The Doctor of Audiology (, sometimes written Au.D.) is a professional degree for an audiologist. The AuD program is designed to produce audiologists who are skilled in providing diagnostic, rehabilitative, and other services associated with hearing, balance, tinnitus management, and related audiological fields. These individuals help patients with hearing problems primarily by diagnosing hearing loss and fitting hearing assistive devices. Within the AuD training program, there is an emphasis...
And some are mail order degrees!
I asked my first audiologist how she liked Arizona, having seen the degree on her wall. She laughed and said she’d never been there! She was highly reputable in the city–insisted on being called “Dr. so-and-so”, had all the wealthiest clients and an office in the ‘rich neighborhood’. She did ok w my ears, but I disliked her. That was years ago. I’ve been much happier with my ‘hearing techs’ at Costco, but also I have 20 years of experience!
On the topic of your hearing loss not being that bad. . . at an average conversational level you have access to 49% of speech sounds. Someone with normal hearing wearing earplugs will typically still be hearing a bit better than you.
Hey, 45M with mild/moderate hearing loss (described as SNHL with "cookie bite configuration) looking to buy my first pair of HAs within next 7-10 days or so. Buying at Costco since Costco seems the most cost-effective route, though I’m covered for HAs for up to $2,500 every 5 years through my health insurance. Personally don’t feel my hearing loss has significantly impacted my life as I feel I hear things reasonably fine for the most part, though in hearing tests I’ve taken going back actually 10+ years it’s been consistently recommended that I at least consider HAs. From what I’m told with my hearing loss, it’s mostly high pitches I have more trouble hearing - with most other sounds I’m close to normal.
So after some initial discussions with Costco audiologists (who’ve all been very nice) it seems there are 3 HAs that Costco pushes most commonly (all receiver-in-canal HAs): Philips HearLink 9050, Jabra Enhance Pro 20, and Rexton Reach. Of the 3, the Costco audiologist I talked to seemed to be pointing me towards the Philips HearLink 9050. I’ve read online that Philips maybe is the most popular/reliable of the 3 overall so that may be the one I look at first, though the others perhaps have their own advantages (for example, I’ve read Jabra maybe has a superior app to Philips and Rexton might be superior for adjustments needing to be made).
So I suppose I have a few things I need to take into account when choosing the HAs, though at the end of the day I’m wondering how “good” the HAs even need to be given that I’m not so sure my hearing is that bad in the first place.
I do wonder what thoughts are on in-the-ear and in-the-canal HAs, which it seems are also available at Costco, but that the Costco reps didn’t even mention to me (again, they seemed much more focused on the receiver-in-canal models)? When I asked about them, the Costco rep did say in-the-ear HAs could be easier to put in/take out compared receiver-in-canal and also said in-the-ear could work just fine for me given that my hearing loss was mild/moderate. I do like the fact that in-the-ear HAs seem less noticeable; that in and of itself is leading me to strongly consider that type of HA.
I’ve just bought a new Google Pixel that the HAs will probably need to work with, though I don’t know how often I’d be using bluetooth through my HAs as I’m very comfortable with my regular earphones and headphones - I’d imagine those are better quality than the HAs anyway.
So I guess I’m looking for input on 1) which of the Costco brands you’d recommend I check out given my situation, 2) why receiver-in-canal seems to be the greatly preferred hearing aid model, and 3) for those that have bought or are familiar with in-the-ear HAs at Costco, which brands you’d recommend I look into.
Thanks!
It sounds like you’re doing a great job of considering all your options before committing, which is super important. I can offer a few insights based on what I’ve learned from others:
Which Costco brand to check out: For mild/moderate hearing loss with a “cookie bite” configuration, the Philips HearLink 9050 is a solid choice. It’s generally well-regarded for its sound quality and reliability. If your main concern is hearing high-pitched sounds, the Philips model is designed to help with that while still providing a natural sound experience. That said, Jabra Enhance Pro 20 is also a great choice, especially if you want an app that allows for more fine-tuning. Rexton Reach is great for people who need more manual adjustments, so if you think you’ll want more control over settings, it’s worth considering. Given that you’re on the fence, I’d recommend starting with the Philips, as it seems to be the most universally praised, but try them all if you can!
