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Are Hearing Aids Covered Under Medical Insurance?

By Juhi Walia
26 August 2022, 3:20 PM

Hearing loss can significantly impact your life, regardless of the cause—an accident, ageing, or illness. Even small pleasures like listening to kids giggling or the birds chirping outside your window can become harder to enjoy. To enhance your quality of life and effectively combat hearing loss, hearing aids have advanced dramatically over time. Today's sleek, small hearing aids have replaced the previous, unwieldy ones. These microscopic electronics magnify sounds. You may easily converse with others and lead a regular life with hearing aids. But if you choose more advanced designs and technologies, they might be fairly expensive. Knowing whether or not your health insurance will cover the expense is crucial. Find out more by reading on.

What is the Purpose of a Hearing Aid? 

Hearing fatigue is reduced by hearing aids that provide increased clarity with the more recent digital technology available (less strain and clearer hearing). You'll feel more at ease while listening to the things told on television, having one-on-one talks, hearing clocks strike time, hearing computer sounds, hearing footsteps, etc. Although wearing hearing aids can greatly improve communication, the process does take some time to get used to. Knowing what to anticipate can greatly aid in the transition process.

Who Benefits from Using Hearing Aids?

For those who suffer inner ear injury and hearing loss, hearing aids are helpful. Congenital damage, infections, accidents, exposure to loud noises, or an adverse drug effect are all possible causes of this harm. The middle ear, ear canal, or eardrums may be the source of the issues.

At least one-third of persons aged 65 and above experience some degree of hearing loss due to ageing. Many people do not become aware of this sort of hearing loss until it becomes a major issue since it occurs so gradually. Everyone gets frustrated when family and friends have to repeat themselves loudly and frequently to communicate. Due to the various causes of deafness, not all people can benefit from hearing aids. You can acquire the hearing aid(s) that best suit your needs after having this evaluated by an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist. 

How Much Does a Hearing Aid Cost in India?

The price is influenced byvarious elements, including your lifestyle, the type and degree of your hearing loss, the unique features you require in a hearing aid, etc.

Expensive Hearing Aids

If you enjoy an active social life and like to hear fine, complex sounds, these are the hearing aids for you. A single ear may cost as much as INR 3 lakhs.

Mid-range Hearing Aids

This is your best bet if you wish to hear TV or everyday sounds clearly. Typically, a single ear costs INR 70,000 and above.

Budget-friendly Hearing Aids

These are perfect for people who spend a lot of time at home and need to clearly hear everyday sounds. The cost may begin at INR 25,000 for one. However, speak with your audiologist to find out the suitable hearing aid for you. In a bid to get a cheaper aid, you might compromise your hearing even more. Have a quality hearing aid for a price you can afford.

Do Health Insurance Policies Cover Hearing Aids?

Most health insurance policies often do not cover hearing aids. The majority of insurance policies cover these expenses together with other wearable medical equipment like eyeglasses, contact lenses, etc. under its usual exclusions.

However, if an insured individual develops hearing loss as a result of an accident or a covered sickness, they may be eligible for compensation under the terms of their policy.

Additionally, a number of health insurance companies in India are becoming aware of the financial strain that these aids may place on individuals. Hearing aids are now covered by certain insurers under optional policies or comprehensive health plans. Along with their standard plans, these extra coverage options are available for a fee. Find out which insurance provider will cover an ear machine by doing some research.

Conclusion

Do not ignore hearing loss if you are experiencing it regularly. A person's ability to carry out daily activities is hampered by hearing loss, especially in severe situations. Even routine things may become challenging for them, which may prevent them from leading happy lives. For these folks, having access to adequate ear equipment becomes even more crucial. Consult an expert, and if advised, invest in hearing aids because they can significantly improve your quality of life. Most people with hearing loss manage without hearing aids since they are costly and typically not covered by health insurance. Search for the health insurance options and see which covers hearing aids. You may find some offering such aids as an add-on for an extra premium. 

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FAQs

1. How long does a hearing aid typically last?

Three to seven years is the typical lifespan of a hearing aid; for some people, it may even be longer. The quality of the instrument's construction, how well it is maintained, and the amount of wear and tear it endures while being worn in your ear for several hours each day affect its lifespan.

2. Can a hearing aid help someone who has hearing loss?

Hearing aids can help people with sensorineural hearing loss (hearing loss in the inner ear due to damaged hair cells or a damaged hearing nerve). They will be able to hear and speak more clearly with a hearing aid. 

3. How much will a hearing aid cost in India?

Hearing aid prices might range from INR 10,000 to INR 15,00,000 in some circumstances. The degree of a person's hearing loss, their age, whether they require it in both ears or just one, the type of device, and other such factors will be considered in determining this.

4. What are the exclusive scenarios wherein hearing aid costs will be covered under an insurance policy?

An insured person may be entitled to benefits under the terms of their policy if they have hearing loss as a result of an accident or a disease that is covered by the policy.

5. Can I claim for reimbursement if my hearing aid is stolen?

Reimbursement will depend on whether the insurer covers hearing aids under the policy or not. 

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