Hearing Test & Hearing Aid Cost in the Philippines [2026 Guide]

Quick Answer: A basic hearing test (pure tone audiometry) costs ₱500-₱1,500 at most clinics in the Philippines. Hearing aids range from ₱5,000 for basic analog devices to ₱150,000+ for premium digital models from brands like Phonak, Widex, and Signia. For testing, visit audiology centers like Active Hearing Center, Manila Hearing Aid, or Ear Diagnostics Inc., or the ENT department of any major hospital. PhilHealth covers hearing aids for children under 18 through the Z Benefits package.

Table of Contents

• Types of Hearing Tests and Prices
• Where to Get a Hearing Test
• Hearing Aid Prices in the Philippines
• Top Hearing Centers in the Philippines
• Signs You Need a Hearing Test
• PhilHealth Coverage for Hearing Tests and Hearing Aids
• FAQs

Introduction

Hearing loss affects millions of Filipinos, yet many delay getting tested because they are unsure about costs or where to go. Whether you are experiencing difficulty following conversations, your child failed a newborn hearing screening, or you simply want a routine checkup, understanding the cost of hearing tests and hearing aids in the Philippines helps you plan ahead.

This guide covers every type of hearing test available in the country, current 2026 pricing, where to get tested, and a full breakdown of hearing aid costs from basic analog models to premium digital devices. We also cover PhilHealth benefits and programs that can help offset expenses.

For ENT-related consultations, see our guides to ENT clinics in Cebu and ENT clinics in Manila.

Types of Hearing Tests and Prices

Different hearing tests measure different aspects of your auditory system. Here are the main types available at clinics and hospitals in the Philippines, along with their typical 2026 costs:

Note: Prices vary depending on the facility. Government hospitals typically charge lower fees, while private hospitals and specialty clinics charge at the higher end. Some clinics bundle multiple tests into a comprehensive hearing evaluation package for ₱2,000-₱4,000.

Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA) — ₱500 to ₱1,500

Pure tone audiometry is the most common hearing test for adults and older children. You wear headphones in a soundproof booth and indicate when you hear beeps at various pitches and volumes. The results are plotted on an audiogram that shows your hearing thresholds across frequencies. Most ENT consultations will start with a PTA. The Medical City, St. Luke's Medical Center, and most major hospitals offer this test in their ENT outpatient departments.

Tympanometry — ₱300 to ₱800

Tympanometry measures how well your eardrum moves in response to changes in air pressure. It helps detect fluid in the middle ear, eardrum perforations, and eustachian tube dysfunction. This test is quick (takes about two minutes per ear) and does not require a soundproof room. It is commonly performed alongside PTA for a more complete picture.

OAE (Otoacoustic Emissions) — ₱300 to ₱1,200

The OAE test measures sounds produced by the inner ear (cochlea) in response to stimulation. It is the standard newborn hearing screening test in the Philippines under Republic Act 9709, the Universal Newborn Hearing Screening and Intervention Act. For newborns, this test is included in PhilHealth's Newborn Care Package (NCP). Outside of the NCP, OAE testing at private clinics costs ₱300-₱1,200.

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) — ₱2,000 to ₱5,000

The ABR is an objective test that measures electrical activity in the auditory nerve and brainstem while the patient listens to clicking sounds through earphones. It is used when OAE results are inconclusive, for infants who cannot cooperate with behavioral tests, and for diagnosing auditory neuropathy. The patient needs to be asleep or very still, so sedation may be required for young children, adding to the overall cost.

Speech Audiometry — ₱500 to ₱1,500

Speech audiometry evaluates how well you understand spoken words at various volume levels. It measures your speech reception threshold (SRT) and word recognition score. This test is important for hearing aid fitting because it reveals how much benefit you can expect from amplification. The Medical City and other major hearing centers offer this alongside PTA.

Where to Get a Hearing Test

You can get hearing tests at three types of facilities in the Philippines:

Hospital ENT Departments

Major hospitals such as Philippine General Hospital (PGH), The Medical City, St. Luke's Medical Center, and Makati Medical Center have ENT departments with full audiology suites. Hospital-based testing tends to be the most expensive (₱800-₱1,500 for PTA) but offers the advantage of having ENT specialists available for immediate consultation if your results indicate a problem.

