How To Get Hearing Aids From The VA | 6 Things You NEED To Know

Dr. Cliff Olson, Military Veteran and Audiologist from Anthem Arizona, discusses how to get hearing aids from the VA (Veterans Administration).
Website: www.DrCliffAuD.com
Clinic Website: www.AppliedHearingAZ.com
The process of getting hearing aids from the VA can be confusing. Especially because there are two separate departments, the VHA and VBA that do hearing tests. However, only one of these departments can get you hearing aids.
Here are the 6 things you need to know about getting hearing aids from the VA:
1. Find out if you are Eligible for Hearing Aids - To be eligible, you must NOT be Dishonorably Discharged, Must have been activated during your time in the Reserves or National Guard, or on Active Duty for 24 months. Your hearing loss does not have to be caused by the military to get hearing aids from the VA. Note: there are exceptions to these criteria so I recommend applying for Health Benefits Regardless.
2. Apply for VA Health Benefits - To apply for health benefits, you need to either Call Veterans Health Administration (VHA)- 1-877-222-Vets (Monday - Friday 8am-8pm ET).
Go Online - www.vets.gov/health-care/apply/.
Or, print out the Form 10-10 EZ www.va.gov/vaforms/medical/pd... and Mail it to: Health Eligibility Center
2957 Clairmont Rd., Suite 200
Atlanta, GA 30329, or take it into your closest VA facility.
If you need help applying find a Veterans Service Officer to help FREE of charge at [phone].
3. Make an appointment with audiology - You can request an appointment during the application process, or you can call or visit your local VA facility to schedule an appointment. Some facilities you can schedule on line through your MyHealth Portal.
4. Appointments for "Hearing Aids" and "Compensation" are different things - If you want hearing aids, you need to go through the Veterans Health Administration (VHA), if you want compensation due to a hearing disability suffered while serving, you need to go through the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). The contact # for the VBA is [phone].
5. All VA facilities are separate - You can't just walk into or call any VA clinic and get serviced. If you are moving to a different state, you must contact your Enrollment Coordinator or Health Benefits Advisor at your current VA facility to change your preferred VA location. If you are travelling or are a "snow bird", you must contact your Traveling Vets Coordinator to be seen at a different VA location. Do this before you travel. 30 days notice is recommended.
6. Don't expect to get your hearing aids on the same day as your hearing test - It takes time to order hearing aids. There are also many other Vets who are scheduled for hearing aid fitting so you must wait your turn. Hearing aid fittings usually occur 2 weeks to 4 weeks from the testing date. Just be patient!
Special thanks to Dr. Emily Raway, audiologist from Minneapolis Minnesota VA, and Dr. Paige Tatge, audiologist from the Phoenix Arizona VA.

[@DrCliffAuD]

Still confused on how to get Hearing Aids from the VA? Let me know!

[@stephenreimers8436]

Doc, I received hearing aids through the Yokosuka, Japan Medical Treatment Center, but I have no idea of where to file the claim to recover my out-of-pocket expenses. Any ideas? I live in Yokosuka (no VA clinics here) and get care at the Naval Hospital here. I've reached a dead end trying to figure out how to submit a claim for these Phonak hearing aids. Please help!

[@DrCliffAuD]

@@stephenreimers8436 I would be no help to you.

[@stephenreimers8436]

@@DrCliffAuD Well, thanks for your response, anyway. That's more than I get from the VA!

[@pmf2994]

Was diagnosed with moderate hearing loss after a 45 minute exams by the VA audiologist. I was given the Oticon More 1, rechargeable hearing aide. It is unbelievable, that I can now clearly hear. My audiologist said that I can come in to see him anytime at the VA hospital and he cleans and checks the settings. Great service from them VA. He told me that privately it would cost at least $7,000. Any eligible veteran should have their hearing checked at the VA. It took me two days from the time my prime VA doctor called and made an appointment for me.

[@dsmith2858]

PMF, great info. We’re you service connected for hearing loss?

