Find credit for purchasing hearing aids online and enhance quality of life
2 May 2025
6
Minutes
Katrin Straub
CEO at nextsure
Good hearing is a quality of life, but high-quality hearing aids come at a price. The statutory health insurance only covers a fraction of the costs, which poses a financial hurdle for many. Discover how you can bridge this gap with a suitable online loan and ensure you get the best possible hearing care.
The topic in brief and concise terms
Modern hearing aids can cost up to 3,000 euros per ear, whereas the health insurance often only covers around 1,500 euros for both ears.
An online consumer loan is often more flexible and affordable than an installment payment at the audiologist, especially for terms over 12 months.
The costs incurred personally for hearing aids can be deducted from tax as an extraordinary burden, which alleviates the financial load.
Cost Analysis: What Modern Hearing Aids Entail
The prices for hearing aids vary significantly, ranging from basic models at around 500 euros to premium devices costing over 3,000 euros per ear. Technologically advanced models with Bluetooth or rechargeable technology offer considerably greater convenience in everyday life. The statutory health insurance funds provide a subsidy for the acquisition if medically necessary, with a fixed amount of up to 1,700 euros for both ears. The remaining personal contribution can therefore quickly amount to several thousand euros. A suitable hearing aid insurance can also protect against future repair costs. This cost gap makes alternative financing unavoidable for many.
Health insurance subsidy: This basic service you can expect
A prerequisite for the cash subsidy is an otological prescription certifying a hearing loss of at least 30 decibels in the better ear. The statutory health insurance funds (GKV) then cover a fixed amount, which varies slightly depending on the insurance provider, but is often around 785 euros per device. For bilateral provision, the subsidy, including service allowances, can exceed 1,500 euros. However, this benefit only covers standard care. For a life without acoustic compromises, a discreet medical loan is often the bridge to higher-quality technology. The next step is therefore to close the remaining financing gap.
Closing the funding gap: A comparison of credit options
To cover the personal contribution, there are two common approaches: installment payments at the acoustician or an online consumer loan. Many acousticians offer zero percent financing for terms of up to twelve months. However, for longer terms of up to 48 months, interest is charged, making a comparison worthwhile. A loan with no restrictions on usage from an online bank often offers more flexibility and potentially better terms. With a personal contribution of 2,500 euros, even a few percentage points in interest over the term can mean savings of over 100 euros. Accurately calculating your financial options is crucial.
Finding Online Credit for Hearing Aids: A Step-by-Step Guide
Finding the right loan for purchasing hearing aids online requires a systematic comparison. Pay attention to four key criteria to identify the best offer.
Effective annual interest rate: This value includes all costs and is the most important comparison figure, often between three and nine per cent.
Term: Choose a term that results in small instalments, for example, 48 or 60 months.
Special repayments: Free special repayments enable faster repayment without additional costs.
Digital processing: A fully digital process significantly speeds up the payout.
A clean online household budget is the foundation for a quick loan approval. A loan comparison through portals can provide you with an overview in less than 30 minutes. This is particularly relevant for specific target groups such as retirees.
Special Case Pensioners: Securing Financing in Retirement
Many banks have age limits that make it difficult for retirees to obtain loans, often set at 75 years by the end of the term. Nevertheless, a loan for retirees is possible with many providers, as long as regular and sufficient income from the pension can be demonstrated. A stable pension of, for example, 1,500 euros and low fixed costs significantly improve the chances. It is important to choose a provider without a strict age limit and perhaps prefer a shorter term. Payment protection insurance is usually not required and unnecessarily increases costs. Besides financing, there is another way to reduce the financial burden.
Take advantage of tax benefits: Hearing aids as an extraordinary burden
The costs for your hearing aid, which remain after the deduction of the health insurance subsidy, can be claimed as an exceptional burden on your tax return. This applies to the personal contribution as well as expenses for batteries and repairs. The tax office takes these costs into account once they exceed a reasonable individual burden limit. This limit depends on your income and marital status and is usually between one and seven percent of the taxable income. Be sure to keep the medical prescription and all invoices to submit them to the tax office. A similar approach is possible with other aids. This significantly reduces the financial burden at the end of the year.
Request a personalised risk analysis now
Good hearing care should not be a matter of money. By combining health insurance contributions, a flexible online loan, and the tax benefits, acquiring high-quality hearing aids becomes achievable for everyone. Have your insurance situation checked for free and receive specific optimisation suggestions.
More useful links
The GKV-Spitzenverband provides detailed fixed amounts for hearing aids (as of 20.12.2021).
General information about fixed amounts for aids can be found on the page of the GKV-Spitzenverband.
Statista offers statistics on the supply of hearing aids in Germany and the number of people with hearing loss.
The Schwerhörigen-Netz provides comprehensive statistics on the subject of hearing impairment.
The Federal Ministry of Health provides general information about aids and their significance.
Information about the Heil- und Hilfsmittelversorgungsgesetz (HHVG) can be found on the website of the Federal Ministry of Health.
The Ärztezeitung reports on a ruling by the Federal Social Court that makes it easier to claim higher-quality hearing aids.
Rehadat-Statistik offers detailed data and statistics on hearing disabilities in Germany.
FAQ
What hearing aid costs can I deduct from taxes?
You can deduct the total personal contribution after the deduction of health insurance subsidies, as well as costs for repairs and batteries, as an extraordinary burden. The prerequisite is a medical prescription and exceeding your reasonable burden limit.
Is financing at the audiologist always the best choice?
Not necessarily. While a zero-percent financing deal can be attractive for short terms (e.g., 12 months), for longer terms, the interest rates can be higher than with an independent online loan. Therefore, it is always advisable to compare.
Can I get a loan for hearing aids as a pensioner?
Yes, many banks provide loans to pensioners if the pension suffices as stable income to cover the monthly installments. Look for providers without strict upper age limits.
How quickly can an online loan for hearing aids be disbursed?
With a completely digital application process, including video identification and a digital signature, the money can often be in your account within 24 to 48 hours.
What is the difference between statutory and private health insurance benefits?
The statutory health insurance funds pay a fixed amount (flat rate). Private health insurers reimburse costs according to the agreed tariff, which often means significantly higher or even full coverage of costs.
Do I need to specify a purpose for the loan?
No, usually you apply for a small loan for general use. You do not have to explicitly inform the bank that you are using the money for a hearing aid.
