TL; DR:
This blog targets individuals with hearing loss, senior citizens, parents of children with hearing disabilities, caregivers, Central Government employees, and pensioners seeking financial assistance or reimbursement for hearing aids in India.
- Major Government Schemes: Explains three important government healthcare and assistance schemes, ADIP, CGHS, and Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, highlighting their eligibility requirements, benefits, and limitations regarding hearing aid coverage.
- Eligibility and Required Documents: Covers essential requirements such as disability certificates, UDID cards, Aadhaar details, income documentation, CGHS cards, ENT prescriptions, and hearing assessment reports needed for applicable government assistance.
- Application Process and Hearing Aid Support: Provides a step-by-step guide to accessing government assistance, from completing hearing assessments and identifying eligible schemes to preparing documents, obtaining approvals, and proceeding with hearing aid fitting.
- Resonnocare’s Role in Hearing Care: Highlights how Resonnocare and EAR360 support patients through professional hearing assessments, audiology consultations, hearing aid recommendations, fitting, and aftercare, while clarifying that government authorities determine scheme eligibility and reimbursement approvals.
Hearing loss may encompass more than just hearing sounds. This can create problems communicating with family members, lack confidence in social settings, and make it difficult to comprehend the speech of others. For many families, making the right decision about hearing care is essential – and it’s hard to know just what to expect.
Luckily, India has some government initiatives for hearing aids which can assist eligible people to obtain hearing devices or help with the assistance of approved schemes.
There are a number of patients and families at Resonnocare who will ask themselves if they qualify for any of the schemes, what paperwork they should be preparing, and how to get started.
This guide details the main schemes, the eligibility criteria, and steps that you can take before applying.
What Government Schemes for Hearing Aids Are Available in India?
There are a number of disability and healthcare assistance programs in India sponsored by the government. But not all programmes actually offer hearing aids.
There are three major schemes to learn about:
- ADIP Scheme: Assists eligible persons with disabilities to access approved assistive devices, such as hearing aids, subject to the conditions of the scheme.
- Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS): Hearing aids are available for eligible beneficiaries under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) with medical approval and according to the applicable rules.
- Trained Health Workers: They are in charge of providing treatment in the hospital. If not specified, don’t assume that coverage for routine hearing aids will be available.
The eligibility criteria for programmes will depend on your disability certification, employment status, medical needs, etc.
There may be other arrangements for some state government health services as well. Patients need to verify with the state government hospital or the authorised agency whether hearing aids are provided.
How Does the ADIP Scheme Help People With Hearing Loss?
Assistance to Persons with Disabilities for Purchase/Fitting of Aids/Appliances (ADIP) Scheme is being run by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
It is designed to support and facilitate those people who are entitled to assistive devices, such as devices to communicate, to move, for independence, and to perform tasks in daily life.
One of the Govt schemes applicable to people with a certified hearing disability is ADIP.
Who Is Eligible for the ADIP Scheme?
The updated guidelines, released in September 2024, gave the following general requirements:
- Should be an Indian Citizen.
- Have a disability certificate showing at least 40% disability.
- Possess a UDID card/ enrolment number.
- Have an Aadhaar number or Aadhaar enrolment details.
- Must meet the required household income eligibility standards.
- Conform to the conditions set forth by the scheme for the payment of assistance already received.
Income of guardian may be considered in determining eligibility for a child or dependent person.
Please note: The above revised ADIP guidance applies until 31 March 2026. Candidates are advised to verify the applicable rules before applying, as the rules will be subject to change in accordance with the prevailing rules of the department/implementing agency. The CGHS documents mentioned in this article do not reflect the current eligibility of ADIP.
Which Hearing Devices Are Available Under ADIP?
The programme has been expanded to include approved hearing devices such as some behind-the-ear devices.
Eligibility of the specific devices shall be based on clinical assessment and as per the scheme guidelines and availability from authorised agencies.
In addition, the programme has provided support for cochlear implants for eligible children based on clinical and administrative criteria.
A cochlear implant may not be suitable for everyone with a hearing loss. Extensive examination by an otolaryngologist (ENT) and an audiology specialist is very important.
