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Does medical insurance cover hearing aids?

Team AckoNov 17, 2023

Hearing aids can be life-changing for those who have hearing-related problems. However, these devices are costly. Not everyone can afford them.

Thus, people might wonder if medical insurance covers hearing aids. Read ahead for the answer.

Does Medical Insurance Cover Hearing Aids?

Contents

What do hearing devices do?
When do you need hearing aids?
Do health insurance policies cover hearing devices?
How much do hearing aids cost in India?
Health insurance cover for hearing aids
Frequently asked questions

What do hearing devices do?

Electronic devices called hearing aids assist people who have hearing problems. Depending on the design and the patient's needs, you can wear this device inside or behind the ear. A microphone, an amplifier, and a receiver are often included in the device to improve hearing.

In severe circumstances, hearing loss can make it difficult for a person to carry out daily tasks. Even routine things may become challenging for them, which may prevent them from leading happy lives. For these people, having access to quality hearing devices becomes even more important.

When do you need hearing aids?

For those who have damaged inner ears and hearing loss, hearing aids can be helpful. This harm may be congenital, the result of conditions, mishaps, exposure to loud noises, ageing, or a drug’s side effect. The ear canal, middle ear, or eardrums may be the source of the issues.

Not everyone can benefit from hearing aids because there are many different types of deafness. After having your hearing simply assessed by an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) expert, you can purchase a hearing device that best suits your needs.

Do health insurance policies cover hearing devices?

Usually, most health insurance policies do not cover hearing aids. As with other wearable medical devices like eyeglasses, contact lenses, etc., most plans do not provide coverage for hearing devices.

These are usually included under the plan's exclusions. However, if a covered sickness or accident results in the need for hearing aids, several health insurance policies might cover those costs.

An insured person may be eligible for compensation under the terms of their policy if they suffer hearing loss as a result of an accident or a covered illness. Furthermore, many health insurance providers in India are mindful of the financial burden these devices may place on patients. Certain insurers now cover the cost of hearing aids under extra coverage or general health plans. Along with their standard plans, these extra coverage options are available for an additional premium. Make sure to read the policy wordings of the applicable insurance policy carefully to know the coverage details.

How much do hearing aids cost in India?

Hearing aid prices might range from Rs. 10,000 to even Rs. 3 lakhs in some circumstances. This will depend on a person's level of hearing loss, age, whether they require it in both ears or just one, the type of device, etc. Despite the fact that India has had hearing aids since 1990, only a small percentage of the population can still afford them. Nearly 3 million children in India are deaf, according to the WHO.

Health insurance cover for hearing aids

Some health insurance policies include coverage for hearing aids with a range of advantages, from 50% reimbursement to the highest amount as per the coverage. If an ENT specialist gives the insured person the go-ahead, they may submit a claim for hearing aids.

Aside from being expensive, ear machines are also prone to damage or complete failure. By choosing hearing aid insurance, people can receive financial assistance in situations covered by the policy. For instance, this can be helpful for managing device repairs and replacement expenses.

Hearing aids may be insured for monetary costs associated with theft, unintentional damage, or breakdown, depending on the insurance policy. But be sure to review the benefits and deductibles offered by these policies carefully. Another thing to remember is if this coverage is available under some plans, you may need to wait until the end of a specific period before you have this choice.

Frequently asked questions

Here are some common questions and answers about hearing loss, hearing aids, and health insurance.

What are the top three signs of hearing loss?

The top three signs of hearing loss are failing to hear low-frequency sounds, trouble understanding what other people are saying, and facing hearing issues while on the phone. People with hearing loss often request verbal repetition from others while talking to them.

Is dementia correlated with hearing loss?

A 2020 Lancet commission report mentions hearing loss as one of the major risk factors for dementia and states that having it increases your likelihood of developing dementia.

Can hearing loss be cured?

For hearing loss brought on by noise, there is neither a medical or surgical cure. You should take action to prevent your hearing loss from growing worse if you already have it.

What are the different types of hearing aids?

Different types of hearing aids are as follows.

In-the-ear (ITE)
Behind-the-ear (BTE)
In-the-canal (ITC)
Receiver-in-canal (RIC)

What physiological effects does hearing loss have?

The quality of life may be significantly impacted by hearing loss. Depressive symptoms are sometimes reported by older persons with hearing loss. Some people might feel lonely because the loss of hearing can make communication challenging. The decline and impairment of cognitive function are both correlated with hearing loss.

How do doctors perform hearing loss tests?

A Behavioural Audiometry Evaluation will gauge a patient's general response to sound. All components of the ear are tested using this test. The patient must be alert and responsive to sounds played during the test.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet. Please consult a doctor before making any health-related decisions.