Free Hearing Aids for CGHS Beneficiaries – Government of India Guidelines (O.M. No. S.14025/10/MS)
Introduction
The Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, provides medical facilities and financial reimbursement to Central Government employees, pensioners, and their dependents. Among the various benefits, hearing aid assistance is a key component — ensuring better hearing health and quality of life for eligible beneficiaries.
📜 Official Notification
Office Memorandum No. S.14025/10/2002/MS
Issued by: Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India
Subject: Revision of rates and guidelines for reimbursement of expenses on purchase of Hearing Aids under CS(MA) Rules, 1944 and CGHS.
🔹 Revised Ceiling Rates for Hearing Aids (Per Ear)
| Type of Hearing Aid | Maximum Reimbursable Amount |
|---|---|
| Body Worn / Pocket Type | ₹3,000 |
| Analogue BTE (Behind-the-Ear) | ₹7,000 |
| Digital BTE | ₹15,000 |
| Digital ITC / CIC (In-the-Canal / Completely-in-Canal) | ₹20,000 |
Note:
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The cost includes all taxes (including VAT) and a 3-year warranty.
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The price also covers ear mould for BTE/ITC/CIC types.
🔹 Eligibility & Procedure
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Referral Requirement:
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Beneficiaries must be referred to a CGHS or Government Hospital ENT Specialist through their parent CGHS Wellness Centre.
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A computerized referral slip must be produced where available.
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Consultation & Prescription:
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The ENT Specialist conducts audiometric and audiological tests.
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The type of hearing aid suitable for the patient must be specified in the prescription.
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The audiogram report must be signed and stamped by the ENT Specialist.
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Permission to Procure Hearing Aid:
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CGHS Pensioners: Permission granted by the Additional Director (Zonal Office).
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Serving Employees / Autonomous Body Members: Permission granted by Head of Department / Office.
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Beneficiary must provide an undertaking that they have not claimed hearing aid reimbursement in the last 5 years.
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Reimbursement Process:
Submit the following documents through the CMO-in-Charge of the concerned dispensary:-
Referral slip from parent CGHS Wellness Centre
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ENT Specialist’s prescription & audiogram report
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Copy of CGHS card
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Original bill/receipt from RCI-registered hearing aid dealer (with registration number)
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Permission letter (in original)
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Empty hearing aid box(es) showing model and details
Reimbursement will be limited to the ceiling rate or actual cost, whichever is lower.
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Replacement Policy:
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Replacement allowed once every 5 years, based on a condemnation certificate issued by a technical expert and approved by a CGHS/Govt. ENT Specialist.
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Maintenance and repair costs are the responsibility of the beneficiary.
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🏥 Recognized CGHS Hospital in Pune
Pawana Hospital, Somatane Phata, Tal-Maval, District Pune, Maharashtra
has been officially recognized under CS(MA) Rules, 1944 for treatment of Central Government employees and their families.
(O.M. No. S.14021/16/2014-MS, dated 09 June 2015)
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The hospital follows CGHS Pune rates for all treatments.
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Package rates cover all related medical expenses during treatment (consultation, diagnostics, surgery, stay, etc.).
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CGHS beneficiaries are entitled to room categories based on their pay scale:
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General Ward: ₹1,000/day
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Semi-Private Ward: ₹2,000/day
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Private Ward: ₹3,000/day
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🔹 Key Points to Remember
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Hearing aids can only be prescribed and reimbursed after proper audiological assessment by a Government ENT Specialist.
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Reimbursement is available once every 5 years.
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Only RCI/MCI registered hearing aid dealers are recognized.
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CGHS card and permission letter are mandatory for all claims.
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Pensioners must route claims through the CGHS Zonal Office.
🔹 Validity
The revised hearing aid rates and guidelines came into effect on 26 May 2015 and are subject to revision every two years or as per new notifications from the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
📞 For Assistance (Pune CGHS Zone)
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CGHS Pune Zonal Office – Contact your nearest CGHS Wellness Centre for referral and claim procedures.
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Official Website: https://cghs.nic.in
🩺 Conclusion
Through this initiative, the Government of India ensures that hearing-impaired Central Government employees and pensioners have access to quality hearing aids and rehabilitation at subsidized or reimbursable costs.
The CGHS Pune region, along with recognized hospitals like Pawana Hospital, continues to deliver affordable and standardized healthcare under the CS(MA) Rules, 1944