If you or a family member are a Central Government employee or pensioner suffering from hearing loss, there’s good news — the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) reimburses the cost of digital hearing aids. However, the benefit comes with certain conditions and procedures that must be followed carefully.
In this detailed 2026 guide, we explain who is eligible, what types of hearing aids are covered, how to get approval, and how to claim reimbursement under CGHS.
👥 Who Is Covered Under CGHS?
CGHS offers medical benefits to:
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All Central Government employees and their dependent family members
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All Central Government pensioners and their dependents
However, it excludes employees from the Armed Forces, Railways, and Delhi Police, as they have separate healthcare schemes.
If you are a registered CGHS beneficiary or paying a CGHS subscription, you and your dependents are entitled to these benefits — which include not only hospital care and medicines, but also medical devices like hearing aids.
🎧 Types of Hearing Aids Covered by CGHS
As per the latest Office Memorandum (1st December 2020) from the Ministry of Health, only modern digital hearing aids are covered.
CGHS Ceiling Rates (per ear):
| Type of Hearing Aid | Maximum Reimbursement | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Behind-The-Ear (BTE) | ₹8,000 | Taxes + Ear mould |
| Digital In-The-Canal (ITC/CIC) | ₹9,000 | Taxes + Custom shell |
🔹 Analog hearing aids and body-worn models are no longer reimbursed.
🔹 CGHS doesn’t approve specific brands — only types. The ENT specialist decides which category suits you based on your audiogram.
🩺 How to Get Approval and Prescription
Before purchasing, you must get prior authorization. Here’s how:
Step 1: Visit CGHS Wellness Centre
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Take your original CGHS card.
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Get a referral to a CGHS or Government ENT specialist.
Step 2: ENT Examination
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The ENT specialist conducts audiometric tests.
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If hearing loss is significant, the doctor recommends a digital BTE or ITC/CIC aid.
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The audiogram and prescription must be stamped and signed.
Step 3: Get Purchase Permission
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For Pensioners: Approval is issued by the Additional Director (Zonal), CGHS.
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For Employees: Approval comes from your Head of Department or Office.
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Submit the ENT recommendation and sign a declaration that you haven’t received a CGHS hearing aid in the last 5 years.
Keep a copy of the permission letter — it’s mandatory for reimbursement.
💰 Reimbursement Process and Documents Required
Once you buy the approved hearing aid, you can claim reimbursement.
Where to Submit:
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Pensioners: Through their CGHS Wellness Centre to the CGHS Zonal Office.
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Serving Employees: Through their Ministry/Department.
Documents Required:
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Original Permission Letter
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Copy of CGHS Card
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Original Invoice/Bill (with model, make, cost)
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Empty carton/box of the hearing aid (with label intact)
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ENT prescription and audiogram report (recommended for record)
Reimbursement Limit:
CGHS reimburses the lower of:
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The actual cost you paid, or
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The CGHS ceiling rate per ear
For example:
If your BTE hearing aid costs ₹7,500 — you get ₹7,500.
If it costs ₹10,000 — you get ₹8,000 (as per ceiling).
🕓 Submit your claim within 90 days of purchase. Delays beyond this require written justification.
🔄 Replacement Policy
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Replacement is allowed only once every 5 years.
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After 5 years, you can apply again without needing a condemnation certificate.
⚠️ Special Conditions & Exclusions
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Maintenance & Batteries: Not reimbursed by CGHS.
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Medical Necessity: Hearing loss must be clinically certified by an ENT.
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Exclusions: Armed Forces, Railways, and certain autonomous bodies are not covered.
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No Brand Preference: Reimbursement is category-based, not brand-based.
💡 Helpful Tips
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Ensure your ENT prescription and audiogram are properly stamped.
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Ask the vendor to provide the original hearing aid box with label — CGHS requires this for verification.
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Always retain a copy of every document you submit.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. How often can I replace a hearing aid under CGHS?
👉 Once every 5 years, unless there’s a medical emergency.
Q2. Can my spouse also get a hearing aid under CGHS?
👉 Yes, if they are listed as a dependent on your CGHS card.
Q3. How much will I be reimbursed for a ₹9,500 BTE aid?
👉 ₹8,000 per ear — the extra ₹1,500 is not reimbursed.
Q4. Are cochlear implants covered?
👉 No, CGHS covers only digital hearing aids, not surgical implants.
Q5. What if I miss the 15-day claim window?
👉 Claims up to 90 days are allowed with a valid explanation for delay.
The CGHS hearing aid reimbursement scheme is a valuable benefit for Central Government employees and pensioners with hearing loss. By following the correct procedure — getting a valid ENT recommendation, securing prior approval, and maintaining complete documentation — you can smoothly claim reimbursement up to the CGHS ceiling rates.