An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News | Oct. 27, 2020

Protect Your Hearing with TRICARE

Do you find it hard to hear your family or friends during conversations? Have you missed hearing a doorbell ring or horn beep? Hearing loss is a common issue caused by noise, aging, heredity, and disease. Hearing is vital to teamwork and communication, especially in a military setting. TRICARE may cover hearing exams and hearing aids. This is based on your TRICARE health plan and sponsor type.

According to the Hearing Center of Excellence, excessive exposure to loud or close noises can cause irreversible damage to hearing. Taking precautions with protection can protect your hearing.

“During National Audiology Awareness Month, take the time to consider how to reduce the noise impact in your environment,” said Dr. James Black, medical director of the Clinical Support Division at the Defense Health Agency. “If you believe you or a family member needs a hearing screening, talk to your provider.”

Get Regular Hearing Screenings

Hearing screenings are tests that determine hearing loss. Hearing screenings are simple and quick. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hearing loss can affect a child’s ability to develop language skills. Early intervention can help your child reach their full potential. Talk with your child’s provider if you suspect hearing loss.

Children through age 5 are covered through the well-child benefit using TRICARE Select, and covered regardless of age with TRICARE Prime. TRICARE covers one hearing screening annually for active duty family membersRetired service members may be eligible for hearing exams at your local military hospital or clinic, if space is available.

If You Need Hearing Aids

If you’re an active duty service member or active duty family member, TRICARE covers hearing aids and services if you have hearing loss that meets specific hearing thresholds. TRICARE doesn’t cover hearing aids and services for retirees or their family members. However, retirees may be able to get hearing aids through other programs, such as the Department of Veterans AffairsRetiree-At-Cost Hearing Aid Program, or at a reduced cost at certain military hospitals and clinics.

Use Hearing Protection

Whenever you’re in a noisy environment, you should wear hearing protection. Service members are at risk for hearing loss from brief exposure to sudden noises, like weapons fire, or sustained ambient noise, like an aircraft. Hearing protection devices can protect you against damaging noise levels that can lead to hearing loss. These devices include ear plugs, noise muffs, and noise attenuating helmets.

Take command of your health and learn ways to protect your hearing and your ears. Learn more about your hearing benefit with TRICARE. 

At the time of posting, this information is current. For the most recent information, contact your TRICARE contractor or local military hospital or clinic.
Dentist works on patient's teeth

TRICARE Dental Program Premiums Decrease Effecti...

News
Oct. 30, 2024

If you’re enrolled in the TRICARE Dental Program, your TDP monthly premiums will decrease for coverage...
Read More
TRICARE Open Season Webinar graphic

Get Ready for TRICARE Open Season and 2025 Regio...

News
Oct. 29, 2024

Are you ready for TRICARE Open Season and the upcoming changes to TRICARE in 2025? Mark your calendar for a...
Read More
Woman looking at laptop screen

Q&A: What To Know as TRICARE Open Season Begins ...

News
Oct. 24, 2024

TRICARE Open Season begins Monday, Nov. 11—that’s just a few weeks away. If you’re a TRICARE beneficiary, this...
Read More
Man works on a laptop

TRICARE Claim Form Updated To Assist in Processi...

News
Oct. 23, 2024

If you’ve submitted a claim for reimbursement, then you may be familiar with the TRICARE claim form, Patient’s...
Read More
TRICARE Enrollment Freeze Oct. 25-27, 2024

TRICARE Enrollment Freeze and Scheduled milConne...

News
Oct. 21, 2024

It’s almost time for TRICARE Open Season, which begins Nov. 11. That means you should check your information...
Read More
Man receives a vaccine.

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones: Get Your F...

News
Oct. 17, 2024

The fall and winter months bring an increased risk of respiratory illnesses, including flu, COVID-19, and...
Read More
Three women smiling at the camera

Unlock Your Health by Scheduling a TRICARE Well-...

News
Oct. 16, 2024

With TRICARE, you have access to a wide range of preventive care specific to your needs. For women, this...
Read More
Woman sits at table looking at laptop with smartphone next to her.

Live in the West Region? Update Your TRICARE Pay...

News
Oct. 10, 2024

Do you currently live in the West Region? Or, do you live in one of the six states (Arkansas, Illinois,...
Read More

Oct. 30, 2024

TRICARE Dental Program Premiums Decrease Effective Nov. 1

If you’re enrolled in the TRICARE Dental Program, your TDP monthly premiums will decrease for coverage effective Nov. 1. These new rates will remain in effect until Feb. 28, 2025.

Oct. 29, 2024

Get Ready for TRICARE Open Season and 2025 Region Changes at Nov. 14 Webinar

Are you ready for TRICARE Open Season and the upcoming changes to TRICARE in 2025? Mark your calendar for a TRICARE webinar, “Get Ready for TRICARE Open Season and 2025 Region Changes,” on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2–3 p.m. ET on Microsoft Teams Live.

Oct. 24, 2024

Q&A: What To Know as TRICARE Open Season Begins Nov. 11

TRICARE Open Season begins Monday, Nov. 11—that’s just a few weeks away. If you’re a TRICARE beneficiary, this is the time when you can enroll in a health plan or change health plans for coverage that starts Jan. 1, 2025. You can make these changes through Tuesday, Dec. 10.

Oct. 23, 2024

TRICARE Claim Form Updated To Assist in Processing Overseas Claims

If you’ve submitted a claim for reimbursement, then you may be familiar with the TRICARE claim form, Patient’s Request for Medical Payment (DD Form 2642). In September 2024, this form was updated to include fields that’ll make it easier when filing claims for care received overseas.

Oct. 21, 2024

TRICARE Enrollment Freeze and Scheduled milConnect and Beneficiary Web Enrollment Outage Beginning Oct. 25: What To Know

It’s almost time for TRICARE Open Season, which begins Nov. 11. That means you should check your information in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System as soon as possible. There will be a global TRICARE enrollment freeze from Oct. 25-27, and limitations to the Beneficiary Web Enrollment self-service portal between Oct. 28 and Dec. 31.

Oct. 17, 2024

Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones: Get Your Flu Shot With TRICARE

The fall and winter months bring an increased risk of respiratory illnesses, including flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus. Getting your flu shot is an easy way to help ward off illness. The vaccine lowers your chance of getting sick, going to the hospital, or even dying from the flu.

Oct. 16, 2024

Unlock Your Health by Scheduling a TRICARE Well-Woman Exam

With TRICARE, you have access to a wide range of preventive care specific to your needs. For women, this includes comprehensive services like an annual well-woman exam.

Oct. 10, 2024

Live in the West Region? Update Your TRICARE Payment Information With TriWest

Do you currently live in the West Region? Or, do you live in one of the six states (Arkansas, Illinois, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Texas, Wisconsin) moving to the West Region in 2025? If you pay for your TRICARE coverage via credit card or bank electronic funds transfer, you can now securely give your recurring payment information to the incoming West Region contractor, TriWest Healthcare Alliance.

Oct. 8, 2024

Learn How Referrals and Specialty Care Will Work as New TRICARE Contracts Start in 2025

Health care delivery under new TRICARE contracts starts on Jan. 1, 2025. These new contracts will improve quality and access for beneficiaries in the United States by enhancing referral management and access to specialty care. Learn more about what to expect starting Jan. 1.

Oct. 7, 2024

DOD Announces Health Care Supplement Program Pilot for DOD Civilian Employees in Japan

The Department of Defense (DOD) today announced a one-year pilot program to provide no-cost supplemental health support services to DOD civilian employees serving in Japan after a yearlong effort to identify and address concerns regarding access to medical care.