed audiologist that is less than six months to a year old.
• A Doctor’s Referral (Sometimes): Some programs may require a note from your doctor stating that a hearing aid is a medical necessity.

Pro-Tip: To make this as easy as possible, I’ve put all of this into a simple, one-page checklist that you can download and print for free.

Keep it with your folder of documents so you’ll have everything you need in one place.

Download the Free Hearing Aid Application Checklist PDF

A Simple Script for Contacting Local Charities

Making that first call to a local charity, like a Lions Club, can feel intimidating.

What do you say? What do you ask?

Don’t worry, I got you!

Here is a simple, polite script you can use to start the conversation:

“Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I was calling to ask a question about your hearing aid assistance program. A doctor recently confirmed that I have significant hearing loss and would benefit from a hearing aid, but it’s something I can’t afford on my own.

I was hoping you could tell me a little bit about your program and what the first step to applying would be. Any information you could provide would be incredibly helpful.

Thank you very much!

[Your Name]”

Yeah, that’s all you have to say. It’s short, direct and lets them know you’re serious, explains your situation clearly, and makes it easy for them to help.

It’s the perfect way to get the conversation started and move closer to free or low-cost hearing aids for seniors.

Being proactive and learning how these programs work is a key skill. If you enjoy learning, you should also check out my guide to free online classes for seniors.

A Comparison of the Top Free Hearing Aid Programs

Ok since each program works a bit differently, I made a quick side-by-side comparison table so you can easily compare the biggest national programs.

I hope this table makes it easier for you to see your options at a glance and helps you figure out which program could give you free or low-cost hearing aids for seniors the fastest.

More Ways to Get Help Paying for Hearing Aids

Now, besides the major national programs and foundations, there are a few other ways for getting help with the cost of hearing aids that most people overlook.

I would definitely check these options out as well.

1. State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Programs

This is a big one that most people don’t know about.

Every state runs a VR agency dedicated to helping people with disabilities (which includes hearing loss) get or keep a job.

If you are still working, even part-time, or want to go back to work or a big volunteer position, you may actually qualify for assistance.

If a hearing aid is deemed necessary for your employment, the VR program may cover the entire cost.

This is a fantastic federal-state program that is absolutely worth a call.

2. Check Your Private or Retiree Insurance Plan

We’ve focused a lot on Medicare, but if you have a private health insurance plan through a former employer (a retiree plan) or are covered by the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program, you need to check your specific benefits.

To stay competitive, a lot of these private plans are now offering partial or even full coverage for hearing aids.

All you need to do is call your plan administrator and ask about. It could easily save you thousands of dollars.

Are There Low-Cost Alternatives?

So, what if you’ve looked at all the programs and don’t quite qualify for a free hearing aid?

Are you stuck with the huge price tag of a hearing aide device?

Well, the good news is that these days there re a few really great low-cost hearing aids options.

Some are of the same quality but cost way less than the traditional multi-thousand-dollar devices.

Even at a lower price, coming up with a few hundred dollars can be challenging. To help supplement your budget, check out my guide on generating extra income for seniors.

Now here are a few cheaper options:

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids

Thanks to a recent FDA ruling, you can now buy hearing aids directly from stores like Walgreens, CVS, and Best Buy, or online, without needing a prescription from an audiologist.

This is really huge for affordability.

What they are: OTC hearing aids are designed for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. They are not designed to treat severe or profound hearing loss.

The good news is that there are a few good brands with different prices ranges you can choose from:

The market now has a few different tiers:

• Basic OTC Devices ($100 – $400): This is where you’ll find brands like Audien. These devices are typically very simple, offering basic sound amplification without many advanced features. They can be a very affordable starting point for someone with mild hearing loss.
• Mid-Range OTC Devices ($400 – $900): In this price range, you’ll find more advanced features like rechargeable batteries, better background noise reduction, and multiple listening modes (e.g., for restaurants vs. quiet rooms).
• Premium OTC Devices ($900+): Top-tier OTCs from brands like Sony and Bose offer features that compete with low-end prescription models, including Bluetooth streaming for music and calls and advanced app-based customization.

The Pros: They are much cheaper (usually in the $500 to $1,500 per pair range), highly accessible, and you don’t need to see a doctor first.

The Cons: You are on your own. There is no professional fitting or custom programming from an audiologist, and the performance, especially at the lowest price points, may be very basic.

That said, if your hearing loss is mild, I’d at least check out the OTC hearing aides market first.

