Key takeaways:
The cost of hearing aids varies significantly, ranging from $1,000 to over $6,000 per ear. Though, an over-the-counter (OTC) device can cost as little as $99.
You may be able to deduct some of the costs for your hearing aids on your tax return. You must itemize your deductions on Schedule A of your return to claim these expenses. This is the only way the IRS allows for a deduction.
The IRS only allows you to deduct your total medical expenses that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI).
Over 44 million adults in the U.S. experience some degree of hearing impairment or loss. That makes hearing aids a vital tool for many, reconnecting people to the sounds and voices they cherish.
But the high costs of hearing aids is one of the reasons why roughly 5 in 6 Americans with hearing loss don’t wear hearing aids. If your insurance doesn’t cover the costs, you may be able to get a tax deduction to ease the financial strain.
What are hearing aids?
Hearing aids are compact electronic devices that are designed to enhance hearing. Some hearing aids require a prescription from an audiologist or other specialist, while others are sold over the counter (OTC).
There are a variety of hearing aids available that address different health needs, including:
Behind-the-ear (BTE) devices
In-the-ear (ITE) devices
Completely-in-canal (CIC) devices
Before purchasing hearing aids, you’ll want to determine the best option for your needs and the cost involved.
Can you deduct hearing aids on your tax return?
Yes, if you meet certain requirements, you can deduct the costs of your hearing aids on your tax return. The IRS considers hearing aids to be a qualified medical expense. But you will need to itemize deductions on Schedule A of your tax return.
You have two options when filing taxes: itemize deductions or take the standard deduction. The standard deduction is a fixed amount that varies according to your filing status. If you choose to claim the standard deduction, you won't be able to deduct individual expenses, including hearing aids, from your taxes.
If your itemized deductions exceed your standard deduction, it makes sense to itemize. But your total qualified medical expenses must exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income (AGI). You can only deduct the amount that exceeds the AGI threshold.
How much do hearing aids typically cost?
The costs of hearing aids can range from $1,000 to $4,000 or more per ear. Many people need hearing aids for both ears, so the costs can be as high as $8,000 per year or more.
Premium models can easily cost $6,000 per ear. This is especially true for hearing aids geared towards people with severe hearing loss.
The following are some of the factors that impact the costs of hearing aids:
Styles and features: There are a range of hearing aid models, from basic to advanced, for you to choose from. But you’ll have to pay a higher price for more personalized and sophisticated features. For example, a CIC hearing aid will cost more than a BTE hearing aid, because it is custom made to fit your ear canal. Features like Bluetooth and wireless charging also add to the cost.
Brand: You’ll often pay higher prices for premium brands and newer models.
Customization: If you need a personalized fit and design for your ear shape, you can have your hearing aids customized for an additional cost.
Warranty: When you purchase hearing aids, you might automatically receive warranty coverage for at least a year. But if you want coverage for a few years, you’ll most likely need to buy an extended warranty, which is an extra charge.
Services and support: If you have a comprehensive service package that includes hearing tests, consultations, fittings, cleanings, and other benefits, you’ll most likely pay a higher price.
The FDA's 2022 authorization of OTC hearing aids has opened new options for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. These hearing aids are generally more affordable than their prescription-only counterparts, with prices starting as low as $99. They’re available at pharmacies, retail outlets, and online, making them convenient to access. However, it's recommended to consult a hearing specialist if you have concerns about your hearing.
How do you deduct hearing aids on your tax return?
When you itemize deductions, you first add up all your qualified medical expenses for the year. (This can include a variety of expenses, like LASIK surgery, medical transportation, and dentures, along with your hearing aid expenses.) Then, calculate your AGI. You can only deduct the portion of qualified medical expenses that exceeds 7.5% of your AGI.
Suppose your AGI is $70,000 and you've spent $10,000 in qualified medical expenses, including $5,000 for hearing aids. You would itemize your deductions and apply the 7.5% rule to your AGI of $70,000. That means, you can deduct the amount of your total qualified medical expenses that exceeds $5,250, or $4,750 — the difference between your total expenses of $10,000 and $5,250.
To take a deduction for hearing aids on your tax return, you can follow these steps:
Collect your receipts. Gather all your receipts for qualified medical expenses, including hearing aid costs.
Add up your medical expenses. Enter the total amount of your medical expenses on line 1 of the “Medical and Dental Expenses” section of Schedule A, which is for itemized deductions.
Apply the AGI threshold. Enter your AGI on line 2 and multiply it by 7.5%. Record this result on line 3.
Calculate your deduction. On Schedule A, subtract the amount on line 3 (7.5% of your AGI) from the total medical expenses on line 1.
After completing Schedule A, attach it to your Form 1040 when filing your tax return.
What percentage of hearing aid costs are tax deductible?
The deduction for your hearing aids is not based on a fixed percentage of the cost itself. Instead, it's based on whether your total qualifying medical expenses exceed 7.5% of your AGI.
What are the rules for qualified medical expenses?
IRS Publication 502 lists hearing aids as a qualified medical expense. This is because it meets the IRS’ definition of an item that’s for the “diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease, and for the purpose of affecting any part or function of the body.”
Some other expenses related to hearing aids that can be deducted are:
Batteries
Fittings
Maintenance fees
Medical exams and tests
Repairs
Replacement parts
What records should you keep for your tax deductions?
When you’re claiming a tax deduction, it's important to keep all receipts for the expenses you're claiming. You should also maintain documentation that explains the nature of these expenses, such as prescriptions or doctors’ notes.
The IRS recommends keeping your tax records for either:
A minimum of 3 years from when you filed your original return
Two years from the date you paid your taxes, if that's later
Keeping these records is essential in the event of an IRS audit of your tax return.
The bottom line
Hearing aids play a crucial role in enhancing the lives of millions of people across the U.S. Though the cost of hearing aids can be significant, ranging from around $1,000 to upward of $6,000, the opportunity to deduct can offset the cost.
Why trust our experts?
Tom Taulli, EA, operates his own tax preparation and planning firm, Pathway Tax, which he founded in 2000. He is a licensed enrolled agent and can represent taxpayers before the IRS. He can also prepare and advise on tax matters for all 50 states.
Edited by:
Charlene Rhinehart, CPA
Charlene Rhinehart, CPA, is a personal finance editor at GoodRx. She has been a certified public accountant for over a decade.
Reviewed by:
Karla Robinson, MD
Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.
Our editorial standards
Meet our experts
References
Everett, C. (2023). Does Medicare or insurance cover hearing aids in 2023? National Council on Aging.
Everett, C. (2023). Only 1 in 6 Americans with hearing loss wears hearing aids—Here’s why. National Council on Aging.
View All References (10)
expand_more
Internal Revenue Service. (2023). 2023 Schedule A (Form 1040).
Internal Revenue Service. (2023). 401(k) plan overview.
Internal Revenue Service. (2023). About Form 1040, U.S. individual income tax return.
Internal Revenue Service. (2023). Definition of adjusted gross income.
Internal Revenue Service. (2023). How long should I keep records?
Internal Revenue Service. (2023). Individual retirement arrangements (IRAs).
Internal Revenue Service. (2023). Publication 502 (2022), medical and dental expenses.
Internal Revenue Service. (2023). Topic No. 551, standard deduction.
Hernandez, N. (2023). Hearing loss statistics 2023: More common than you might think. National Council on Aging.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). OTC hearing aids: What you should know.
GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
Was this page helpful?
Subscribe and save.
Get prescription saving tips and more from GoodRx Health. Enter your email to sign up.
By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.
