Many Insured Patients Still Can’t Afford Hearing Aids, Study Finds
Keck Medicine of USC research reveals which types of health insurance are better at helping patients afford hearing aids — and which aren’t.
Clinical Scorecard: Many Insured Patients Still Can’t Afford Hearing Aids, Study Finds
At a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|
| Condition | |
| Key Mechanisms | |
| Target Population | |
| Care Setting | Outpatient settings, including private and government insurance; note that Medicare typically does not cover hearing aids. |
Key Highlights
- Only 51.3% of older adults aware of their hearing limitations use hearing aids, indicating a need for better awareness.
Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
- Assess hearing limitations through self-reporting and audiometric testing.
- Regular hearing assessments for older adults.
Management
Monitoring & Follow-up
Risks
Patient & Prescribing Data
Older U.S. adults with hearing limitations.
Improved insurance coverage may lead to increased hearing aid use.
Clinical Best Practices
- Advocate for comprehensive insurance coverage for hearing aids.
- Utilize telehealth and remote audiology services to enhance access.
- Educate patients on the importance of hearing aids for overall health.
- Collaborate with audiologists for comprehensive care.
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