How Can You Apply for the ADIP Scheme?
The first step should be to make contact with an approved implementing agency (such as ALIMCO), District Disability Rehabilitation Centre, or any approved rehabilitation organisation.
Please bring your disability certificate, identification papers, income, and hearing assessment paperwork before submitting your application.
The authorized agency must be able to verify existing eligibility, documentation, and application procedures.
Can CGHS Beneficiaries Get Hearing Aids Through Government Support?
Central Government Health Scheme provides health benefits to government employees, pensioners, and their dependants who are eligible under the scheme.
For beneficiaries who qualify, they can receive reimbursement for the cost of hearing aids in accordance with the rules of CGHS. But it needs to be backed up by medical documentation and approval.
This is one of the government schemes for hearing aids that government employees or pensioners should consider.
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) in its OM dated 9 September 2026 has announced that CGHS & CS(MA) beneficiaries are eligible for reimbursement of clinically prescribed standard digital programmable and rechargeable hearing aids.
Maximum reimbursable costs are the actual expenses or ₹30,000 per ear, whichever is lower. If both ears are given two hearing aids for clinical reasons, the reimbursement can be up to ₹60,000, which is based on the actual cost incurred and the following conditions.
Quantity includes: GST & applicable taxes, fitting, programming, verification, and the standard usable package with a 3-year comprehensive warranty. These included components and services are not paid for separately.
The hearing aid should comply with the minimum functional specifications as mentioned in the government memorandum. The new reimbursement guidelines do not cover body-worn or pocket-type hearing aids or analogue behind-the-ear hearing aids.
Important: Hearing aids should be recommended by an ENT specialist from a government or CGHS/empanelled hospital as per the needed hearing assessment. Medical documentation and permission must be obtained as per official guidelines.
Specific medical requirements and government authorizations required under CGHS should not be assumed unless specific to the private hearing care clinic, where it meets government requirements.
What Documents Are Required for CGHS Hearing Aid Approval?
According to the official CGHS documentation, the following are the requirements, as applicable:
- A valid CGHS card.
- Appropriate referral from the CGHS Wellness Centre (wherever applicable).
- Prescription from an ENT consultant from a government or CGHS/empanelled hospital.
- Duly authenticated audiogram report by the treating ENT consultant.
- Audiometric and audiological evaluation of the hearing aid recommendation.
- A statement to confirm that the government has not already reimbursed the beneficiary for a hearing aid in the past five years.
- Purchase of the hearing aid with permission from the competent CGHS/ departmental authority.
Additional documents may be requested for reimbursement: the original bill or tax invoice, original permission letter, original labelled carton of the hearing aid, evidence that the hearing aid complied with the required specifications, fitting records and verification records, and a comprehensive warranty certificate from the manufacturer of the hearing aid for three years.
The type of hearing aid to be worn should be recommended by the ENT specialist, and the clinically appropriate category should be determined.
The prescriber should include the clinical needs and needed acoustics in the prescription. It should not specify brand, manufacturer, or commercial model of the hearing aid.
What Is the CGHS Approval Process?
If a parent CGHS Wellness Centre exists, please make your first appointment there; if not, at your local GP.
The referring doctor can support you in the referral process and recommend the right ENT doctor at CGHS/ Govt / CGHS-empanelled hospital.
The ENT specialist evaluates the hearing test results and suggests a clinically suitable hearing aid.
The purchase of a hearing aid is allowed for eligible CGHS pensioners by the Additional Director of the respective city. Permission is given by the relevant Head of Department for serving employees and beneficiaries of autonomous bodies.
With written permission, the hearing aid recipient can go ahead and acquire the hearing aid as per the applicable rules and regulations.
The reimbursement claim should then be made to the relevant authority along with the documents mentioned in the official memo.
If a hearing aid is purchased or reimbursed from CGHS previously, the replacement may be allowed only after five years from the date of the previous reimbursement of the hearing aid.