[@pmf2994]

@@dsmith2858 No. My VA doctor senT me to the audiologist, plus other exams. I was not rated for hearing loss, bit the audiologist found out that I had moderate hearing loss, and ordered the Oticon More 1. I now can turn down the volume of my TV If you are enrolled in the VA health system make an appointment with the VA audiologist. It might be free, depending on your classification. I’m 100% P&T, so there was no cost to me. Call the VA to see if you qualify.

[@dsmith2858]

@@pmf2994 thanks for the info!

[@cha-ka8671]

The VA buys about 80% of hearing aids. That's why they are able to get the best of hearing aids. They have such a deep discount that it's damn near free. It's not free obviously, it's just my comparison between out in town versus at the VA.

[@mikeedwards7701]

interesting just used my work insurance BCBS. They pitched me the Starkey evolv at $2500 per ear. BCBS only covers 80% of the allowed amount, which is 2500. So I'd have to pay about 3k out of pocket. Question: Were you able to get hearing aids from VA while having commercial insurance? Did you get a decent pair or just the bare minimum for free? did you have options to upgrade?

[@JSWilliamssr]

Just got my hearing aids from the VA. It was a bit of a process (even got inner ear surgery) but it was very worth while. I now am rid of Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence Syndrome and have a set of Phonak Audeo B-90 Direct HAs -- a very expensive set. The VA is also supplying free batteries, domes and was filters for life. This is the ONLY way I could have gotten hearing aids. The VA took away my nightmare and restored my ability to hear. If you are eligible, you need to do this!

[@DrCliffAuD]

Awesome to hear Jarold! The VA is highly underrated in my opinion. If you are a Veteran and need to have your hearing treated. The VA is a terrific option!

[@bobshaw4063]

@@DrCliffAuD I agree with you .

[@sokdo]

Another great informative video! Keep them coming. I am very thankful for your time and effort to put these videos together.

[@andy8218]

Thanks Doctor Cliff, you provided the best answers on how to proceed with the VA. Great! information 🙂

[@cynthiaburdick2919]

Thank you so much Dr. Cliff! My husband needs hearing aides badly but we both were very confused about the process and cost to us, etc.

[@josephcarlotti338]

This was very good presentation for the VA, you were are right on target. Thank you for serving!

[@chuckm63]

Thanks Dr. Cliff, this helped sort out some of the confusion.

[@yt_makemsalty9755]

Thank you, very helpful video. Love the energy as well.

[@BearMeat4Dinner]

Dr. O Thank you n God Bless!

[@blueman9450]

Your page is gold! Thanks doc

[@bobshaw4063]

Dr Cliff Fellow Veteran Thank You for your Service . I get my hearing Aids & Glassses from The VA .

[@dsmith2858]

Bob, are you service connected for hearing loss and vision loss?

[@kartgal]

This is amazing information

[@jackiecarter9987]

Dr. Cliff I just received my Hearing Aids through for my tinnitus disability. They work great. I served active duty and in 2017 started receiving Compensation for this disability. Your information was very helpful.

[@DrCliffAuD]

Glad to hear that you are being taken care of Jackie!

[@cha-ka8671]

Do they stop that annoying ringing eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee sound?

[@jeovanicontreras409]

@@cha-ka8671 unfortunately i was told that will never go away

[@Jimhutso]

Awesome information

[@Emanemoston]

Thanks for the video.

[@فخسمس]

Thank you!

[@BoomBoom2a]

Recently discovered your vlogs and youtube videos. They are great source of information and I have used them to educate myself so I know what I should expect from hearing aids and providers. I have an appointment to pickup my 2nd set of hearing aids from my VAMC. The process of my getting my first pair did not include real ear measurement. Waiting to see if they will use it this time. Do you know if the VA in general uses real ear measurement or is it impossible due to the shear number of patients and short staffing? I am guessing the number of patients is the reason I have had no follow up appointments from my first pair......I lost my first pair after 3 years and that is the only reason I had to go in for my last hearing test before getting the new set. I have created a list of questions for my audiologist at my fitting. I am not judgmental of them because I know they are understaffed and have heavy patient load so I will be respectful and considerate when i ask my questions. I would like to see more videos on the VA and audiology if you have time. Thank you for your service and these videos.