Audiology and Hearing Aid Centers

Dedicated hearing centers like Active Hearing Center, Manila Hearing Aid, Hear Life Philippines, and Ear Diagnostics Inc. offer hearing tests as part of their services. Many provide free or discounted hearing screenings as a gateway to hearing aid fitting. A full PTA at these centers typically costs ₱500-₱1,000. Some centers offer free basic hearing screenings if you are considering purchasing a hearing aid.

Government Hospitals and Programs

Government hospitals like PGH (through the Philippine National Ear Institute) and regional medical centers offer the most affordable hearing tests, starting as low as ₱300 for basic audiometry. The Philippine National Ear Institute (PNEI), established through Republic Act 9245, provides comprehensive audiologic services including hearing screening and diagnosis for both pediatric and adult patients.

Hearing Aid Prices in the Philippines

Hearing aids are the primary treatment for most types of hearing loss. Prices in the Philippines vary dramatically based on technology level, brand, and features.

Hearing Aid Price Comparison

Important: Most people need two hearing aids (one per ear), so double the per-unit price for a pair. Many clinics offer discounts on pairs.

Basic / Economy Hearing Aids — ₱5,000 to ₱15,000

Basic hearing aids include analog devices and entry-level digital models. They amplify all sounds and have limited ability to distinguish speech from background noise. These are available online and at budget hearing aid retailers. While affordable, they lack the customization and clarity of higher-end devices. Brands in this range include generic Chinese manufacturers and basic models from Jinghao and Axon.

Mid-Range Digital Hearing Aids — ₱15,000 to ₱50,000

Mid-range hearing aids offer digital sound processing, directional microphones, and multiple listening programs. They can reduce background noise and adjust to different environments. Brands in this range include Rexton (available at Ear Diagnostics Inc.), NuEar, and entry-level models from Signia and Phonak. This is the most popular price range for Filipino hearing aid users, offering a good balance of performance and affordability.

Premium Digital Hearing Aids — ₱50,000 to ₱150,000

Premium hearing aids from top international brands offer the best sound quality, advanced noise cancellation, wireless Bluetooth streaming, rechargeable batteries, and smartphone app control. Some models include AI-powered sound optimization that adapts in real time.

Top premium brands available in the Philippines:

• Phonak — Available at Manila Hearing Aid; known for Roger wireless technology
• Widex — Distributed exclusively by Hear Life Philippines; known for natural sound quality
• Signia — Dispensed by Active Hearing Center; German engineering with OVP (Own Voice Processing)
• Oticon — Available at Manila Hearing Aid; strong in speech understanding technology
• Starkey — Distributed by Hi-Tech Hearing Centre Inc.; American brand with AI features

Cochlear Implants — ₱500,000 to ₱1,500,000

Cochlear implants are surgically implanted devices for people with severe to profound hearing loss who do not benefit from conventional hearing aids. Unlike hearing aids that amplify sound, cochlear implants bypass the damaged parts of the inner ear and directly stimulate the auditory nerve. The total cost includes the implant device, surgical procedure, hospitalization, and post-operative rehabilitation (including speech therapy and auditory training).

The Medical City operates a premier cochlear implant program and is one of the leading centers for this procedure in the Philippines. PGH also performs cochlear implantation through the Philippine National Ear Institute (PNEI). Candidates for cochlear implantation undergo extensive evaluation including audiometry, imaging (CT and MRI), and speech-language assessment before being cleared for surgery.

Tips for Saving on Hearing Aids

• Compare prices across multiple centers — Prices for the same brand and model can vary by 10-20% between retailers
• Ask about trade-in programs — Some centers offer discounts when you upgrade from an older hearing aid
• Look for installment plans — Active Hearing Center and Hear Life Philippines offer installment options through credit cards and postdated checks
• Consider previous-generation models — Last year's premium model often costs significantly less than the current model with minimal feature differences
• Check for bundle deals — Purchasing a pair (binaural fitting) usually comes with a discount compared to buying two individual units
• Take advantage of free screenings — Many hearing aid centers offer free basic hearing screenings, saving you ₱500-₱1,500 on initial testing

Top Hearing Centers in the Philippines

Here is a comparison of the major hearing centers operating nationwide:

Manila Hearing Aid

The longest-running hearing care provider in the Philippines (since 1976), Manila Hearing Aid carries Phonak and Oticon products. They have branches in Metro Manila and a location at SM City Cebu. Services include comprehensive hearing evaluations, hearing aid fitting and programming, ear mold fabrication, and hearing aid repair.