The requirements are based on the Office Memorandum No. S.11030/76/2026-EHS dated 9th September 2026 issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Does Ayushman Bharat Cover Hearing Aids in India?
Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) is a government healthcare initiative to provide healthcare at eligible hospitals for secondary and tertiary treatment.
It is worth noting that this is not a hospitalisation benefit but an aid to hearing paid for by the government.
There is no documentation from the government to confirm that routine hearing aid coverage is a standard benefit in PM-JAY.
In case you have an Ayushman card, please reach out to the help desk of any PM-JAY empanelled hospital to see if the health procedure/treatment you are undergoing is covered.
This does NOT mean the hearing devices used in the home will be covered if the treatment at the hospital is covered.
Does Health Insurance Cover Hearing Aids in India?
There may be differences between the advantages and benefits of private health insurance and employer-provided health insurance plans.
Depending on the plan, there may be no coverage for hearing aids and other hearing devices, or coverage for hearing tests, ENT evaluation, and certain treatments.
Prior to using insurance, talk to your insurance provider:
- Should I get a hearing aid as a separate product or add it to my policy?
- Will you need a prescription from a specialist?
- Do you need to get permission beforehand?
- Will a hearing test report be considered?
- Does the provider or device have any restrictions?
Clarify in writing (where possible). Having an approved hearing test does not mean that you have a right to a hearing aid.
How Can You Apply for Government Schemes for Hearing Aids?
If you’re seeking assistance for yourself, your child or an older family member, begin with a solid knowledge of the hearing problem.
Step 1: Get Your Hearing Assessed
Audiologists are able to use the appropriate tests to evaluate your hearing, including Pure Tone Audiometry and other tests as clinically required.
At Resonnocare, hearing care services educate patients about their hearing loss and the tests they might require.
If the patient uses the CGHS, the hearing aid recommendation and an authenticated audiogram should be done through the ENT specialist and hospital channel as prescribed by the government.
It is important to note that these requirements should not be considered as being met by an assessment performed at a private clinic for hearing.
Step 2: Identify the Appropriate Scheme
If you may qualify through disability certification, CGHS, or other qualified programs, please ask.
Contact the appropriate Wellness Centre or authorised government office for CGHS.
For State Government Health Services, please refer to the relevant State Government hospital or authority to check the procedure to be followed.
Step 3: Prepare Your Documents
Gather all hearing records, medical prescriptions, proof of identity, cards, and any required certificates together.
When using CGHS applications, be sure the ENT prescription, audiogram, and necessary permissions comply with official documentation guidelines.
Step 4: Contact the Authorised Office
Apply via the relevant government agency, CGHS Wellness Centre, or authorised office.
For CGHS: Referral, assessment, and approval process for CGHS to purchase a hearing aid for reimbursement.
The relevant government department will be asked to validate documentation and the approval process.
Step 5: Complete the Recommended Hearing Care
Once the appropriate approval has been received, proceed with the approved selection, fitting, and follow-up of devices.
CGHS beneficiaries are required to purchase the hearing aid, which will be covered according to the prescribed functional specifications, and purchase and reimbursement documents should follow the government guidelines.
If your hearing loss is being studied in isolation, our team will inform you about the different types of hearing devices that you have to choose from for your hearing needs.
But the approval of government schemes and reimbursement of costs is dealt with by the appropriate government-authorized bodies.
Can You Get a Hearing Aid Without a Disability Certificate?
A disability certificate is a hearing pathway eligibility factor, but not all hearing pathways will need this.
For example, CGHS has its own clinical guidelines and recommendations for approval, referral, and eligibility.
People who want to buy hearing aids but don’t have a disability certificate can also be assessed.
Don’t assume that eligibility for government schemes for hearing aids is the same for all schemes; first check the criteria of each scheme before making a claim.
When Should You See an Audiologist or ENT Specialist?
If you feel you have to repeat yourself many times, are unable to hear what people are saying, or can’t hear the TV, you may need a professional hearing test.
Children who are not consistent in responding to sounds or where concerns have been expressed about children’s speech and language development should also be assessed.
