The scope of VA hearing benefits

The VA is the largest single purchaser of hearing aids in the United States, providing approximately 1 million hearing aids per year to veterans. The benefit is comprehensive:

• Hearing aids at no cost to the veteran (devices, batteries, and accessories)
• Audiological evaluations and hearing tests
• Hearing aid fitting, programming, and adjustments
• Repairs and replacements
• Cochlear implant evaluation and surgery for qualifying veterans

The VA provides premium prescription hearing aids from major manufacturers including Phonak, Oticon, Signia, ReSound, Starkey, and Widex — the same devices that cost $4,000–$7,500 per pair in the private market.

Who is eligible for VA hearing aids?

Eligibility for VA hearing aids depends on your VA healthcare enrollment status and the nature of your hearing loss:

Automatic eligibility (no service connection required)

• Veterans with a service-connected disability rating of 10% or higher (for any condition)
• Veterans who are former prisoners of war
• Veterans with a Purple Heart
• Veterans receiving VA pension benefits

Eligibility with service connection

• Veterans with hearing loss that is service-connected (caused or aggravated by military service)
• Veterans whose hearing loss is related to a service-connected condition

Eligibility based on clinical need

• Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare who have significant hearing difficulty that affects daily functioning, even without a service connection, may be eligible based on clinical determination by a VA audiologist

How to apply for VA hearing aids

1. Enroll in VA healthcare: If not already enrolled, apply at va.gov/health-care/apply or call 1-877-222-8387.
2. Request an audiology appointment: Contact your local VA medical center's audiology department. You can request a referral from your VA primary care provider or contact audiology directly.
3. Complete a hearing evaluation: A VA audiologist will perform a comprehensive hearing evaluation and determine your eligibility and hearing aid needs.
4. Receive your hearing aids: If eligible, hearing aids are ordered and fitted at no cost. Follow-up appointments for adjustments are also provided.

Service connection for hearing loss

Hearing loss and tinnitus are the two most common service-connected disabilities among veterans. If you believe your hearing loss was caused or worsened by military service (noise exposure from weapons, aircraft, vehicles, or other military equipment), you may be eligible to file a disability claim.

A service-connected hearing loss rating provides additional benefits beyond hearing aids, including monthly disability compensation. The rating is based on the degree of hearing loss as measured by VA audiological testing.

Veterans who served in combat, aviation, or other high-noise environments should strongly consider filing a claim if they have hearing loss, even if they have not previously done so.

Community Care: VA hearing aids outside VA facilities

Veterans who live far from a VA medical center or face long wait times may be eligible for Community Care — VA-funded hearing care at non-VA providers in the community. Contact your VA medical center to determine if you qualify for Community Care for audiology services.