Are AirPods Pro HSA/FSA Eligible? Yes, Here's How!

What Are AirPods Pro

AirPods Pro are Apple's white wireless earbuds with soft ear tips and a pocket-sized charging case. You can use them for music, calls and podcasts, but the same earbuds also have features built around your hearing.

Apple currently sells AirPods Pro 3 for $249. Both Pro 3 and the older Pro 2 support three distinct features: Hearing Test, Hearing Aid and Hearing Protection. The Hearing Test takes about five minutes and shows your hearing levels. Hearing Aid adjusts sound amplification to your hearing needs. Hearing Protection reduces exposure to loud sounds around you.

Apple intends Hearing Test and Hearing Aid for adults 18 and older. Setting them up takes a compatible iPhone or iPad with current software and updated AirPods firmware. The medical purpose is what changes the purchase: earbuds bought to manage hearing loss serve a different job from earbuds bought for your playlist.

If you're also shopping for a watch, our Apple Watch eligibility guide covers that device's health features separately.

Why AirPods Pro Qualify for HSA/FSA

AirPods Pro qualify at their full purchase cost when their primary purpose is hearing care documented in a Letter of Medical Necessity. Your provider connects the earbuds' hearing function to the condition you're preventing or managing.

IRS Publication 502 includes “diagnosis, cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease” in its medical-expense definition. Its Personal Use Items rule includes everyday items primarily used to prevent or alleviate illness, and its Hearing Aids entry includes hearing-aid costs. An LMN puts that medical purpose in writing for earbuds that also play music.

Some common conditions a provider can document include:

Mild to moderate hearing loss. The FDA authorized Apple's Hearing Aid Feature in September 2024 to amplify sound for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Apple supports this feature on Pro 2 and Pro 3. The amplification helps you hear surrounding sounds and conversations.
Noise-induced hearing loss prevention. NIDCD recommends hearing protection during exposure to harmful noise. Apple says its Hearing Protection feature reduces exposure at places such as sporting events and fitness classes. Your letter connects this protection to your hearing needs.
Tinnitus alongside hearing loss. NIDCD lists hearing aids as an option for people with tinnitus and hearing loss. Amplifying outside sounds can make the ringing less noticeable. With AirPods Pro, this applies to adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, the range Apple's feature is built for.

Another hearing condition counts too when your provider documents an appropriate use of AirPods Pro for it.

How to Get AirPods Pro Covered With a Letter of Medical Necessity

You have two ways to get a letter for your AirPods Pro:

Through Crates, typically in under 24 hours. Complete a 2 to 3 minute online health assessment. A licensed provider reviews your answers and, if you qualify, issues your letter for AirPods Pro. The letter stays valid for 12 months and renews each year.
Through your own doctor, a few days to a few weeks. Book a visit and explain that you want to buy AirPods Pro with HSA/FSA funds. Ask your doctor to document how hearing assistance or hearing protection helps prevent or manage your condition. Make sure the letter is signed and dated. You may owe a copay.

How to Buy AirPods Pro With HSA/FSA Funds

Buy your AirPods Pro wherever you prefer, then get your money back from your HSA or FSA. Start with the letter so the medical purpose is documented before you shop.

Get your Letter of Medical Necessity first. Use Crates or your own doctor as explained above.
Buy your AirPods Pro anywhere. Pay with your personal card, online or in store. Keep the itemized receipt showing the earbuds and the amount paid.
Get your money back. Crates one-click reimbursement files the claim for you, or upload the letter and receipt yourself. For an HSA, keep both with your tax records.

Using pre-tax funds can save you up to 30%, depending on your tax rates and how you fund the account. Publication 969 explains the tax benefits, and our HSA vs. FSA guide explains the differences between the accounts.

Which AirPods Pro Models Qualify

AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods Pro 2 qualify the same way: with an LMN for their documented medical use. Apple's current hearing-health support covers both generations, so buying the newest model isn't what determines eligibility.

Model	Hearing features	HSA/FSA eligibility
AirPods Pro 3	Hearing Aid, Hearing Test and Hearing Protection	Yes, with an LMN
AirPods Pro 2, at other retailers	Hearing Aid, Hearing Test and Hearing Protection	Yes, with an LMN

Apple's regular U.S. price for Pro 3 was $249 when checked October 22, 2026. Apple now directs its Pro 2 purchase page to Pro 3; older Pro 2 stock is sold at other retailers. The Hearing Aid and Hearing Test features require an iPhone or iPad for setup, even if you use your earbuds with another device for everyday audio.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use FSA for AirPods?

Yes, AirPods Pro bought for a documented hearing condition are eligible with an LMN. A music-only purchase is personal spending. Have your provider document the hearing need before you buy, then pay with your personal card and upload your letter and itemized receipt for reimbursement.

Can I buy AirPods Pro with my HSA card?

You can try, but expect to use your personal card because many online stores aren't set up for HSA/FSA payments. Keep your itemized receipt and LMN. For purchases paid personally, Crates makes filing one click: we send your claim so the eligible amount can come back to you.

Are AirPods Pro 2 HSA eligible?

Yes, with a letter documenting their use for your hearing condition. Apple still supports Pro 2's Hearing Aid feature, alongside Pro 3. If you choose Pro 2 at another retailer, get your LMN before buying and keep the receipt for your reimbursement and tax records.

Do I need a prescription for AirPods Pro hearing aids?

No. The FDA-authorized Hearing Aid Feature is available over the counter for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Your LMN serves a separate purpose: documenting why you're buying the earbuds for hearing care. Get that letter before the purchase, then keep it with your receipt.

Can I get reimbursed for AirPods Pro I already bought?

Yes, when the purchase falls within your account dates: HSA expenses must come after the account was set up, and FSA expenses within your coverage period. Your provider's letter documents the medical need; keep it with the original itemized receipt when you file.

Which AirPods have the Hearing Aid feature?

AirPods Pro 2 and Pro 3 support Apple's Hearing Aid feature. Regular AirPods are a different line; the Pro hearing features are the ones covered here. For HSA/FSA use, have a provider document your medical purpose, buy your pair and retain the letter and receipt.

Can AirPods Pro help with tinnitus?

Hearing aids can help make tinnitus less noticeable when you also have hearing loss, according to NIDCD. AirPods Pro's Hearing Aid feature serves adults with perceived mild to moderate loss. If your provider recommends this use, get an LMN, buy the earbuds and keep your receipt.