After more than three decades, the longstanding CPT® codes for hearing aid services—CPT codes 92590–92595—are being replaced. This update deletes the six outdated codes, in use since 1993, and introduces twelve new codes designed primarily for use with air conduction hearing devices in the treatment of hearing loss. Beginning January 1, 2026, audiologists will use the new set of CPT codes to describe professional services provided for hearing aid and hearing device-related services, as outlined in the proposed rule for the 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. 

This major update results from a multiyear collaborative effort between the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) to modernize the coding framework. The new codes were designed to capture the professional services audiologists provide for hearing aids and related devices today and into the future—including evolving technologies and patient care models.

The legacy codes used vague terminology such as "examination" and "check," which failed to reflect the complexity and breadth of audiologic services. They also did not accommodate the integration of digital technologies or more advanced diagnostic tools. In contrast, the new code set provides greater clarity, accuracy, and alignment with CPT coding conventions, offering improved support for documentation, reimbursement, and advocacy efforts.

The newly established hearing device services CPT codes do not have assigned relative value units (RVUs), as they did not undergo review by the American Medical Association Relative Value Update Committee (AMA RUC) and are not priced under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. As a result, these codes fall outside of Medicare’s reimbursement framework, giving audiologists greater flexibility to negotiate payment rates directly with commercial payers, employers, or patients. The absence of a Medicare-assigned RVU allows for more customized and market-driven payment arrangements that more accurately reflect the value of professional hearing device services in today’s clinical environment.

Note: These changes apply to CPT codes only and do not affect the V-codes used under HCPCS for hearing aid devices.

New Code Structure
The new CPT codes are structured around the four key stages of hearing device care:
•    Candidacy Evaluation
•    Hearing Aid Selection
•    Fitting and Verification
•    Follow-up

Many of the codes are time-based, allowing for better representation of service complexity and patient-specific factors such as age, type of hearing loss, and cognitive considerations.

Next Steps
The final codes are expected to be published in September 2025, with implementation scheduled for January 2026. In the coming months, AAA and ASHA will work together to:

• Educate audiologists on proper code use
• Provide guidance on documentation and billing
• Engage payers to ensure appropriate recognition and reimbursement

This is a transformational step forward for the profession and represents a significant milestone in ensuring that audiologists are properly recognized for the comprehensive care they deliver.

The State Policy Advocacy Network (SPAN) will convene again on July 29 for a critical meeting about Medicaid funding. SPAN brings together nationwide audiologists and advocates dedicated to advancing the profession and protecting patient access to hearing health care. Meeting quarterly, this network provides a platform for discussing pressing state-level policy issues, sharing best practices, and coordinating efforts to influence legislation and regulations across all 50 states.

This quarter’s meeting will center on the urgent issue of proposed federal Medicaid cuts. This budget bill, currently under consideration in Congress, seeks to significantly reduce federal Medicaid spending—an action that would inevitably lead to funding shortfalls at the state level. Decisions made in Washington, D.C. will directly impact state budgets and could trigger rollbacks in audiology coverage, affecting provider reimbursement, access to diagnostic services, and ultimately, patient outcomes. To help navigate this challenge, SPAN will host a special guest speaker, who will provide insights into Medicaid funding, this legislation’s projected impact, and how to best prepare for these cuts.

The Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act (MAAIA) has been reintroduced! This bipartisan legislation to modernize Medicare coverage of audiology services, H.R. 2757 and S.B. 1996, has been reintroduced in both the House and the Senate.

On April 9, 2025, Representatives Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), Kevin Mullin (D-CA), and Nathaniel Moran (R-TX) introduced the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act (MAAIA), which aims to modernize Medicare with changes that would streamline access to care, reduce patient costs, and support the continuity of care for millions of Medicare beneficiaries. On June 9, 2025, Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Warren Grassley (R-IA), and Rand Paul (R-KY) introduced consistent legislation. Specifically, this legislation will:

• Eliminate pre-treatment order requirements so beneficiaries have streamlined access to audiologists, saving seniors out-of-pocket costs for extra office visits.
• Reclassify audiologists as practitioners under the Medicare statute, enabling services to be furnished through telehealth beyond the current September 30, 2025, expiration of such authority.
• Support continuity of care by authorizing audiologists to be reimbursed for the Medicare-covered diagnostic and treatment services that they are licensed to provide.

We are encouraging members to take action to support MAAIA. This bill represents a significant bipartisan effort to modernize Medicare’s coverage of audiology services. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, public support is crucial. We are asking our members to contact their U.S. representatives and senators to express support for MAAIA. Please use the links below to download a customizable outreach template, as well as find your member of Congress.

