Funding Hearing Aids
Funding Hearing Aids
If you are experiencing hearing loss, you should see an ENT doctor. Following their recommendations, you will undergo a hearing test at a hearing clinic, where a hearing aid will be adjusted to your needs. The adjustment process will start within 60 days of the date of the ENT's hearing test.
The HMOs are required to help finance hearing aids for clients over the age of 18.
The copayment is determined according to the type of device. The amount of financial assistance is 3,098 NIS for each ear for 3.5 years.
You can try the hearing aid before purchasing it. The trial period will be determined according to the arrangement with your HMO, with a minimum of one month.
Additionally, please note that if you are considering purchasing a hearing aid privately, you must check with your HMO in advance to see if they will reimburse you for the purchase. HMOs are not required to reimburse private purchases.
Hearing loss is a frequent problem among older people. If you are experiencing hearing loss, you should see an ENT doctor at your HMO. Following the hearing test, hearing rehabilitation therapy or a hearing aid will be recommended.
The HMOs are required to help finance hearing aids for patients over the age of 18.
The amount of financial assistance is 3,098 NIS for each ear for 3.5 years. The copayment is determined according to the type of device.
Adjusting a hearing aid
Note
Note
The funding and operational procedures for hearing aid provision, including examination, consultation, adjustment, and sale, can differ between HMOs.
If you are considering purchasing a hearing aid privately (and not through a clinic that is in-network with your HMO), you must check with your HMO in advance to see if they will reimburse you for the purchase. HMOs are not required to reimburse private purchases (HMOs are entitled but not obligated to offer a reimbursement track for private purchases).
What to expect in an audiology clinic
The adjustment of a hearing aid by a speech therapist is a time-consuming process that consists of several phases. Your cooperation is essential for the success of the process.
After acquiring the hearing aid, you will be eligible for a series of 3–4 hearing trials by a speech therapist.
Paperwork you must bring to the audiology clinic
- A referral from an ENT doctor
- Hearing test results
- Consultation form from a hearing clinic if consultation has been performed separately
Hearing aid adjustment period
The process of adjusting the hearing aid will start within 60 days of the date of the ENT's hearing test.
Types of hearing aids
There are many different types of hearing aids available, with a wide range of features and technological capabilities. A speech therapist will help you choose the device that is most appropriate for your individual needs and preferences.
The level of copayment for a hearing aid will be determined by the technological level of the device. The speech therapist will recommend the level of technology that is appropriate for you, and you will need to pay the copayment for that level.
For the hearing aids that are part of the arrangements with the HMOs, you will obtain the approval of The Medical Device Division in the Ministry of Health.
Trying on hearing aids before purchasing
You can try out a hearing aid at the hearing clinic for a trial period. You will need to provide a post-dated check, as per your HMO's instructions and in cooperation with your HMO.
The trial period will be determined according to the arrangement with the HMO, but it will not be less than one month.
It is important to find out in advance how long the trial period will be.
During the trial period, you will:
- Refer to the clinic for calibrating your device, receiving explanations, etc.
- Return the device to the clinic free of charge
Additionally, you can contact other clinics that are in-network with your HMO to receive alternative hearing aids for a trial period.
The trial period is free of charge. However, if you do not return the hearing aids at the end of the period, the check you provided will be cashed.
Reimbursement of over-the-counter purchases of hearing aids
HMOs have the option to offer reimbursement for privately purchased hearing aids, but they are not required to do so. Therefore, if you want to buy the device privately at a hearing clinic that is not in-network with your HMO, you should make sure in advance if your HMO offers such a reimbursement track.
Some HMOs offer complementary health services that may include funding for hearing aids. It is recommended to check your HMO's complementary insurance programs to see if you are eligible.
Further details on funding hearing aids are available on the Ministry of Health website.
Fixing a hearing aid
When you receive your hearing aid, a speech therapist on behalf of the supplier will guide you how to use and maintain your device.
The hearing aids suppliers are obliged to repair and replace broken devices without copayment, including repairing reasonable wear and tear. This obligation is valid as long as the supplier is under contract with the HMO, or for a period of 3.5 years from the date of purchase (the latter of the two).
When you hand over a hearing aid for repair, you will receive a replacement device.
Replacing a hearing aid
Eligibility for new hearing aids funded by the HMO is once every three years.
If your hearing aid is no longer suitable due to a substantial change in your hearing condition and should be replaced, The HMO will participate in funding a replacement device even if it has not been 3.5 years since you purchased it.
Adjusting homebound or hospitalized patients' hearing aids
HMOs provide home-based or in-facility hearing aid services for home-bound patients and long-term hospital patients.