Sudden hearing loss necessitates expedient medical assessment, preferably the same day. Pus and persistent vertigo or annoying tinnitus also need to be evaluated.
Not everyone will require a hearing aid for their hearing loss. Your audiologist and otorhinolaryngologist (ENT doctor) can help you determine what to do next.
Why Choose Resonnocare for Hearing and Audiology Care?
First, we feel that listening care begins with understanding what your communication and hearing problems are and what your needs are.
Our approach includes:
- Clinically guided care: Recommendations based on relevant audiological data.
- Experts with experience: Audiologists and clinicians.
- Right hearing assessments: Hearing tests to help identify the degree and nature of a hearing loss.
- Individual care plans: Plans for care that are specific to your communication needs and lifestyle.
- Hearing aid advice: Assistance with selecting appropriate equipment, adapting and using it as part of daily living.
- Flexible consultations: Home visits and video visits as appropriate and available.
- Aftercare Support: Hearing Aid Aftercare Services – Comfort, Device Use and Follow-up services.
Our staff will be able to make an appointment for a hearing exam and discuss your hearing reports.
It is advised to patients that if they are interested in availing government assistance, they should verify the eligibility criteria for the relevant government scheme with the government hospital, CGHS Wellness Centre, or the authorised person before applying.
Resonnocare offers patients hearing assessments to help them understand their hearing needs. These evaluations are not to be used instead of the government-signed and authorised reports/ENT prescriptions/approvals as per government schemes.
The government schemes, certification, approval, and reimbursement eligibility are determined by relevant authorised authorities.
Find a Resonnocare Clinic Near You
Select your city to find the nearest Resonnocare clinic and book an appointment with our hearing care team.
Bangalore
Ear 360, Jayanagar
Ground Floor, Site No. 499, Municipal No. 499/97, East End Main Road, 9th Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore, Karnataka 560041
Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
[Call] [Book an Appointment]
Ear 360, Spandana Sarjapura Hospital
239/205/34A, near Trinity Complex, Sompura Gate, Sarjapura Main Road, Bangalore, Karnataka 562125
Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
[Call] [Book an Appointment]
Resonnocare, HSR Layout
150/5/72, 7th Cross, 24th Main, HSR Layout, Bangalore, Karnataka 560102
Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
[Call] [Book an Appointment]
Resonnocare, Banashankari
272, 7th Cross Road, BSK 1st Stage, 2nd Block, Srinivasan Agra, 80 Feet Road, Bangalore, Karnataka 560050
Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
[Call] [Book an Appointment]
Resonnocare, Indiranagar
34, Wind Tunnel Road, Murugeshpalya, Muniyappa Layout, Bangalore, Karnataka 560017
Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
[Call] [Book an Appointment]
Delhi
Ear 360, Dr. Hans Anand Lok
46, Anand Lok Road, Anand Lok, Sadiq Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110049
Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
[Call] [Book an Appointment]
Resonnocare, Dr. Hans Vasant Vihar
28, Basement, Paschimi Nagar, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi, Delhi 110057
Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
[Call] [Book an Appointment]
Gurgaon
Resonnocare Head Office, M3M Urbana
Office 403, Office Block, 4th Floor, above Retail Blocks R1 and R5, M3M Urbana, Sector 67, Gurgaon, Haryana 122101
Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
[Call] [Book an Appointment]
Resonnocare, Dr. Hans, Sector 28
Plot No. 1SP, adjoining DLF Phase 1 Metro Station, Sector 28, Gurgaon, Haryana 122002
Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
[Call] [Book an Appointment]
Ludhiana
Ear 360, BRS Nagar
963, Block B, BRS Nagar, Ludhiana, Punjab 141012
Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
[Call] [Book an Appointment]
Resonnocare, Fawwara Chowk
565-A and 565-B, Upper Ground Floor, Cemetery Road, near Fawwara Chowk, West City, Ludhiana, Punjab 141001
Pune
Ear 360, Vighnaharta Healthcare Center
D-106-107, Choice Arcade, opposite Ruby Hall Hospital, Dhole Patil Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411001
Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
[Call] [Book an Appointment]
Ear 360, Khan Parab ENT Hospital
Plot No. 102, Anand Nagar, Talegaon Dabhade, Taluka Maval, Pune, Maharashtra 410507
Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
[Call] [Book an Appointment]
Tumkur
Resonnocare, Ashok Nagar
PID No. 3563, 8th Main, 8th Cross, Ashok Nagar, Tumkur, Karnataka 572103
Timings: 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM
[Call] [Book an Appointment]
Conclusion: Finding the Right Hearing Care Support
To make informed choices regarding access to hearing care in India, it’s important to understand government schemes for hearing aids.