[@user-lv2ox3yc5f]

Back in 2021 i was diagnosed with earing loss and fitted for my resound one 7 hearing aids. I purchased mine out of pocket and i really need to get with the VA to get this process started before i need my next pair. I was in the Air Force 11 years AD. My hearing baseline was reestablished 2 times while i served. I am at a complete loss at how to start the process. When i got my honorable discharge i went to Yuma,az. But my records were sent to Phoenix. Now i live in Fort Worth, TX. Need to get help navigating this process.

[@kartgal]

In my experience as an audiologist it can take as long as four months from the time of the hearing test to getting the actual hearing aids

[@cha-ka8671]

WHY?!?!?! It's not like each resistor, diode, and capacitor in the hearing aid is hand crafted by some artisan specialist. What's the hold up???

[@traciebarthel3319]

I got mine a week after my initial audiology appointment at the VA in Wisconsin

[@oclough]

Qualification for VA health benefits requires a financial means test. This should have been number one on your list.

[@mmarjisr]

I was in the army for 20 months and didn't know I had benfits until 2012 and Iget both eyeglasses & hearing aids from the VA hospital and I got an upcoming hearing test july 28th and I would like to find out what hearing brandsthey are using now any way to find out

[@rickstrawn6591]

I was in the army active duty for three years, was told that family income level was to high to get va benefits.I went to my local vso and he got me a hearing test and Ive waited three months with no test results.Finally the iso officer found out that I was turned down with no explanation.Just like the army Friggin you get for friggin you got.he Vso officer wants me to come back in when I receive this turn down letter.I guess I will join and see what excuse they will come up with then.Thanks,its not as easy as it sounds.

[@DrCliffAuD]

Are you trying to get Compensation or Hearing Aids?

[@denut5979]

Character In the video It's great, I like it a lot $$

[@kiwiroy48]

I have a pair for a few years now ,I hear stuff that is scary

[@aflarry]

I'm 68 eligible for VA hearing aids for moderate hearing loss mostly in the high range both ears. Worked with jet fighter aircraft & have tinnus. Would you help me select the best one of these offered? The VA is not helping with the selection, just gave me Oticon for trial period. I like rechargeable if its best. GN ReSound, Oticon Opn1, Phonak Audeo B90-Direct, Unitron Moxi All, Starley, Widex, Siemens/Signia. Thanks

[@DrCliffAuD]

Hi aflarry. It's impossible for me to tell without a full consultation.

[@mariesantiesteban3067]

How long does it take to get the hearing aids once they’ve been ordered. My VA said 2 months!? Like what? They aren’t even the custom ones. GN Resound is what I’m getting. Please if anyone knows. Is it normal for that long of a wait.

[@bobc5102]

Dr. Cliff Does the VA use Real ear measures when you get your hearing aids I have an appt. in October to get mine.

[@DrCliffAuD]

Yes, but it is up to the VA to actually administer them. Some require them, in others, it is up to the clinician.

[@ruten45]

It took me three times to get my hearing loss and tinnitus ability to get hearing aid.

[@marcjohnson4385]

Just wondering if there are no hearing aids at the present time that will help you 100%comp is your only option.

[@stevensmith186]

I am 60% hearing connected disabled from the Vietnam era. If I apply for hearing aids will I lose my compensation?

[@DrCliffAuD]

No. Compensation is not impacted by treatment. You will still be 60% service connected.

[@slowe786]

What if you already have hearing aids prior to getting out of the service? I've had my hearing aids for a year while active duty. I'm in the process of getting the va exams for my ratings. Is the process still the same when I need new hearing aids?

[@DrCliffAuD]

Not sure if the process is the same in the military vs out of the military. What was your process getting devices while still on active duty?

[@slowe786]

@@DrCliffAuD I was referred to an audiologist for a hearing test, then referred to the Ent, who approved my hearing aids and surgery, then referred back to the audiologist for hearing aids.

