Hearing plays an essential role in staying connected to conversations, relationships, and everyday life. Thanks to the growth of affordable, high-quality over-the-counter hearing aids, improving your hearing has also become more accessible.
But before purchasing hearing aids, you may have an important question: Can I use my Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds to pay for them?
In most cases, the answer is yes.
The IRS includes the cost of hearing aids, and the batteries, repairs, and maintenance required to operate them, among eligible medical expenses. This generally means qualified hearing aids, including over-the-counter models, can be purchased using HSA or FSA funds. You can read the official guidance in IRS Publication 502.
Eara accepts HSA and FSA cards, making it easier to use your available healthcare funds toward better hearing. Below, we explain how these accounts work, how they differ, and how to use them when purchasing OTC hearing aids and eligible hearing-aid supplies.
HSA vs. FSA: What Is the Difference?
Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts both let you set aside pre-tax money for qualified healthcare expenses. However, they work differently.
Health Savings Account
To contribute to an HSA, you generally must be covered by an eligible High-Deductible Health Plan and meet the other eligibility requirements described in IRS Publication 969.
The main advantages of an HSA include:
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The money belongs to you, even if you change jobs.
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Unused funds generally roll over from one year to the next.
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Some HSA providers allow you to invest part of your balance.
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Qualified withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
Because HSA funds do not normally expire, you can save them for immediate healthcare costs or future medical needs.
Flexible Spending Account
An FSA is an employer-established benefit that allows you to set aside pre-tax money for qualified medical expenses during the plan year.
Unlike an HSA, an FSA is generally subject to a “use-it-or-lose-it” rule. However, your employer may offer either a limited carryover or a grace period of up to two and a half months. These options are not mandatory, so check your plan documents or speak with your benefits administrator.
You can review the current rules in the HealthCare.gov guide to Flexible Spending Accounts.
In simple terms:
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An HSA is better suited to healthcare savings that can follow you from year to year.
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An FSA is designed primarily to help you budget for healthcare expenses during the current plan year.
Are OTC Hearing Aids HSA- and FSA-Eligible?
The IRS specifically recognizes hearing aids as qualified medical expenses. Because legitimate OTC hearing aids are medical devices intended to address hearing loss, they will generally qualify for payment or reimbursement through an HSA or healthcare FSA.
For example, you may be able to use your available funds to purchase the Eara Explore Li+ Bluetooth Rechargeable OTC Hearing Aids.
However, eligibility and documentation requirements can vary between benefit administrators. If you are uncertain about a particular product, confirm it with your HSA or FSA provider before completing your purchase.
How to Buy Hearing Aids With HSA or FSA Funds
There are two common ways to pay:
1. Use Your HSA or FSA Card at Checkout
Most accounts provide a dedicated payment card. You can enter the card details during Eara’s online checkout just as you would with a regular debit or credit card.
Even when your card is accepted, keep the itemized receipt. Your plan administrator may request documentation showing that the purchase was an eligible medical expense.
2. Pay First and Request Reimbursement
If your HSA or FSA card is declined, or you prefer to use another payment method, you can purchase the hearing aids using a personal debit card, credit card, or another accepted payment option.
You can then submit the itemized receipt and any other requested documentation to your HSA or FSA administrator for reimbursement.
Do not seek reimbursement for an amount already paid by insurance or another source. HSA and FSA funds should only cover eligible out-of-pocket expenses that have not already been reimbursed.
Can You Use HSA or FSA Funds for Hearing-Aid Accessories?
Some hearing-aid supplies may also qualify when they are required to operate, maintain, or repair your hearing aids.
The IRS specifically lists hearing-aid batteries, repairs, and maintenance as medical expenses. Depending on your plan, eligible items may include replacement wax filters, domes, cleaning tools, moisture-management supplies, and other necessary hearing-aid maintenance products.
You can explore Eara’s hearing-aid accessories or keep your devices clean and protected with the Eara Complete Hearing Aid Care Kit.
Because accessory eligibility can depend on the item and your administrator’s rules, confirm coverage before purchasing if you are unsure.
What If You Have Medicare Instead?
If you are 65 or older, you may be relying on Medicare rather than an HSA or FSA.
Original Medicare does not currently cover hearing aids or exams performed specifically to fit hearing aids. Some Medicare Advantage plans offer additional hearing benefits, but coverage, device allowances, and provider requirements differ between plans. You can confirm this through the official Medicare hearing-aid coverage page.
For a more detailed explanation, read our complete guide to Medicare and hearing-aid coverage.
What Documentation Should You Keep?
Good recordkeeping helps protect the tax-free status of your purchase.
Keep an itemized receipt or invoice showing:
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The product purchased
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The purchase date
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The amount paid
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The seller’s name
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Any amount covered by insurance
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Any reimbursement received from another source
If insurance paid part of the expense, also retain the Explanation of Benefits showing your remaining out-of-pocket cost.
The IRS advises HSA holders to keep records demonstrating that distributions were used exclusively for qualified medical expenses, were not reimbursed elsewhere, and were not also claimed as an itemized deduction. Keep these documents with your tax records and follow any additional instructions from your plan administrator.
Your HSA/FSA Hearing-Aid Checklist
Before placing your order:
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Check your current HSA or FSA balance.
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Confirm that your account is active.
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Review your FSA spending deadline, grace period, or carryover rules.
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Confirm accessory eligibility when purchasing maintenance products separately.
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Use your HSA/FSA card at checkout or request reimbursement afterward.
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Save the itemized receipt with your tax and benefit records.
Use Your HSA or FSA Funds for Better Hearing
Using pre-tax HSA or FSA dollars can make investing in your hearing more manageable—especially if you have FSA funds that may expire at the end of your plan year.
The Eara Explore Li+ combines clearer everyday listening with Bluetooth streaming, rechargeable convenience, and app-based sound adjustments.
Shop the Eara Explore Li+ with your HSA or FSA funds
This article provides general information and is not tax or financial advice. Eligibility and reimbursement requirements may vary. Consult your plan administrator or tax professional when necessary.
