Hearing Loss and TRICARE Coverage Guide (2026) | TRICARE.com

*TRICARE.com is an independent reference site and is not the official TRICARE program or affiliated with the Department of Defense. For official policy and the most current data, visit TRICARE.mil.*

## Is it covered? Yes, TRICARE covers diagnostic hearing evaluations, medical treatments for hearing loss, and some hearing aid services. However, coverage for the actual purchase of hearing aids is strictly limited to Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs) and their immediate family members who meet specific clinical criteria.

## What TRICARE covers TRICARE’s coverage for hearing loss is divided between diagnostic services and the hardware used to treat it.

### Covered Services: * **Diagnostic Hearing Exams:** Routine hearing exams are covered for all beneficiaries to determine the cause and extent of hearing loss. * **Cochlear Implants:** Covered for both adults and children when medical necessity criteria are met (usually profound sensorineural hearing loss). * **Medical and Surgical Treatments:** Coverage includes treatments for hearing loss caused by injury, infection, or tumors (e.g., stapedectomy or tympanoplasty). * **Auditory Osseointegrated Devices (AOD):** Covered for specific conditions like conductive hearing loss or single-sided deafness.

### Covered Hearing Aids (Limited Eligibility): TRICARE only pays for the purchase of hearing aids and related supplies (batteries, molds, repairs) for: * **Active Duty Service Members (ADSMs):** To maintain fitness for duty. * **Active Duty Family Members (ADFMs):** If they have profound hearing loss (defined as at least 65dB in the better ear) or meet specific criteria under the Extended Care Health Option (ECHO).

### Explicitly Excluded: * **Retirees and their families:** TRICARE does not pay for hearing aids for retirees, though they may be eligible to purchase them at government rates through the **Retiree At-Home Hearing Aid Program (RAHHAP)** via the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). * **Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids:** These are generally not covered by TRICARE.

## Costs Costs for hearing evaluations and treatments vary based on your plan and status. The following are **2026 rates**:

| Plan Type | Diagnostic Exam (Network) | Hearing Aid Purchase | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | **TRICARE Prime (ADSM/ADFM)** | $0 | $0 | | **TRICARE Select (ADFM)** | $38 - $50 (est. copay) | $0 (if criteria met) | | **TRICARE Select (Retirees)** | $50 - $65 (est. copay) | **Not Covered** | | **TRICARE For Life** | $0 (after Medicare pays) | **Not Covered** |

*Note: For retirees, Medicare generally does not cover hearing aids, meaning TRICARE For Life will also not cover them as the secondary payer.*

## Pre-authorization & referrals * **TRICARE Prime:** A referral from your Primary Care Manager (PCM) is required for all specialty audiology services. Prior authorization may be required for surgical interventions like cochlear implants. * **TRICARE Select:** No referral is required to see a network audiologist, but you will save money by staying in-network. Prior authorization is often required for hearing aid hardware and complex surgeries. * **Active Duty:** Always requires a referral and specific authorization through the military’s hearing conservation program or a civilian network provider.

## Where to get care To receive care for hearing loss, you should first consult your PCM. If you are seeking a specialist: * **East Region:** Use the [Humana Military provider search](https://www.humanamilitary.com) to find a network audiologist or ENT. * **West Region:** Use the [TriWest Healthcare Alliance provider search](https://www.triwest.com) (Contractor as of Jan 1, 2025). * **Overseas:** Contact [International SOS](https://www.tricare-overseas.com) for a list of authorized providers in your area.

## Sources 1. **TRICARE.mil Policy:** [Hearing Aids and Services](https://www.tricare.mil/CoveredServices/IsItCovered/HearingAids) 2. **TRICARE Benefit Manual:** [Cochlear Implants and Auditory Implants](https://manuals.health.mil/) 3. **DHA (Defense Health Agency):** Section on Hearing Conservation and Readiness. 4. **Medicare.gov:** [Hearing and Balance Exams](https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hearing-balance-exams) (Relevant for TRICARE For Life beneficiaries).