Are hearing aids FSA/HSA eligible?

Yes — hearing aids are explicitly listed as eligible medical expenses by the IRS for both FSA and HSA purposes. This includes:

• Hearing aids (prescription and OTC)
• Hearing aid batteries
• Hearing aid repairs and maintenance
• Hearing aid accessories (domes, wax guards, cleaning tools)
• Audiologist fees for hearing tests and fitting

How much can you save?

FSA and HSA funds are contributed pre-tax, which means you avoid paying income tax on the money you use for hearing aids. The savings depend on your marginal tax rate:

• 22% tax bracket: A $5,000 hearing aid purchase costs effectively $3,900 using FSA/HSA funds
• 24% tax bracket: Same purchase costs effectively $3,800
• 32% tax bracket: Same purchase costs effectively $3,400

On a $5,000 hearing aid purchase, FSA/HSA savings range from $1,100 to $1,600 depending on your tax bracket — a meaningful reduction.

FSA vs. HSA: key differences

Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Offered through employer benefit plans
• 2026 contribution limit: $3,300 per year
• "Use it or lose it" — funds typically expire at year end (some plans allow a $660 rollover or 2.5-month grace period)
• Funds are available immediately at the start of the plan year
• Available with any health insurance plan

Health Savings Account (HSA)

• Available only with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
• 2026 contribution limits: $4,300 (individual) / $8,550 (family)
• Funds roll over indefinitely — no "use it or lose it"
• Can be invested and grow tax-free
• Can be used in retirement for any expense (not just medical) after age 65

How to use FSA/HSA for hearing aids

1. Check your balance: Log into your FSA/HSA account to confirm your available balance before purchasing.
2. Pay with your FSA/HSA card: Most FSA/HSA accounts provide a debit card. Pay for hearing aids directly with this card at your audiologist or OTC retailer.
3. Keep your receipt: Save the itemized receipt showing the hearing aid purchase. Your FSA/HSA administrator may request documentation.
4. Reimburse yourself: If you paid out of pocket, submit the receipt to your FSA/HSA administrator for reimbursement.

Strategic timing: FSA "use it or lose it"

If you have an FSA with a year-end deadline, hearing aids are an excellent way to use remaining funds before they expire. If you're considering hearing aids and have FSA funds expiring, this is a strong reason to act before year end rather than waiting.

Conversely, if you're planning a hearing aid purchase and have an FSA, consider timing the purchase to maximize your FSA contribution. You can contribute up to the annual limit and use the full amount immediately (FSA funds are available at the start of the plan year, even before you've contributed them).

OTC hearing aids and FSA/HSA

OTC hearing aids are also FSA and HSA eligible. The CARES Act (2020) expanded FSA/HSA eligibility to include OTC medical products without a prescription, which includes OTC hearing aids. This means you can purchase a Jabra Enhance Plus, Sony CRE, or any other OTC hearing aid with pre-tax FSA/HSA funds.