CGHS provides reimbursement support for the benefit of eligible beneficiaries for the purchase of hearing aids as per medical recommendations, prior permission, and the applicable guidelines for reimbursement.
ADIP has provisions for assistive devices for eligible persons with disabilities in accordance with the current scheme guidelines. The Ayushman Bharat scheme primarily provides cover in hospitals, so coverage for hearing aids should be confirmed in line with that.
Make sure to check out the most up-to-date official rules and get the hearing tests and medical documentation necessary for your case before applying.
At Resonnocare, we are here to give you information about your hearing health and available hearing care solutions that are clinically appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the main government schemes for hearing aids in India?
There are two important programmes, namely ADIP and CGHS. Assistive devices are available for those who are eligible and have a certified disability as per the current assistive device scheme conditions, as per the provisions of ADIP. CGHS is able to reimburse beneficiaries for approved hearing aids up to the set reimbursement limit as per the medical approval and reimbursement guidelines. The coverage in other government health care programmes needs to be established on a separate basis with the appropriate health care authority.
2. Who is eligible for a hearing aid under the ADIP scheme?
The aforementioned revised ADIP guidelines state the criteria as Indian citizenship, matching disability certification, UDID details, Aadhaar information, and applicable income criteria. These conditions are not to be used to assume current eligibility. Please refer to the current and relevant regulations and necessary documents to be attached to an authorised ADIP implementing agency before applying.
3. Does an Ayushman card cover hearing aids?
The CGHS government documents cited in this article do not confirm regular coverage for hearing aids under PM-JAY. Please consult the Ayushman help desk at an empanelled hospital to know the coverage of the treatment or device. Having an Ayushman card doesn’t necessarily mean a hearing aid will be reimbursed at home.
4. Can pensioners receive hearing aids under CGHS?
Eligible Central Government pensioners who have CGHS entitlement can avail hearing aid reimbursement. There is a need to get the Prescription from an ENT specialist from a CGHS or government hospital or a CGHS (empanelled) hospital and the previous permission of the Additional Director of the respective CGHS city, along with an authenticated audiogram. The maximum ceiling of reimbursement is Rs. 30,000 per ear or the actual expenditure, whichever is less, depending on the conditions.
5. Is a hearing test necessary before applying for hearing aid assistance?
A hearing assessment is used to determine your hearing needs. The official guidelines for CGHS reimbursement include an audiologic and audiometric evaluation, an ENT specialist’s recommendation, and an authenticated audiogram. The consultant ENT should be from CGHS, government, or CGHS (government) hospital. Private hearing assessments should not be counted on to substitute for the proper paperwork required for approval and reimbursement.
6. Can children receive hearing aids through government programmes?
Assistive device support has been added to ADIP for children who have a certified hearing disability. The programme has also provided for cochlear implants for children meeting specified clinical conditions. Checking of eligibility, documentation and availability shall be undertaken pursuant to guidelines in effect at the time of applying with an authorised implementing agency. The CGHS hearing aid memorandum does not determine eligibility under ADIP.
7. Can EAR360 provide hearing reports for government scheme applications?
Our audiologists can perform proper hearing tests and generate hearing loss reports that enable patients to understand their hearing loss. However, the applications for CGHS must be on an ENT prescription and must be attested by an ENT consultant at the CGHS and government hospitals or at the CGHS-empanelled hospitals. Reports from EAR360 clinics are not to be considered as meeting those requirements. Please verify with the appropriate government body what is required to be submitted.