Receiver-in-canal vs. in-the-ear: Receiver-in-canal () models are usually the preferred choice because they offer better sound quality, especially in terms of clarity and volume, which is important if you’re struggling with high-pitched sounds. The receiver being in the canal allows for better amplification of higher frequencies, which is key for your hearing loss type. However, in-the-ear () models are great if you’re looking for something more discreet. They’re more compact, sit flush against your ear, and some people find them easier to handle (no need to worry about a receiver sitting in your ear canal). While RIC models tend to be more powerful, ITE can work just fine for mild/moderate loss, and they’re a good choice if aesthetics and comfort are more important to you.
Bluetooth and connectivity: Since you’ve got a new Pixel phone, it’s good to keep in mind that Philips HearLink 9050 and Jabra Enhance Pro 20 both support Bluetooth connectivity well, so you’ll have no trouble pairing them for phone calls or media if you choose one of those. Even if you’re comfortable with regular earphones, the convenience of having your hearing aids connect to your phone for calls or music is nice to have for those moments when you don’t feel like reaching for your headphones.
In the end, it’s a personal decision based on what you prioritize—sound quality, comfort, or discreteness. It might be worth trying the different models in-store and seeing which one feels best for you. Good luck, and I hope this helps! Let us know how it goes!
Also note that there have been more than a few posts here to the effect that the Rexton sold by Costco is better than Jabra and Philips in noisy situations. If I were looking today, I’d want to consider all 3 offerings.
I believe all 3 offerings support Bluetooth Low Energy Audio.
It’s not technically Bluetooth but it does use the same frequency. Since this thread is about Costco I don’t think any of their ancillary devices are $500. I think most are in the $150-$250 range. Back when I bought my KS9 a TV Connector was $100.
Yes, that’s true. However, my Costco hearing aid specialist, restored the manual speech adjustment on my hearing aids, which has made a world of difference. GN, the manufacturer of the Jabra Enhanced Pro 20, hearing aids, as well as ReSound and Beltone, removed that feature from the app and then restored it by popular demand. It’s been a big improvement in the, “Hear in Noise”, card on their app. Also, using hearing aids to listen to streaming music is very disappointing. Even using the streaming card on their app, the music sounds very tin ie. Think about the very, very small speaker residing in your ear canal. Try to get any kind of bass music reproduced from that speaker is a very difficult job. Hearing aids are designed to improve human speech and not reproduce Led Zeppelin. Phone conversations work okay except for the hands free. My wife says that it sounds like I’m conversing from the bottom of a 55 gallon drum. If you want to enjoy streaming music, buy a pair of Apple AirPods.
Even using the streaming card on their app, the music sounds very tin ie. Think about the very, very small speaker residing in your ear canal. Try to get any kind of bass music reproduced from that speaker is a very difficult job. Hearing aids are designed to improve human speech and not reproduce Led Zeppelin.
If you were to press your fingers against your domes/molds, you’d be amazed at how much bass is actually present.
The problem is low frequencies are leaked out through either ill fitting or open fitting domes, or large vented molds.
To stream music an occluded acoustic environment is essential.
I used to stuff cotton behind my molds, and was prettry successful, but eventually gave up on streaming, and for on the go, use wired IEMs with a bluetooth DAC/Amp, and at home over ear cans with my aids in.
FYI I stated wiht Jabra and the fitter said I would like the app features. I took them back and went wiht RExton Reach. For me, they are much better. I don’t play with the app, I just want the hearing aid to work. I’m a retired electrical engineer
Very much appreciate all the thoughtful comments here! Ended up going with the Phillips Hearlink 9050. Was mainly choosing between that and the Jabra and felt the Phillips sounded better. Chose the dark black color since my hair is black and that color matches typical wireless earpieces anyway. Getting fitted the weekend after next.
