A hearing test costs $100 to $350 without insurance in 2026
A hearing test costs $100 to $350 without insurance in 2026. CoveredUSA lists a basic test at an audiologist for $100 to $250 and a full exam for $150 to $350. ThePricer says the average full audiometry is $151. Hospital clinics charge more, and hearing aid stores often give a free basic screen. Where you go and how deep the test is set the price.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| CoveredUSA | CoveredUSA lists a basic audiologist test at $100 to $250, a full exam at $150 to $350, ENT offices at $150 to $350 and hospital outpatient tests at $200 to $600. |
| ThePricer | ThePricer lists a full hearing evaluation at $100 to $300, an average full audiometry at $151 and a cash diagnostic audiogram at $75 to $175. |
| Aflac | Aflac says a hearing test without insurance can range from $50 to $200 per ear. |
Hearing test prices by provider
| Provider or test | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Independent audiologist, basic test | $100 to $250 | CoveredUSA |
| Independent audiologist, full exam | $150 to $350 | CoveredUSA |
| ENT office | $150 to $350 | CoveredUSA |
| Hospital outpatient audiology | $200 to $600 | CoveredUSA |
| Average full audiometry | $151 | ThePricer |
| Cash diagnostic audiogram | $75 to $175 | ThePricer |
| Hearing test, per ear | $50 to $200 | Aflac |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Where you go | Hospital clinics add facility fees. CoveredUSA lists hospital outpatient audiology at $200 to $600, versus $100 to $250 for a basic test at an independent audiologist. |
| Type of test | A quick tone screen costs less than a full exam. CoveredUSA lists basic testing at $100 to $250 and a full exam at $150 to $350. |
| Who does it | An audiologist or an ENT doctor can test your hearing. CoveredUSA lists ENT offices at $150 to $350, and ThePricer lists full evaluations at $100 to $300. |
| Extra tests | Add on tests raise the bill. ThePricer lists tympanometry at $63 and a diagnostic otoacoustic emissions test at $100 at one university clinic. |
| Clinic type | Teaching clinics and health centers charge less. ThePricer lists $40 at one university clinic, and CoveredUSA lists $20 to $50 at some health centers for low income patients. |
What the price includes
A hearing test usually covers a hearing check in a sound booth and a printed audiogram that shows your results. A full exam may add speech tests and an ear check. Treatment, hearing aids and follow up visits cost extra. Some stores give a free basic screen, but CoveredUSA notes it is not a full diagnostic test. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Does insurance cover it
Coverage depends on why you get the test. Original Medicare can cover a hearing test when a doctor orders it to look into a medical problem. ThePricer says you then pay 20 percent of the Medicare approved amount after your deductible, plus any hospital copay for tests done in a hospital outpatient department. Many private plans cover a test ordered by a doctor but not a routine check. Some plans add hearing exams and aids as an extra. Call your plan and ask if the test needs a referral and if the clinic is in network. If you pay cash, ask for the self pay price first.
When a doctor orders it
A doctor may order a hearing test if you have trouble hearing in noisy rooms, ringing in your ears, dizziness or hearing loss in one ear. Sudden hearing loss needs care right away. Doctors also order tests after an ear infection, an injury or a new medicine that can harm hearing. A test is also the first step before a hearing aid fitting.
How to judge your quote
- Ask if the price is for a screening or a full exam.
- Ask if the audiogram report and a review of the results are included.
- Ask if the clinic is a hospital clinic that adds facility fees.
- Ask for the cash price if you are not using insurance.
- Compare the total with the range above: $100 to $350 per evaluation for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Start with a free screening at a hearing aid store. CoveredUSA notes it is only a basic tone test, so book a full exam if it shows a problem.
- Pick an independent audiologist over a hospital clinic. CoveredUSA lists hospital outpatient tests at $200 to $600 and independent offices at $100 to $250.
- Ask for the cash price. ThePricer lists one cash diagnostic audiogram at $75 to $175, and some clinics set lower self pay prices.
- Try a university teaching clinic. ThePricer lists a $40 test at Andrews University and a $30 screening at Loyola.
- Look for a community health center. CoveredUSA lists $20 to $50 per visit at federally qualified health centers for patients with low income.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from CoveredUSA, ThePricer and Aflac. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does a hearing test cost without insurance?
CoveredUSA lists $100 to $250 for a basic test and $150 to $350 for a full exam. ThePricer lists an average full audiometry price of $151.
Are hearing tests free anywhere?
Many hearing aid stores give a free basic screening, per CoveredUSA. It is a tone screen, not a full diagnostic exam. ThePricer also lists some teaching clinics at $30 to $40.
Why do hospitals charge more for a hearing test?
CoveredUSA says hospital clinics add facility fees, so rates run 2 to 3 times higher than independent offices. It lists $200 to $600 for hospital tests.
How much does an ENT hearing test cost?
CoveredUSA lists ENT offices at $150 to $350. That visit may include an ear exam as well as hearing tests.
Does Medicare cover a hearing test?
Original Medicare can pay part of a test that a doctor orders. ThePricer says you pay 20 percent of the Medicare approved amount after your deductible, plus any hospital copay.