Are You Covered? Hearing Health Insurance

I’m helping bring attention to the important topic of hearing health and hearing insurance as part of a sponsored post. All opinions are my own. #ListenHear #CoverYourEars #GenerationDeaf

When my youngest was 18 months old, we were worried about his speech and hearing. He wasn’t talking a lot, had chronic ear infections, and didn’t seem to be hearing us all that well. As any concerned parent would do, we had him tested. He was diagnosed with an Expressive Language Delay and we were referred to have his hearing tested.

While we waited for his hearing test, we worked with Ben. We signed, which he picked up on quickly, and did fun activities to help get him to talk. But in those weeks that we waited for the hearing test, the “what ifs” were occupying our minds.

What if it’s something more?

What if he can’t hear properly?

What are we doing to do?

Thankfully, he was given the all clear from the ENT. His hearing was perfect and our only concern was the chronic ear infections. We were told one more and Ben would be getting tubes. Surprisingly, he hasn’t an ear infection since! The ENT likes to nip those infections in the bud because the scarring can lead to hearing loss. So why not stop it before it starts?

When I think back to all the doctor and specialist visits, I am beyond thankful that we have pretty good insurance. But I will admit, at times, I am not sure exactly what it covers. Every time we are referred to a specialist or get a new medicine, I make sure I check with our insurance.

But the one thing, I am not sure about is hearing health!

Did you know the cost of a hearing aid can range from $1,500 to $5,000? Unfortunately, most health insurance plans DO NOT cover the cost of hearing aids. You might have vision insurance, dental insurance… but what about hearing insurance? How would you cover this cost without insurance?

Speak with your HR department to find out if they have insurance (medical or supplemental) that covers the following:

Visits to an audiologist for a complete diagnostic evaluation at least every two years for adults and annually for children
Coverage of hearing aid treatment

If hearing health is NOT a covered benefit for you… you can take a stand and request a change. EPIC has created an advocacy flyer that anyone can just share to start a conversation with their HR professional. Download it at: http://www.epichearing.com/listenhear/resources/