[@robira1313]

I received new hearing aids about a year ago thru my federal Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance. Well, I hate them! Do you think the VHA will honor my request, and will I still be eligible for new hearing aids?

[@DrCliffAuD]

Yeah I do, but the problem likely isn't the hearing aids. It's more likely that they aren't programmed properly.

[@robira1313]

@@DrCliffAuD- Believe it or not, they SOUND just fine! That's not the problem. The batteries only last 3-4 days! (I was used to 7 or 8 days with my older Widex) These have "wi-fi" which I have absolutely no use for and I can never tell if the wi-fi is turned on or off. I cannot also tell what level volume I"m at because all it is is a series of audible clicks. Not crazy about these Oticons.

[@beedee9534]

Bad right ear 50% Disabled PTSD just made an appointment to see VA doctor and how do i get PTSD upgrade

[@DrCliffAuD]

No clue.

[@johnbuenaventura1]

Which ERA did you serve? If it was during or after Gulf War, contact and make an appointment for the Gulf War Registry. They had me see a psychiatrist right after I finished the paperwork because of some of my answers . Go from there and apply for upgrade...

[@joerogers4227]

have you had any experience with the VA audiology in Prescott, az

[@DrCliffAuD]

Yes, I get patients from them on occasion.

[@joerogers4227]

@@DrCliffAuD Then why j87 months since my last appointment finally called them in may told june, went there and told it was july instead. I want to hear, not have my wife mad at me and she yells at me so I can hear. I want to hear tv without faking understanding. 3 months from a call to an appointment. Live in Chino Valley, and Phoenix is too far away. so Prescott va.

[@DrCliffAuD]

That's typical VA Healthcare. Ton of patients, very little time.

[@pmf2994]

@@DrCliffAuD Contact your local VA health advocate, who is located in your local VA hospital. After you call, you get the tape message, just press 0 and tell the operator to connect you to the health advocate.

[@lindab.1625]

Great video, thank you, but you didn't say anything about cost or if the aids would be free.

[@johnbuenaventura1]

It depends on your disability and disability rating. For example, I am at a 100% but only 10% for tinnitus; mine were free. If you have a disability rating for your hearing, they would also be free. If you don't have 100% or have a disability rating for hearing loss, then you will have to pay for some (depending on whether you have medical insurance or not). Hope that helps...

[@lindab.1625]

@@johnbuenaventura1 Thank you. Are the newest hearing aids available or are they older models?

[@pmf2994]

@@lindab.1625 They are the newest models. I was.given the Oticon More 1(rechargeable & Bluetooth connected to my iPhone and TV). I was told it would cost $ 7,000, if I went to a private audiologist. Just call the VA to see if you are eligible to receive this service.

[@christinavenegas9312]

Will the VA take away your benefits if you get a hearing aid?

[@pmf2994]

No

[@johnmcinnis3676]

May I callyou with wquestion?

[@warrendemartini6533]

I got my hearing aids, Phonak B90, they suck. Oh I can hear the keys in ur pocket but still can’t hear you. Voices r very hard to hear. Great Bluetooth for ur cell phone...rated zero for bilateral, USMC machine gunner 5 yrs....wonder why I can’t hear....VA is not your friend.....

[@kartgal]

Warren Demartini, I don’t know anything about your hearing loss or how the hearing aids are programmed, but I did want to tell you that B90s are Top of the line, the very best hearing aids available. In NJ you would pay 7,000 for a pair of those.

[@alishiatoth2109]

what about if you are a spouse?

[@DrCliffAuD]

Hi Alishia. I am not 100%, but I don't believe that you can get hearing aids if you are a spouse of a Veteran. I would recommend you contact your local VA to answer this for you. I will reach out to my VA Audiology connections to see if I can get an answer for you.

[@selah71]

Alishia Toth You can Google "military spouses health care benefits" for the website to discover how and what benefits you may be eligible.

[@sfrink1425]

Heh "Snowboarding" Heh.

[@mikethemechanic7395]

What? 😂