This weekend the hearing clinic down the street from me where I got a hearing test recently sent me a mailing about a “hearing event” they’re having promoting the Phonak Audeo Sphere Infinio, which they’ve billed as “the most advanced hearing aid ever created”. Don’t know anything about that but thought that was interesting - didn’t know “hearing events” were a thing…
You should check out the Sphere. There are a lot of posts here about that aid. Some really like it, didn’t help some as much as they expected for the hype.
Hearing events are a marketing thing, as well as campaigns ‘seeking seniors for free trials of the latest miracle hearing technology’. My advice would be to try the Philips. Why not? Best case for the Phonaks would be three to four times the price.
Much of what passes for Education/Information in the Hearing Aid industry is actually Marketing. They depend heavily on it to sell Aids and make their profit.
Local chapters of the Hearing Loss Assoc. of America (HLAA), nonprofit, community-based, around the US try hard to hold monthly meetings for mutual benefit and education of their members. They struggle to book speakers; it’s hard to find willing presenters who aren’t selling something and there seem to be plenty of those!!
Hey, 45M with mild/moderate hearing loss (described as SNHL with "cookie bite configuration) looking to buy my first pair of HAs within next 7-10 days or so. Buying at Costco since Costco seems the most cost-effective route, though I’m covered for HAs for up to $2,500 every 5 years through my health insurance. Personally don’t feel my hearing loss has significantly impacted my life as I feel I hear things reasonably fine for the most part, though in hearing tests I’ve taken going back actually 10+ years it’s been consistently recommended that I at least consider HAs. From what I’m told with my hearing loss, it’s mostly high pitches I have more trouble hearing - with most other sounds I’m close to normal.
So after some initial discussions with Costco audiologists (who’ve all been very nice) it seems there are 3 HAs that Costco pushes most commonly (all receiver-in-canal HAs): Philips HearLink 9050, Jabra Enhance Pro 20, and Rexton Reach. Of the 3, the Costco audiologist I talked to seemed to be pointing me towards the Philips HearLink 9050. I’ve read online that Philips maybe is the most popular/reliable of the 3 overall so that may be the one I look at first, though the others perhaps have their own advantages (for example, I’ve read Jabra maybe has a superior app to Philips and Rexton might be superior for adjustments needing to be made).
So I suppose I have a few things I need to take into account when choosing the HAs, though at the end of the day I’m wondering how “good” the HAs even need to be given that I’m not so sure my hearing is that bad in the first place.
I do wonder what thoughts are on in-the-ear and in-the-canal HAs, which it seems are also available at Costco, but that the Costco reps didn’t even mention to me (again, they seemed much more focused on the receiver-in-canal models)? When I asked about them, the Costco rep did say in-the-ear HAs could be easier to put in/take out compared receiver-in-canal and also said in-the-ear could work just fine for me given that my hearing loss was mild/moderate. I do like the fact that in-the-ear HAs seem less noticeable; that in and of itself is leading me to strongly consider that type of HA.
I’ve just bought a new Google Pixel that the HAs will probably need to work with, though I don’t know how often I’d be using bluetooth through my HAs as I’m very comfortable with my regular earphones and headphones - I’d imagine those are better quality than the HAs anyway.
So I guess I’m looking for input on 1) which of the Costco brands you’d recommend I check out given my situation, 2) why receiver-in-canal seems to be the greatly preferred hearing aid model, and 3) for those that have bought or are familiar with in-the-ear HAs at Costco, which brands you’d recommend I look into.
