TRICARE Coverage for Hearing Loss & Tinnitus
Overview
TRICARE covers hearing evaluations and treatment for hearing loss. Hearing aid coverage varies by beneficiary status — active duty members receive hearing aids at no cost, while coverage for family members and retirees requires meeting medical necessity criteria. Tinnitus management and audiology services are covered.
Treatment Options Covered by TRICARE
- Audiological evaluation
- Hearing aids (active duty: no cost at MTF)
- Hearing aid fitting and programming
- Cochlear implant evaluation and surgery
- Tinnitus evaluation and management
- Tinnitus retraining therapy
- Hearing conservation programs
- Aural rehabilitation
- Assistive listening devices
How TRICARE Covers Hearing Loss & Tinnitus
Active duty service members receive hearing aids at no cost through MTF audiology clinics. For other beneficiaries, TRICARE covers hearing aids when medically necessary with limitations on replacement frequency (typically every 3–5 years). Cochlear implants are covered when medically necessary. Tinnitus evaluation and management are covered benefits.
Coverage by Plan
TRICARE Prime
Audiological evaluation and hearing aids covered with referral. Active duty: $0 at MTF. ADFMs: covered with medical necessity determination.
TRICARE Select
Standard cost shares for audiology visits. Hearing aids covered when medically necessary. No referral needed.
TRICARE For Life
Medicare covers diagnostic audiology and cochlear implants. Routine hearing aids NOT covered by Medicare. TFL may cover hearing aids when Medicare does not.
Estimated Costs
| Scenario | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Hearing evaluation (Prime ADFM) | $0 with referral |
| Hearing aids (active duty at MTF) | $0 |
| Hearing aids (Prime ADFM, authorized) | $0 or cost share depending on source |
| Cochlear implant surgery (Prime) | $0 with authorization |
| Tinnitus evaluation | $0 (Prime) / standard copay (Select) |
Authorization Requirements
Hearing aids require prior authorization with documentation of medical necessity. Cochlear implant surgery requires authorization. Diagnostic audiology evaluations typically do not require authorization.
Network & Provider Notes
Audiologists and hearing aid dispensers in the TRICARE network provide hearing evaluations and hearing aid services. MTF audiology clinics offer comprehensive hearing services for active duty members.