Deaf and Hearing Impaired

Q: Does Medicare cover hearing aids?

A: Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance) covers diagnostic hearing and balance exams if your doctor or other healthcare provider orders these tests to see if you need medical treatment. Medicare doesn’t cover hearing exams, hearing aids or exams for fitting hearing aids. Medicare Advantage plans may offer extra coverage, like vision, hearing, dental, and/or health and wellness programs.

Q: What are some tips to communicate with someone who has hearing loss?

A: Here are some important tips to remember when communicating with someone with hearing loss:

• Remember that hearing loss does not equate with loss of intelligence.
• Try writing down a couple words or a phrase to clarify if communication is difficult.
• Remember that even though a person can hear your voice, it does not mean that he or she can understand your words.
• Speak naturally and with normal expression.
• Quiet places will assist communication. Be aware of office machines, fans, restaurant noise and other people’s conversations.
• Look directly at the person. Avoid filling out forms or reading while talking.
• In groups, make sure only one person is talking at a time. Whoever speaks should be sure to have the attention of the person with hearing loss.
• Don’t assume that a hard-of-hearing person is able to understand casual conversation taking place in the room.

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