Bad audiologist? Or common experience?

Thanks @JeremyDC - this is solid advice. I truly believe an audiologist would be best at fine tuning a HA, however since this is my first time, and I’m somewhat “functional”, I don’t like that I’m trapped in getting an Oticon More at a high price just to use an audiologist. Said another way, I wish they could just divorce the device from the audiologist, and simply agree to fine tune whatever device you have. Though that could get weird when someone walks in with an Amazon $30 amplifier!

While I also respect audiologist knowledge, I really don’t recall much expertise being applied to my specific hearing loss. Sure anyone can do a hearing test. That’s what the audiologist did. But to go from hearing test to hearing aid, without much concern for why the hearing loss - seems lazy. They might as well be Costco. Do hearing test. Sell hearing aid. done.

I have a history of sudden hearing loss from 2005. They didn’t want my old hearing tests. Really, they could have contacted the docs office and seen if things progressed worse or not. But the don’t seem to care. They seem to want to treat any hearing loss with a HA. I even suggested getting a stapedectomy on my other ear (got that on one ear and it helped). They steered me away, saying those surgeries are not as common, and you have risks like total hearing loss, yadda, yadda. Oh, by the way, we don’t do surgeries here…

So back to the dilemma. ANYONE can say if you have hearing loss, go get a HA. That’s why Costco exists. Do I have to be trapped using the Audiologist’s high end Oticon More device just because it’s the only device sophisticated enough to demand an audiologist fine tuning talent? Can I purchase the Costco KS-10s and go to my audiologist for fine tuning of those?

@jay_man2 - My quote for Oticon More (set of 2)
------------…Insurance…Audiologist
Standard…$3398…$5000
Advanced…$4398…$6000
Premium…$5398…$7400
Insurance of course gives you limited followup visits, while the audiologist takes care of you “forever” (simplified reason for diff cost)
Insurance is private company United Healthcare, which is actually Epic Hearing

I don’t think it’s a matter of disadvantage or advantage. If you go through the threads you’ll see that there are people with horror stories with audiologist and horror stories with Costco. You’ll also see positive audiologist and positive Costco experiences. And from what I’ve read there are good and bad Audis and good and bad Costco’s. What it boils down to is an educated consumer. One who is willing to get up and walk away if they feel uncomfortable. Also to know ahead of time the policies of both the audiologist or the facility you’re visiting. Audi vs Costco debate really accomplishes nothing . What’s good for the goose may not necessarily be good for the gander.

@hass5744 said:

I don’t think it’s a matter of disadvantage or advantage. If you go through the threads you’ll see that there are people with horror stories with audiologist and horror stories with Costco.

I wasn’t looking for an objective measure of advantage/disadvantage. I read the threads. I only wanted to know how this one person felt, more as compared to going to an audiologist than as opposed to obtaining an absolute verdict on Costco.

Got it. I just get concerned when I see Costco vs Audi. But I get your point. Hopefully others will too

@scotts said:

Can I purchase the Costco KS-10s and go to my audiologist

No, the software is not to my knowledge available outside of Costco.

I would strongly suggest you visit an ENT specialist. They usually have an audiologist associated with their practice and they can coordinate the effort since you have what really sounds like a pretty specialized need.

Obviously, you can go to Costco and have a Ks-10 fitted to your hearing loss. Then you can try it and see if it works. If it fills the need, then you’re done. My feeling is you’re going to feel like you are wasting your time doing that, but give it a shot if you want. Costco has a 90 day return policy, no questions asked; all you’re losing is your time if they don’t work out.

@JeremyDC said:

No, the software is not to my knowledge available outside of Costco.

Yes you can use the software at any audiology clinics, or even yourself if you want, it’s the standard Phonak target software.

Yeah the older models were locked, KS8 from Signia was unlocked as well.

@SpudGunner said:

If I were paying from my own pocket, however, Costco would be my first stop…

I’d probably send a friend to a Canadian Costco if I couldn’t see them myself. I wouldn’t send them to an American Costco.

@Neville: Any particular reason for your preference/aversion? (I’m curious …)

[You know, I’m only just now coming to the realization that I should shut up about beating a path to Costco, since I have zero first hand experience with them. On the other hand, I think it may be legitimate for someone like myself to say that - based on selection, price, generous trial period, and refund policy - one might “give Costco a whirl” simply because it is such a low-risk proposition.

That really is the vein in which my comments in that regard are offered.]

@SpudGunner said:

Any particular reason for your preference/aversion? (I’m curious …)

I’ve known* a lot of Canaidan audiologists who work at Costco and I know that Coscto Canada for a long time was pushing hard to ONLY hire audiologists and were making some really good moves to standardize their services towards preferred practice. In general, I think most people with a standard sort of hearing loss who don’t want access to anything extra will get a solid fit at Costco Canada. From what I’ve heard, though, Costco America standards for education and practice are much more. . . variable. Additionally, Coscto Canada’s compensation is high for the industry whereas from what I’ve heard Costco America’s compensation is low for the industry. You can imagine that if you don’t offer the best work environment you might still pull great talent by paying high salaries, whereas if you aren’t paying good salaries top talent will try to go elsewhere to work if their personal lives allow them to do so.

*Interestingly, the number of Costco audiologists I know has dwindled. One can make various guesses at what a retention problem suggests.

@Neville: Thanks for explaining, Neville. I was unaware of the cross-border differences.

Also UK and pointed to top range Phonak. I wasn’t paying but the Audiologist had to convince the funder that this was what I needed.

The consultant discussed not just my hearing loss but the environment in which I needed aids. Essential requirements were telephone use, restaurant, meeting, car use, TV, etc. If your need is minimal, home alone etc much less capability is needed.

That discussion is essential.

This is essentially what I did. I got an audiogram and bought through United Health Care. About $600 for a pair, but older technology and no hands-on adjustments. I used them for a couple of months and returned them, having learned that they were helpful for my hearing problems, but far from the best. Then I went to Costco and tried a pair there (after their full testing). The difference was amazing. But I would suggest finding a fitter who has some years of experience, not the latest hire and trainee.