HEARING CARE
Coverage, Concerns, and Protecting Your Hearing Health
The Myths ❌ and The Facts ✅ about Hearing Care & Medicare
❌ Myth #1: You don’t need a hearing test unless you notice severe hearing loss.
✅ Fact: Hearing loss often develops gradually, making it difficult to notice early on. Regular hearing tests can detect subtle changes, allowing for early intervention that can prevent further decline and improve overall quality of life.
❌ Myth #2: Hearing aids restore hearing completely, just like glasses correct vision.
✅ Fact: While hearing aids significantly improve hearing by amplifying sounds, they do not fully restore natural hearing. However, they can greatly enhance speech comprehension, communication, and daily interactions.
❌ Myth #3: Hearing loss only affects your ears and doesn’t impact overall health.
✅ Fact: Untreated hearing loss is linked to cognitive decline, depression, social isolation, and even an increased risk of falls. Hearing loss should be treated with the same urgency as vision or dental health.
❌ Myth #4: Medicare fully covers hearing aids and related services.
✅ Fact: Original Medicare (Part B) does not cover hearing aids—only diagnostic exams for hearing issues if ordered by a physician. However, some Medicare Advantage plans offer limited hearing benefits, including coverage for hearing exams, hearing aids, and fittings. It’s important to review your plan details or consult a Medicare expert to understand your coverage options.
❌ Myth #5: All hearing aids are expensive and not worth the investment.
✅ Fact: Hearing aids come in various price ranges and can be a worthwhile investment in improving social engagement, cognitive health, and safety. Additionally, financing options like CareCredit are out there to make hearing aids more accessible.
HEARING HEALTH STATISTICS IN AMERICA
Adults in the United States suffer from some level of hearing loss.
%
of those aged 70+ with substantial hearing loss have never tired hearing aids, nor other treatment options.
Broken down by age, Hearing Loss is experienced by roughly:
%
of those in their 60s
%
of those in their 70s, and
%
of those in their 80s
Studies show that Hearing Loss is linked to other health risks, such as:
Increased Risk of Dementia & Cognitive Decline
A 50% Greater
risk of falls
Higher Rates of Depression, Social Isolation
Emerald Medicare’s Partner Audiology Practices
At Emerald Medicare, we proudly partner with other professionals & firms who demonstrate a commitment to ethical practices & white-glove service. If you’d like to learn more about treatment options for hearing loss, or you’d like to consult with an expert, reach out to one of our Audiology partners:
