How can I get a hearing aid when Tricare does not cover them and the VA only covers them on an income-based scale?

Maj Chris Nelson — Tue, 29 May 2018 19:12:19 -0400

I have had a hearing exam today, they are recommending hearing aids. Tricare does not cover them. VA covers them, but on an income based scale...and I am pretty sure that I am outside the degree that they would pay. Anyone with significant knowledge on this topic? If so, sing out. I need to pick a few brain cells!! Thanks!

It appears that my original "title" wasn't one that was liked, so was changed.... The current title sux. My QUESTION relates more to anyone having good knowledge on the hearing test results (dB in the various ranges) that would lean a person to getting hearing aids.... then the follow on would be good quality hearing aids. (not junk). I already KNOW how to get hearing aids when Tricare won't cover and I make to much for the VA.... I will be buying them out of pocket....and so far, looking like around 5-6k for a pair....could go higher, but could go lower...but then there is the issue with quality. my hearing test results are very similar in both ears within a few dB... 2000-6000 Hz ranges have me between 50-80dB. the low range frees in the 125-1500 range were between 20-35dB Again, thanks for the assist for anyone that has sold info!

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made May 29 at 2018 7:16 PM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 29 May 2018 19:16:56 -0400

First check the Retired At Cost Hearing Aid Program. Not a lot of bases participate but if one is in your area you can save lots of dollars.

I have gotten a pair of hearing aids through that program, but the base near me no longer participates.

Second SHOP. Costs can vary by as much as $1000.

Feel free to message me with any specific questions.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 30 at 2018 5:19 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 30 May 2018 17:19:56 -0400

I used to work for an audiology practice. She dealt with a lot of people in the Cherry Point/Camp Lejune area that were veterans and/or contractors who had theirs paid for by the Department of Labor. Not sure what that actually entails, but if it's service/job related, it might be a possible route.

Oticon > Resound > Siemens > Phonak > Starkey

Stay away from Beltone, they're trash.

Low end of the cost spectrum will likely run around $3k. Mid-range will run probably about $5k. High end will run $7k+.

Treat this just like buying a car. Some places will mark up the prices considerably. The prices I just mentioned are based off of info that's a few years old with a roughly 50% mark up. Shop around a little bit.

Also, once you do find a place and you purchase them, don't be afraid to sit in there for a while to get them adjusted properly. They won't be right the first time. It make take 3 or 4 sittings with adjustments being made to get the levels at each range correct. Be sure to take notes once you start wearing them to bring with you when you get the aids adjusted so you can let the fitter know what's too loud or too quiet and they can make the proper adjustments.

Response by Aaron Tg made May 23 at 2019 6:36 PM

Aaron Tg — Thu, 23 May 2019 18:36:00 -0400

The information you provided is a very small part of the equation.
I would encourage you to find the provider in your area with the best reputation.
The best hearing aid for your neighbor with identical test results may be worthless for your lifestyle, anatomy, features preferences and a dozen other minor topics that come up.
Additionally, if we take 10 pairs of hearing aids, and give them to 10 GOOD providers, they are all going to have slight variations in how they set things up for you and some will get you better results than others.
If you go to get a knee replacement, a tooth filled, or a pair of eyeglasses, do you focus on the company who made the hardware, or do you realize 99% of it is the practitioner?
You can order eyeglasses over the internet, but most people have figured out they get far better results if they meet with someone in person. It is the same way with hearing aids.
I do wish you luck and thank you for your service.

Response by SSG Bill McCoy made Dec 2 at 2020 3:49 PM

SSG Bill McCoy — Wed, 02 Dec 2020 15:49:56 -0500

Major,
In my case, my income level never arose. I suspect it was because my hearing loss was directly attributable to combat (firefights, mortar and artillery fire) in Vietnam; AND during subsequent years in a new MOS (Military Police) where we had 6 week training cycles/12 weeks police patrol duties. In the training cycles, we fired .45's, M-16's/203's and M-60 machine guns and used hand grenade and artillery simulators; plus qualified annually with the .45 at indoor ranges annually. Believe it or not, hearing protection was NEVER mandated, or even recommended. Ear plugs were merely something you wore on the Field Jacket! During the training cycles, there was NO safety briefings regarding the grenade or artillery simulators that often went off unexpectedly (as booby-traps) in VERY close proximity.
The point is, if you were in an MOS where you were routinely exposed to dangerous noise levels, income apparently has little to do with it. The aids the VA issued me reportedly cost $9 THOUSAND bucks!

Response by WO1 Dean Casey made Dec 3 at 2020 3:10 PM

WO1 Dean Casey — Thu, 03 Dec 2020 15:10:27 -0500

Contact you Primary Care Physician at the VA Medical Center and request a hearing exam. If you meet the requirement, the VA will issue you hearing aids and you will receive batteries and other items free.