Bridging the Hearing Gap: National Insights into Insurance Coverage and Hearing Aid Utilization in Older Adults

Additional Authors

Nikko Beady, BS, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN; Kaitlin Hori BS; Matthew E. Lin, MD, Department of Head & Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA; Janet S. Choi, MD, MPH Caruso Department of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA

Abstract

While out-of-pocket costs for hearing aids can deter older adults from seeking care, insurance coverage ranges from no coverage to Medicare or military-related options. This study investigated rates and temporal trends of hearing aid use by insurance status in older adults (≥65 years) from the National Health Interview Survey (n=14,039) who had complete data on insurance, hearing aid use, and self-reported hearing limitations. Rates and trends of hearing aid use were estimated using survey weights, and 16 insurance categories were created based on exclusive and combinatorial coverage, with Medicare serving as the reference group. Associations between hearing aid use and insurance status were examined using multivariable regression models adjusted for demographics, socioeconomic status, hearing limitations, and comorbidities. Among those reporting hearing limitations, 51.2% used hearing aids. In adjusted models, Military-only and Military+Medicare groups reported significantly higher rates of hearing aid use than Medicare only (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.19–3.85; OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.66–2.51, respectively). Individuals with Private+Medicare coverage also had higher rates of hearing aid use (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.21–1.42). No significant differences were found between Medicare only and Private only, Medicaid only, or Medicaid+Medicare groups. From 2007 to 2018, hearing aid usage remained stable across insurance categories. These findings indicate that military-related insurance coverage may facilitate greater hearing aid utilization, potentially due to complete coverage of devices and distinct health-seeking behaviors among veterans. Future efforts should examine policy reforms and stigma reduction strategies to improve hearing care access and adoption.

Start Time

16-4-2025 1:30 PM

End Time

16-4-2025 2:30 PM

Room Number

311

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Presentation Subtype

Grad/Comp Orals

Presentation Category

Health

Faculty Mentor

Janet Choi

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Apr 16th, 1:30 PM Apr 16th, 2:30 PM

Bridging the Hearing Gap: National Insights into Insurance Coverage and Hearing Aid Utilization in Older Adults

311

While out-of-pocket costs for hearing aids can deter older adults from seeking care, insurance coverage ranges from no coverage to Medicare or military-related options. This study investigated rates and temporal trends of hearing aid use by insurance status in older adults (≥65 years) from the National Health Interview Survey (n=14,039) who had complete data on insurance, hearing aid use, and self-reported hearing limitations. Rates and trends of hearing aid use were estimated using survey weights, and 16 insurance categories were created based on exclusive and combinatorial coverage, with Medicare serving as the reference group. Associations between hearing aid use and insurance status were examined using multivariable regression models adjusted for demographics, socioeconomic status, hearing limitations, and comorbidities. Among those reporting hearing limitations, 51.2% used hearing aids. In adjusted models, Military-only and Military+Medicare groups reported significantly higher rates of hearing aid use than Medicare only (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.19–3.85; OR 1.89, 95% CI 1.66–2.51, respectively). Individuals with Private+Medicare coverage also had higher rates of hearing aid use (OR 1.32, 95% CI 1.21–1.42). No significant differences were found between Medicare only and Private only, Medicaid only, or Medicaid+Medicare groups. From 2007 to 2018, hearing aid usage remained stable across insurance categories. These findings indicate that military-related insurance coverage may facilitate greater hearing aid utilization, potentially due to complete coverage of devices and distinct health-seeking behaviors among veterans. Future efforts should examine policy reforms and stigma reduction strategies to improve hearing care access and adoption.