Hearing aids can be life-changing—but the price can be a hurdle. The good news: you can often pay with pre-tax dollars from a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA). Here’s how eligibility works, what to save receipts for, and how to avoid claim denials.
<p>By Jonathan Javid, Au.D., CCC-A • Hearing InsiderUnderstanding HSA and FSA Accounts
What is a Health Savings Account (HSA)?
An HSA is a tax-advantaged account for people enrolled in a high-deductible health plan (HDHP). You can contribute pre-tax dollars, spend them on qualified medical expenses, and roll unused funds over each year. Many HSAs also allow investing the balance.
What is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)?
An FSA is an employer-sponsored account funded with pre-tax payroll deductions. FSAs typically follow a “use-it-or-lose-it” rule within the plan year, although some plans offer a small rollover or a short grace period.
Key Differences: HSA vs. FSA
| Feature | HSA | FSA |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Requires an HDHP | Employer-sponsored; no HDHP required |
| Rollover | Funds roll over indefinitely | Usually “use-it-or-lose-it” (some rollover or grace period) |
| Portability | Account stays with you | Tied to employer |
| Investing | Often available | Not available |
Are Hearing Aids HSA/FSA Eligible?
IRS Guidelines on Qualified Medical Expenses
The IRS allows expenses for the diagnosis, cure, mitigation, or treatment of disease—and for treatments affecting any body function. Hearing aids fall under this rule. For details, see IRS Publication 502.
Hearing Exams, Devices, and Services
- Hearing exams by licensed professionals
- Prescription hearing aids
- Fittings, adjustments, and follow-up care
- Repairs and medically necessary reprogramming </ul>
Related Accessories
Commonly eligible items include earmolds, cleaning kits, batteries, and wireless transmitters when medically necessary. Keep itemized receipts and, if requested, a letter of medical necessity.
OTC caveat: Over-the-counter (OTC) devices may be treated differently by plans. When in doubt, ask your administrator if a prescription or letter of medical necessity is required.
Why Use HSA/FSA for Hearing Aids?
- Save 20–30%+ (typical marginal tax rate range) by paying with pre-tax dollars.
- Make premium devices more affordable: quality hearing aids often run $1,000–$7,000 per pair before coverage.
- Support ongoing care: funds can cover follow-ups, supplies, and necessary accessories.
New to the process? Start with our overview of the first fitting and follow-up process: What to Expect Before Getting Hearing Aids.
ection>How to Use HSA/FSA Funds to Purchase Hearing Aids
Paying at the Clinic or Online
Most plans issue an HSA/FSA debit card—swipe it at your audiology clinic or at online checkout. If a merchant doesn’t accept the card, pay out-of-pocket and submit an itemized receipt for reimbursement.
Timing & Documentation
- FSAs: funds generally expire at year-end (check your plan for rollover or grace period).
- HSAs: funds roll over; keep receipts and prescriptions in case of review. </ul>
After purchase, keep your devices running great with these care and troubleshooting guides: Cleaning Hearing Aid Domes, Cleaning Microphones, When to Change Domes & Wax Traps, Bluetooth Troubleshooting, Rechargeable Phonak Fixes, Oticon Troubleshooting.
Where to Buy with HSA/FSA
Audiology Clinics & ENT Centers
Pay directly at licensed audiology or ENT clinics. You’ll receive professional fitting and follow-up care—services that typically meet eligibility requirements.
Online & Local Price Comparison
Compare local pricing and book appointments through ZipHearing:
<p> Check ZipHearing PricesAlways verify products are FDA-regulated hearing aids and that your plan recognizes them as eligible purchases.
Manufacturer & Insurance Pathways
Some manufacturers and insurers offer streamlined HSA/FSA purchasing options. Ask your audiologist which partners support your benefits and whether any promotions apply.
ection>What’s Not Covered?
- Non-medical accessories or purely cosmetic upgrades
- Extended or accidental-damage warranties (plan-dependent)
- Certain OTC hearables that are treated as consumer electronics </ul>
Tips to Maximize Your Benefits
- Plan contributions: forecast major purchases during open enrollment.
- Stack benefits: combine insurance coverage with FSA/HSA to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
- Keep great records: retain prescriptions, itemized invoices, and proof of payment. </ul>
Considering features and models? See our current picks: Best Hearing Aid Recommendations.
Common Misconceptions
“Hearing aids aren’t eligible.” False—prescription hearing aids are generally eligible medical expenses.
“You can’t use HSA/FSA online.” You can, if the retailer accepts your card and the product is eligible.
<p>“Only certain brands qualify.” Eligibility is tied to medical necessity, not brand names.How to Check If Your Purchase Is Eligible
- Search your administrator’s eligibility tool (e.g., FSAstore, HSAstore).
- Call your benefits provider for your plan’s specifics.
- Ask your audiologist for documentation or a letter of medical necessity if needed. For a refresher on scope of services, see What an Audiologist Does.
If you haven’t had a recent screening, start here: Hearing Screenings 101.
Real-Life Examples
Upgrading with an FSA
A retired teacher used FSA funds during a clinic promotion to upgrade to rechargeable aids—saving roughly the amount of her marginal tax rate on top of the discount.
Pediatric Hearing Aids via HSA
A parent used HSA funds for a child’s prescription hearing aids and follow-up visits, spreading costs over the year without post-tax strain.
FAQs About Using HSA/FSA Funds for Hearing Aids
Can I use HSA/FSA for hearing aid batteries?
Yes—batteries and routine supplies for prescription aids are typically eligible. Keep itemized receipts.
Are hearing tests covered?
Yes. Professional hearing evaluations qualify as medical expenses.
ils>What if my claim is denied?
Check for missing details, confirm eligibility, and ask your administrator if a doctor’s note is required.
Can I use both insurance and FSA together?
Yes—process insurance first, then apply FSA funds to the remaining eligible balance.
Do I always need a prescription?
Not always, but it strengthens eligibility. Some plans require a prescription or letter of medical necessity for accessories.
ils>Conclusion: Take Control of Your Hearing Health with Smart Spending
Using pre-tax HSA/FSA dollars is one of the fastest ways to make high-quality hearing care more affordable. Plan ahead, keep excellent records, and verify eligibility before you buy.
Learn more from the IRS: IRS Publication 502 — Medical and Dental Expenses.