Letter Template

Find Your Member of Congress

On April 1, 2025, the current presidential administration eliminated, via executive order, the entire branch of the Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) program. This branch was crucial for helping communities follow up with families to ensure that babies born with hearing loss receive support as early as possible. 

The eliminated branch operated under the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)'s Disability and Health Promotion branch and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Its responsibilities included coordinating newborn hearing screenings and ensuring responses for infants who failed their hearing tests. As a result of budget cuts at the CDC, which led to a reduction of approximately 2,400 employees, this specific EHDI branch lost most of its staff. Out of eight full-time workers and one fellow, all but one position were eliminated.

It's important to note that while this was a significant cut impacting the data analysis and follow-up aspects of the national EHDI program, it might not constitute a complete shutdown of all EHDI initiatives across the states. The core EHDI program, which involves newborn hearing screenings and early intervention services, is a multifaceted effort involving both federal and state-level components. 

Our communities thrive when all children have the opportunity to succeed. The EHDI program is a cornerstone of this success, providing crucial support for families and their little ones with hearing loss. As audiologists, we must do all we can to protect EHDI and the invaluable services they provide. Using the resources linked here, reach out to your elected officials and urge them to prioritize and invest in this essential program. 

To write your representatives, follow this link to the ASHA template

NWAA has grave concerns regarding recent changes at the Department of Education related to income-based student loan repayment plans.  The removal of applications for all income-based repayment plans following a ruling by the 8th Circuit Court will have dire consequences for audiologists and other medical professionals, as well as their patients and communities, in the Northwest and beyond. To read NWAA's open letter to Oregon Senators, please click this link: DOE Letter.pdf

Join NWAA in support Oregon Senate Bill 943! SB 943 will modernize audiologist' licensure laws to improve access, affordability, and quality of care for patients across the state and at every stage of life. 

To learn more about SB943 or to submit written testimony of support, please visit the Website for SB 943

You may recognize Abigail Heringer from TV shows like "The Bachelor" and "Bachelor in Paradise", or from her incredible Instagram influencing. Abigail can now add published author to her CV. Last month, The Deaf Girl was published by Sourcebooks. "Hopeful, vulnerable, and uplifting, The Deaf Girl shares Abigail's journey of navigating life with a profound hearing loss and her transformation from merely accepting her disability to embracing it wholeheartedly. This memoir serves as an inspiring reminder for anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or struggled to embrace their differences, showcasing that every voice is worthy of being heard" (Amazon Books). To purchase a copy of The Deaf Girl follow this link to Amazon Books. It is also available as an audiobook on Audible.

21 states have passed newborn cCMV screening and education laws with 6 more states considering legislation. Oregon has the opportunity to join this nationwide movement. Please join OAA in championing this legislation. Don't leave our kids behind! 2025 cCMV One Pager.pdf

Last week, the Academy ramped up its advocacy for the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act (MAAIA) by kicking off a grassroots messaging campaign. In collaboration with the Academy of Doctors of Audiology (ADA) and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), we are reaching out to members of Congress who have yet to co-sponsor this critical bill. Follow this link for additional information from AAA regarding how you can help support MAAIA.

VA Community Care Network Provider Reimbursement Reduced

The VA has reduced reimbursement for Community Care Network providers by 30% for the second year in a row. To combat this, we're organizing a national letter writing campaign. As of 02/12/2024, 84 audiologists across America have reached out to participate. On the VACCN Facebook page, the majority voted to request 2023 reimbursement + the annual published inflation rate for social security which is 3.2%. It’s important for us to be unified in our request. 

A prewritten letter has been created for multiple Veterans to sign indicating their support of this movement. To download and use the pre-filled letter, click here

BCBS Federal Plan Requires Prior Authorization for hearing aids (01/03/2024)

BCBS Federal began requiring prior authorization for hearing aids at the beginning of 2024. The required documentation can be obtained from Avality. Follow these BCBS Guidelines for a full breakdown of what to expect. This clinical guideline will help determine if your patient meets the criteria. 

OAA FAQ on OTC Hearing Aid Regulations (10/20/2021)

The FDA recently released a draf of over-the-counter hearing aid regulations, and it has sparked a storm of talk on social media- but what is true? Check out the summary by the OAA Advocacy Chair, Bryan Greenaway, HERE.

AAA recently released a call-to-action regarding proposed changes to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. Read more about this HERE.

OAA Response to OBOESLPA Licensing Rule Change Proposal.

We think it's a forward step, but needs refined.  Read more HERE.