The short answer
CHAMPVA doesn't cover routine hearing tests or regular hearing aids. It covers hearing exams tied to treating a covered illness or injury, hearing screening for kids through age 6, and cochlear implants and bone-anchored hearing aids. A doctor's recommendation doesn't make a regular hearing aid covered.
Hearing tests
38 CFR 17.272(a)(39) excludes hearing exams except when they're:
- part of treating a covered illness or injury, or
- part of well-child care.
| Situation | Covered? |
|---|---|
| Routine hearing test | No |
| Hearing test tied to treating an ear condition or injury | Yes |
| Hearing screening in well-child care through age 6 | Yes, at no cost |
The records should show the medical reason for the test.
Hearing aids
38 CFR 17.272(a)(41) excludes hearing aids and other devices that enhance hearing. The CHAMPVA Guidebook lists hearing aids that aren't surgically implanted or anchored as not covered.
A covered hearing test doesn't make a hearing aid covered. They're separate questions.
Cochlear implants and bone-anchored hearing aids
The Guidebook says both are covered. They're treated differently from regular hearing aids because they're surgically implanted or anchored. That fits the regulation's separate rule for medically necessary prostheses inserted during surgery.
The usual rules still apply: medical necessity, a qualified provider, and correct billing. Ask the provider to name the exact device and procedure instead of calling it a "hearing aid." More here: CHAMPVA prosthetics and orthotics.
Before getting hearing care
- Separate the exam from any device.
- Ask why the exam is being done.
- Know which kind of device it is: regular, cochlear implant, or bone-anchored.
- Make sure the records match the reason.
- Bill other insurance first if you have it.
Where else can families look for hearing aids?
- Some job-based or Medicare Advantage plans include hearing aid benefits.
- Over-the-counter hearing aids are sold without a prescription for mild to moderate hearing loss.
- Some states have programs for children's hearing aids.
If it's denied
If it was a regular hearing aid, the exclusion is likely the reason. If it was a medical hearing exam treated as routine, ask the provider to check the diagnosis code. For implants, make sure the claim names the implanted device and procedure. More here: CHAMPVA claim denials.