VNS Health MLTC: Hearing Exams and Hearing Aids

Hearing services and products are covered when medically necessary to alleviate disability caused by the loss or impairment of hearing.  Routine hearing exams help to identify early hearing loss, gauge progressive hearing loss and track changes to make needed adjustments, identify balance problems associated with the inner ear, and address any modifiable factors that may contribute to hearing loss.    

Many people believe that they hear just fine, and perhaps they do.  Most do not know, however, that they have actually lost their ability to hear high frequencies, and some come to accept that muffled sound is normal.

Issues in the inner ear, which can be detected during routine screening, also cause balance problems.  Sometimes what we think is a musculoskeletal cause of imbalance (pain or weakness) may be an inner ear disorder. 

Finally, modifiable factors that contribute to hearing loss, such as certain medications and environmental factors, can be addressed.

Older adults are also susceptible to excessive wax build-up and even ear infections.

Hearing exams and hearing aids are provided by a network of fully licensed audiologists. If a hearing exam is needed, the member may be asked to see their provider first, in order to be sure that another health problem is not affecting their ability to hear.

The health plan also covers batteries for hearing aids.