Hearing aids are tax deductible in limited situations, depending on how you pay for them and what your income is
Hearing aids themselves are not deductible as a medical expense on your federal tax return in most cases. The IRS treats them as a personal expense, similar to eyeglasses or dentures. However, if you pay for hearing aids through a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can use pre-tax dollars to cover the cost — which effectively reduces what you pay out of pocket.
The distinction matters: you cannot write off hearing aids on your 1040 tax form at the end of the year, but you may be able to avoid paying income tax on the money you spend on them in the first place. That is a real savings, but it works differently than a deduction.
Key Takeaways
- Hearing aids are not deductible medical expenses on your federal tax return, even if prescribed by a doctor.
- You can pay for hearing aids with pre-tax money through an HSA or FSA if your employer offers one, which reduces your taxable income.
- Medicare does not cover hearing aids, but some Medicare Advantage plans include a hearing aid benefit that may lower your out-of-pocket cost.
- Some states offer tax credits or deductions for hearing aid costs — check your state's tax rules or contact your state revenue department.
- Keeping receipts and documentation from your hearing aid provider helps if you ever need to prove the expense for insurance or state tax purposes.
How HSAs and FSAs let you use pre-tax dollars for hearing aids
An HSA (Health Savings Account) is a savings account tied to a high-deductible health plan. Money you put into an HSA is not subject to federal income tax, and you can withdraw it tax-free to pay for may have access to medical expenses — including hearing aids, batteries, and repairs. If you have an HSA through your employer, you contribute money before taxes are taken out of your paycheck.
A Flexible Spending Account (FSA) works similarly: you set aside pre-tax dollars from your paycheck to pay for medical expenses, including hearing aids. The main difference is that FSAs are "use it or lose it" — money you do not spend by the end of the plan year is forfeited (though many plans now offer a small carryover or grace period). HSAs have no expiration date and roll over year to year.
To use either account for hearing aids, you typically submit a receipt from your hearing aid provider to your account administrator for reimbursement. Some providers allow you to pay directly from the account at the time of purchase. Check with your plan administrator about the process.
State tax deductions and credits for hearing aids
A handful of states offer their own tax deductions or credits for hearing aid costs. These vary by state and change over time, so the best approach is to contact your state's revenue or taxation department directly or check their website before filing.
Some states allow you to deduct hearing aid costs as a medical expense on your state income tax return even if the federal government does not. Others offer a tax credit — a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the tax you owe — for hearing aid purchases. A few states have programs that subsidize hearing aids for low-income residents, which is separate from a tax deduction but reduces what you pay upfront.
If you live in a state with a state income tax, it is worth asking your tax preparer or your state's tax office whether hearing aids may have access to for any deduction or credit in your state.
Medicare and hearing aid coverage
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) does not cover hearing aids or routine hearing exams. This is a significant gap for many older adults, since hearing loss becomes more common with age.
However, some Medicare Advantage plans (Part C) do include a hearing aid benefit. The benefit varies widely — some plans cover a set dollar amount per year, others cover a percentage of the cost, and some cover only hearing exams. If you are considering a Medicare Advantage plan, check the plan's coverage details for hearing aids before you enroll.
If you receive Medicaid (the joint federal-state program for low-income individuals), coverage for hearing aids depends on your state. Some states cover them; others do not. Contact your state Medicaid office to find out what is available to you.
Veterans and hearing aid benefits
If you are a veteran, the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) covers hearing aids and related services for may be able to access veterans. You do not need to pay out of pocket, and the VA will fit and maintain the aids. To learn about you are may be able to access, contact your local VA medical center or visit VA.gov.
Veterans may also be may be able to access for a hearing aid allowance if they have a service-connected hearing loss rating. This is separate from the hearing aids themselves and is a monthly payment that can be used toward hearing care costs.
Documentation and record-keeping
Keep all receipts and invoices from your hearing aid provider, including the cost of the aids, fittings, adjustments, batteries, and repairs. If you use an HSA or FSA, you will need these documents to submit for reimbursement.
If your state offers a deduction or credit, you may need to attach receipts or a statement from your provider to your tax return. Even if you do not need them when ready, holding onto records for at least three to seven years protects you if the IRS or your state tax authority asks questions about your return.
Other ways to reduce hearing aid costs
Beyond tax deductions, several programs and strategies can lower what you pay for hearing aids. Some nonprofit organizations offer discounted or donated hearing aids to older adults and people with low incomes. Hearing aid manufacturers sometimes offer rebates or payment plans. Some employers offer hearing aid discounts through workplace wellness programs.
Your hearing aid provider may also offer financing options or bundle discounts if you purchase multiple aids or add-on services. Ask your provider directly what payment or discount options are available — many do not advertise them unless you ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deduct hearing aids on my federal tax return?
No. The IRS does not allow hearing aids as a deductible medical expense on your federal income tax return. However, you can use pre-tax dollars from an HSA or FSA to pay for them, which reduces your taxable income and saves you money on taxes.
What is the difference between an HSA and an FSA for hearing aids?
Both let you use pre-tax dollars for hearing aids. An HSA rolls over year to year and has no expiration date; an FSA is "use it or lose it" each plan year (though some plans allow a small carryover). HSAs are only available if you have a high-deductible health plan; FSAs are offered by many employers regardless of plan type.
Does Medicare cover hearing aids?
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans include a hearing aid benefit, but coverage varies by plan. Check your plan's details or contact the plan directly to see what hearing aid coverage, if any, is included.
Do I need a doctor's prescription for hearing aids to use my HSA or FSA?
Most HSA and FSA administrators require a letter from a doctor or audiologist stating that hearing aids are medically necessary. Your hearing aid provider can usually provide this documentation or help you obtain it from your doctor.
What should I do if my state offers a hearing aid tax credit?
Contact your state's revenue or taxation department to learn the rules for your state. You will likely need to keep receipts from your hearing aid provider and may need to attach them to your state tax return. Your tax preparer can also help you determine whether you may have access to.