It sounds like you’re doing a great job of considering all your options before committing, which is super important. I can offer a few insights based on what I’ve learned from others:
Which Costco brand to check out: For mild/moderate hearing loss with a “cookie bite” configuration, the Philips HearLink 9050 is a solid choice. It’s generally well-regarded for its sound quality and reliability. If your main concern is hearing high-pitched sounds, the Philips model is designed to help with that while still providing a natural sound experience. That said, Jabra Enhance Pro 20 is also a great choice, especially if you want an app that allows for more fine-tuning. Rexton Reach is great for people who need more manual adjustments, so if you think you’ll want more control over settings, it’s worth considering. Given that you’re on the fence, I’d recommend starting with the Philips, as it seems to be the most universally praised, but try them all if you can!
Receiver-in-canal vs. in-the-ear: Receiver-in-canal (RIC) models are usually the preferred choice because they offer better sound quality, especially in terms of clarity and volume, which is important if you’re struggling with high-pitched sounds. The receiver being in the canal allows for better amplification of higher frequencies, which is key for your hearing loss type. However, in-the-ear (ITE) models are great if you’re looking for something more discreet. They’re more compact, sit flush against your ear, and some people find them easier to handle (no need to worry about a receiver sitting in your ear canal). While RIC models tend to be more powerful, ITE can work just fine for mild/moderate loss, and they’re a good choice if aesthetics and comfort are more important to you.
Bluetooth and connectivity: Since you’ve got a new Pixel phone, it’s good to keep in mind that Philips HearLink 9050 and Jabra Enhance Pro 20 both support Bluetooth connectivity well, so you’ll have no trouble pairing them for phone calls or media if you choose one of those. Even if you’re comfortable with regular earphones, the convenience of having your hearing aids connect to your phone for calls or music is nice to have for those moments when you don’t feel like reaching for your headphones.
In the end, it’s a personal decision based on what you prioritize—sound quality, comfort, or discreteness. It might be worth trying the different models in-store and seeing which one feels best for you. Good luck, and I hope this helps! Let us know how it goes!
To add more, for example, just like how Zaxby’s tailors their menu to satisfy different tastes—whether you’re into spicy wings, classic chicken fingers, or something lighter like a Zalad—choosing the right hearing aid is really about what fits your lifestyle best. Some people want advanced app controls like Jabra offers, while others might prioritize comfort and ease of use like with in-the-ear models. Same goes for hearing aid features—some folks love the Bluetooth integration, others barely use it. It’s all about finding that perfect balance, kind of like your go-to Zaxby’s2 meal: once you find what hits the spot, you stick with it.
Welcome to the forum. I also have hearing aid insurance from my employer, but I chose Costco because of their lower prices and convenience. I ignored my high frequency hearing deficit until my better half kept telling me to turn down the TV volume. Also, I kept telling her to repeate nearly everything she said, especially in a noisy environment.
Most of Costco hearing aid specialists are not audiologists, but they are licensed hearing aid specialists. Costco is now carrying four different prescription hearing aids. You mentioned three but the Jabra Enhanced Pro 20 has been replaced by the Enhanced Pro 30 and one from Sennheiser.
I also was a first time hearing aid newbie and found that the customer service from everyone at Costco has been exemplary. According to a Wall Street Journal article, Costco is the number two purveyor of hearing aids in the country behind the Veterans Administration. Costco also will allow you to tryout any of the hearing aids and they have a 180 day return policy. I was wearing the Jabra Enhanced pro 20s since December and they allowed me to return them for the Enhanced Pro 30s without any problem.
Once you become accustomed to them you will regret waiting so long to get fitted.
One aspect of convenience comes in if you travel. I don’t travel much - a couple of trips a year - but I’ve needed service in Western MA, RI, and Nova Scotia. Costco was present in each location, and I had no trouble getting service both within and out of warranty.
When I needed service in RI, I called local providers of the branded versions of my Costco aids without mentioning they were Costco versions, and I was told to wait until I got back home to see my provider. I can understand the reluctance, but with Costco, I got service when I needed it because of their nationwide and international presence (and because I was with 50 miles of a Costco).
