The 2026 CPT codes for hearing aid services mark a major change in how audiologists document, bill, and get reimbursed. Starting January 1, 2026, 12 new codes will replace the long-standing 92590–92595 series. These changes are designed to reflect the true complexity of modern audiology—but they also bring new challenges for practices already squeezed by rising costs, shrinking margins, and payer pressure.
Here are the 7 most important things every audiology practice needs to know.
1. Retired Codes
The legacy codes 92590–92595 will no longer be valid as of 2026. Instead, a new family of codes falls under Evaluative and Therapeutic Services, which better reflects the clinical nature of audiology work.
| Retired Code | Description |
|---|---|
|
92590 |
Hearing aid examination and selection; monaural |
|
92591 |
Hearing aid examination and selection; binaural |
|
92592 |
Hearing aid check, monaural |
|
92593 |
Hearing aid check, binaural |
|
92594 |
Electroacoustic evaluation for a hearing aid for one ear, monaural |
|
92595 |
Electroacoustic evaluation for a hearing aid for one ear, binaural |
2. 12 New CPT Codes Replace 92590–92595
The new code family covers everything from hearing aid candidacy evaluation to fittings and verification. Examples include:
| New Code | Description |
|---|---|
|
92628 |
Evaluation for hearing aid candidacy, unilateral or bilateral, including review and integration of audiologic function tests, assessment, and interpretation of hearing needs (eg, speech-in-noise, suprathreshold hearing measures), discussion of candidacy results, counseling on treatment options with report, and, when performed, assessment of cognitive and communication status; first 30 minutes |
|
92629 |
each additional 15 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
(Use 92629 in conjunction with 92628) |
|
92631 |
Hearing aid selection services, unilateral or bilateral, including review of audiologic function tests and hearing aid candidacy evaluation, assessment of visual and dexterity limitations, and psychosocial factors, establishment of device type, output requirements, signal processing strategies and additional features, discussion of device recommendations with report; first 30 minutes |
|
92632 |
each additional 15 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
(Use 92632 in conjunction with 92631) |
|
92634 |
Hearing aid fitting services, unilateral or bilateral, including device analysis, programming, verification, counseling, orientation, and training, and, when performed, hearing assistive device, supplemental technology fitting services; first 60 minutes |
|
92635 |
each additional 15 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
(Use 92635 in conjunction with 92634) |
|
92636 |
Hearing aid post-fitting follow-up services, unilateral or bilateral, including confirmation of physical fit, validation of patient benefit and performance, sound quality of device, adjustment(s) (eg, verification, programming adjustment[s], device connection[s], and device training), as indicated, and, when performed, hearing assistive device, supplemental technology fitting services; first 30 minutes |
|
92637 |
each additional 15 minutes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
(Use 92637 in conjunction with 92636) |
|
92638 |
Behavioral verification of amplification including aided thresholds, functional gain, speech in noise, when performed (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure) |
|
92639 |
Hearing-aid measurement, verification with probe-microphone (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
(Use 92639 in conjunction with 92634, 92635)
(Do not include the time for 92639 within the overall time used for reporting 92634, 92636)
(For unilateral procedure, report 92639 with modifier 52) |
|
92641 |
Hearing device verification, electroacoustic analysis
(Do not include the time for 92641 within the overall time used for reporting 92634, 92636)
(For unilateral procedure, report 92641 with modifier 52) |
|
92642 |
Hearing assistive device, supplemental technology fitting services (eg, personal frequency modulation [FM]/digital modulation [DM] system, remote microphone, alerting devices) |
This granularity allows audiologists to bill for more of the work that actually happens in practice.
3. Time-Based Billing Requirements Are Introduced
The new time-based CPT codes for hearing device services aren’t just about clocking minutes; they’re about documenting the full scope of clinical work. Audiologists will need to clearly summarize each encounter in the medical record — not just write “30 minutes.” 
The American Academy of Audiology recommends best practice will be to note total time spent before, during, and after the visit, such as:
“Total time spent caring for [patient] today was [X minutes]. This includes time spent before the visit reviewing the chart, time spent during the visit, and time spent after the visit on documentation.”
When performing separately reported procedures during the same visit (for example, real ear verification or supplemental technology fitting), AAA recommends adding a clarification:
“Total time excludes the time for [list separately reported codes].”
In short, start and stop times alone won’t be enough.
Payers will expect documentation that captures evaluation, assessment, management, and treatment activities tied to air conduction devices.
4. Medicare Will Not Assign Values — Commercial Payers Will Decide
The new hearing device services codes are excluded from Medicare’s Physician Fee Schedule as always. That means CMS has not assigned RVUs. Commercial payers will set their own reimbursement policies, and practices will need to negotiate.
5. Documentation and Minute-Tracking Become Critical
With time-based codes, sloppy documentation won’t cut it. Every minute spent evaluating, fitting, or verifying needs to be captured. Updated templates, checklists, and EHR workflows will help ensure compliance and reduce the risk of denied claims.
6. Independent Practices Face Both Opportunity and Risk
On the one hand, these codes offer independents a way to capture the true value of their services rather than relying on bundled models. On the other hand, manufacturer-owned TPAs and corporate clinics may try to use these changes to lock in restrictive rates. How you negotiate with payers will determine whether this shift strengthens or weakens your practice.
7. How to Prepare Now for the 2026 Hearing Aid Services CPT Code Rollout
Educate staff on new codes before 2026.
Start tracking time on device-related encounters.
Review commercial contracts and strengthen payer relationships.
Update documentation templates to align with the new code family.
Plan for denials and appeals during the transition period.
Being proactive will give your practice an edge when the new codes take effect.
Bottom Line
The 2026 CPT codes for hearing device services are more than a paperwork change—they’re a structural shift in how audiology is recognized and reimbursed. For practices already squeezed by corporate consolidation and TPA pressures, this is a chance to reclaim value—but only if you prepare now.
For accurate and up-to-date CPT coding, it is recommended to refer to the latest CPT code set published by the American Medical Association. All rights to CPT codes are reserved by the AMA. For more detailed information and official coding guidelines, please visit the AMA’s website or contact the AMA directly.
📋 Free Resource for Audiologists 📋
Struggling to keep the new 2026 CPT codes for hearing device services straight? We’ve built a printable checklist that maps the new codes, time requirements, and documentation notes into one easy-to-use guide.
Use it to:
✅ Match patient encounter time with the correct code
✅ Avoid denials by documenting the right way
✅ Train your staff before the 2026 rollout
Don’t wait until January 1, 2026 — start preparing now.
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