Active Hearing Center

With over 25 branches nationwide, Active Hearing Center is one of the largest hearing aid networks in the Philippines. They exclusively dispense Signia hearing aids (a German brand). Notable branches include their main clinic in Malate, Manila, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf in Quezon City, and locations inside major hospitals like Capitol Medical Center and Southeast Asian Medical Center in Cavite. They offer a "Hear Now, Pay Later" installment program.

Hear Life Philippines

The exclusive distributor of Widex hearing aids in the Philippines, Hear Life has 12 branches across the country. They offer free consultations, basic hearing tests at ₱650, and installment payment options through select credit cards and postdated checks. Widex hearing aids are known for their natural sound quality.

Ear Diagnostics Inc.

Founded in 1995, Ear Diagnostics operates over 17 branches and franchise partners nationwide, from Luzon to Mindanao. They focus on affordability and carry Rexton and NuEar brands. Their mission is to provide hearing aid solutions at reasonable prices, making them a popular choice for budget-conscious patients.

Signs You Need a Hearing Test

Consider scheduling a hearing test if you experience any of the following:

• Frequently asking people to repeat themselves — You find yourself saying "what?" or "ha?" more often than before
• Difficulty following conversations in noisy places — Restaurants, family gatherings, and meetings become increasingly challenging
• Turning up the TV or phone volume — Others complain that your TV or phone volume is too loud
• Ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus) — Persistent tinnitus can indicate underlying hearing loss
• Muffled hearing after exposure to loud noise — Concerts, construction work, or prolonged headphone use at high volume
• Family history of hearing loss — Genetic factors increase your risk
• Age 50 and above — Age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) is common and gradual

For children, watch for these warning signs:

• Delayed speech development — Not babbling by 9 months or not saying single words by 14 months
• Not responding when called by name — Especially when the child is not looking at you
• Needing the TV volume unusually high — Compared to what other family members find comfortable
• Difficulty following instructions at school — Teachers may report inattentiveness that is actually hearing-related
• Frequent ear infections — Recurrent otitis media can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss

Under Philippine law (RA 9709), all newborns must undergo hearing screening before hospital discharge or within one month of birth. Early detection is critical — children identified with hearing loss before six months of age who receive appropriate intervention have significantly better language outcomes.

Who Should Get Regular Hearing Tests

Beyond the signs listed above, the following groups should schedule routine hearing evaluations:

• Workers in noisy environments — Factory workers, construction workers, musicians, and military/police personnel exposed to gunfire
• People taking ototoxic medications — Certain antibiotics (aminoglycosides), chemotherapy drugs, and high-dose aspirin can damage hearing
• Adults over 60 — Annual hearing checks are recommended even without symptoms, as age-related loss is gradual and often goes unnoticed
• Anyone with diabetes or cardiovascular disease — These conditions increase the risk of hearing loss due to reduced blood flow to the inner ear

PhilHealth Coverage for Hearing Tests and Hearing Aids

PhilHealth provides limited but meaningful coverage for hearing-related services:

Newborn Hearing Screening

PhilHealth's Newborn Care Package (NCP) includes newborn hearing screening at no additional cost. This covers the initial OAE test performed before hospital discharge. The NCP is available to all PhilHealth members and their dependents.

Z Benefits for Hearing-Impaired Children

PhilHealth's Z Benefits package for children with hearing impairment covers the following for patients aged 0-17 years:

• Hearing aid provision
• Hearing aid fitting and verification
• Batteries and ear molds
• Ear mold refitting
• Speech therapy sessions

This benefit was pilot-launched in December 2020 through the PGH Ear Unit, the first facility in the country to provide hearing aids to infants and children through the national insurance program. To access this benefit, patients must be seen at a DOH-recognized hearing center.

Inpatient and Surgical Coverage

For hearing-related surgeries such as tympanoplasty, mastoidectomy, and cochlear implantation, PhilHealth has existing case rates that help cover hospital charges and professional fees. However, the cochlear implant device itself is not covered under PhilHealth — only the surgical procedure and hospitalization are partially covered.