Refurbished Hearing Aids

Another smart way to save is with a refurbished hearing aid. These are donated devices that have been professionally cleaned, repaired, and recalibrated for a new user.

Keep in mind though that you can’t just use someone else’s old hearing aid, as it’s specifically programmed for their hearing loss. It needs to be professionally reset for you.

So where do you find these refurbished hearing aide devises?

Your local universities!

Yep, a lot of colleges with audiology or speech-and-hearing programs run clinics that offer low-cost hearing tests and can fit you with a high-quality refurbished device for a fraction of the price of a new one.

So do a quick search for any college or university near you with an audiology or speech-and-hearing-sciences program and give them a call.

Take Advantage of a Risk-Free Trial Period

One of the biggest fears when buying a hearing aid is spending thousands of dollars on a device only to find out it doesn’t work well for you.

Thankfully, these days, most major hearing aid brands and clinic offers risk-free trial period (which I think is mandatory, by the ay!).

Hearing aids free trials usually are for 30 to 45 days which is enough time for you to wear the hearing aids in your own daily environment (at home, in restaurants, and with family).

And by the end of the trial, if you’re not completely happy with it, you can send them back for a full refund.

How to Spot and Avoid “Free Hearing Aid” Scams

As with anything involving high-cost medical devices (or anything really), it’s a sad reality that scammers and high-pressure salespeople are out there.

They use the promise of “free” to lure people in. But if you know the red flags, you can easily protect yourself.

The “Free Hearing Test in a Hotel Ballroom” Trap

You’ve probably seen ads for a free lunch seminar or a “free hearing screening” at a local hotel or community center.

Be really careful with these.

While the test itself may be free, these events are almost always high-pressure sales pitches, not a real medical consultation.

Their goal is not to give you a comprehensive health exam; it’s to sell you a very expensive device that day.

A real, unbiased hearing test should come from a licensed audiologist or an ENT doctor who isn’t trying to sell you a specific brand of hearing aid on the spot.

The “100% Free Device Online” Scam

This is the online version of the trap.

You’ll see an ad promising a completely free, top-of-the-line hearing aid, no strings attached.

But when you get to the end of the sign-up process, they ask for your credit card to cover a “small shipping fee,” an “activation fee,” or a “mandatory insurance plan.”

I hate those with a passion.

This is a classic bait-and-switch. A truly free device from a legitimate non-profit or the VA will never ask for your credit card information to get started.

If they ask for your card, it’s not a freebie, it’s a purchase or a subscription in disguise.

Stick to the programs I listed in this guide as they’re the real, trustworthy sources for free or low-cost hearing aids for seniors.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How do I get a free hearing test?

There are a few great options. Some university clinics with audiology programs offer free or very low-cost hearing tests to the public. Also, large retailers like Costco usually have free hearing screenings in their hearing aid centers. Local Lions Clubs and other community health fairs are also excellent resources to check for free testing events in your area.

Does Social Security pay for hearing aids?

No, it does not. While the Social Security Administration manages the application for the Medicare “Extra Help” program (which helps with drug costs), the Social Security program itself does not provide any direct funding or benefits for hearing aids.

What is the best “free” hearing aid brand?

It’s better to think in terms of the best program rather than brand. Veterans often get top-tier brands like Phonak, Signia, or Oticon through the VA. Non-veterans may get new Starkey devices through the Hear Now program. The brand usually depends on which program you qualify for.

Can I get help paying for hearing aid batteries?

Yes. VA recipients get a lifetime supply of batteries. Some state vocational rehabilitation programs may include batteries too. Local Lions Clubs sometimes help with ongoing supply costs as well.

Are OTC hearing aids as good as prescription ones?

They serve different needs. Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids can be a great, affordable option for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. But, they are not designed for severe or complex hearing loss. Prescription hearing aids from an audiologist are custom-fitted and programmed for your specific needs, making them the superior choice for more significant hearing loss.

The Bottom Line

Getting hearing aids can feel overwhelming, but as you can see, there is help out there. You just need to do some leg work.

First, if you’re a veteran, the VA is your first stop.

Next, check your insurance (especially if you have a Medicare Advantage plan) to see what hearing benefits you already have.

From there, it’s time to contact the amazing national foundations and local charities on our list.

This is just one important way to take control of your finances; for a complete look at all the deals available to you, be sure to check out our master list of over 100 senior discounts.

Now that you know how to get free hearing aids for seniors, all you need to do is start gathering your documents and applying. Good luck!