What PhilHealth Does NOT Cover

• Hearing aids for adults (not covered under any current package)
• Cochlear implant devices (only the surgery has a case rate)
• Outpatient hearing tests (unless part of an inpatient admission or covered package)
• Hearing aid batteries and accessories for adults

What to Expect During a Hearing Test

If you have never had a hearing test before, here is what a typical visit looks like:

1. Registration and history-taking — You will fill out a form about your hearing concerns, medical history, noise exposure, and any medications you take. This takes about 10-15 minutes.

2. Otoscopy (ear examination) — The audiologist or ENT doctor examines your ear canals and eardrums using an otoscope. This checks for earwax blockage, infections, or eardrum damage that could affect test results.

3. Pure tone audiometry — You enter a soundproof booth, wear headphones, and press a button or raise your hand each time you hear a tone. The test covers frequencies from 250 Hz to 8,000 Hz for both ears. This takes 15-20 minutes.

4. Additional tests if needed — Depending on your results, the audiologist may add tympanometry, speech audiometry, or OAE testing.

5. Results and consultation — The audiologist reviews your audiogram with you, explains the type and degree of any hearing loss, and recommends next steps. If a hearing aid is indicated, they may discuss options and allow you to try demo units.

The entire process takes 30-60 minutes depending on the number of tests performed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a hearing test in the Philippines?

A basic pure tone audiometry (PTA) hearing test costs ₱500-₱1,500 at most clinics and hospitals. Government hospitals offer the lowest rates starting at ₱300. A comprehensive hearing evaluation that includes PTA, tympanometry, and speech audiometry costs ₱2,000-₱4,000. Some hearing aid centers offer free basic screenings.

How much do hearing aids cost in the Philippines?

Hearing aid prices range widely: basic analog or economy models cost ₱5,000-₱15,000 per unit, mid-range digital models cost ₱15,000-₱50,000, and premium hearing aids from brands like Phonak, Widex, and Signia cost ₱50,000-₱150,000 per unit. Most patients need a pair (two units), so expect to double these figures. Cochlear implants, for severe cases, cost ₱500,000-₱1,500,000.

Does PhilHealth cover hearing aids?

PhilHealth covers hearing aids only for children aged 0-17 through the Z Benefits package for hearing-impaired children. This includes the hearing aid device, fitting, verification, batteries, ear molds, and speech therapy. Adult hearing aids are not covered by PhilHealth. For cochlear implants, PhilHealth covers part of the surgical and hospital costs but not the implant device itself.

Where can I get a free hearing test in the Philippines?

Several options exist for free or very low-cost hearing tests. Many hearing aid centers like Active Hearing Center, Manila Hearing Aid, and Hear Life Philippines offer free basic hearing screenings, especially if you are considering a hearing aid purchase. The Philippine National Ear Institute (PNEI) at PGH provides subsidized audiologic services. Local government health units sometimes conduct free hearing screening outreach programs, particularly during Ear and Hearing Care Month (March). Newborn hearing screening is free under the PhilHealth Newborn Care Package.

At what age should children get hearing tests?

Under Philippine law (RA 9709), all newborns must be screened for hearing loss before hospital discharge or within one month of birth using OAE testing. If the newborn fails the initial screening, follow-up testing (including ABR) should be done by three months of age. Children with risk factors such as family history of hearing loss, premature birth, low birth weight, or frequent ear infections should receive periodic hearing evaluations. The Philippine National Ear Institute recommends that any child with delayed speech or language development be tested immediately, regardless of age.

Conclusion

Getting your hearing tested in the Philippines is affordable and accessible, with basic audiometry costing just ₱500-₱1,500 at most clinics. If you need a hearing aid, options exist at every price point — from ₱5,000 economy models to ₱150,000 premium devices with the latest technology. The key is to get tested early, as untreated hearing loss can worsen over time and affect your quality of life, communication, and even cognitive health.

Start by visiting a hearing center near you for a screening. Major providers like Manila Hearing Aid, Active Hearing Center, Hear Life Philippines, and Ear Diagnostics Inc. have branches nationwide and offer consultations to help you find the right solution for your budget.

For related healthcare guides, check out our posts on ENT clinics in Cebu and ENT clinics in Manila.