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Hearing Aid Practitioner employed at Costco…Ask Me Anything!

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I’m sure when the ‘old ones’ give out, that’s what I’ll do. I’ve had the Phonaks too long to turn them back, and don’t feel like buying yet another pair. I bought the Phonaks when I thought the ReSounds were getting ‘too old’, but I guess there’s life in them yet. I’m sure when I DO replace them, it’ll be with another pair of ReSounds.

Edited

Despite what you might understand about return periods, there’s a bucket-load more flexibility in them than you might imagine, especially if you have had no luck settling the aids down. Have an honest talk with your dispenser about how they haven’t met your expectations relative to the Resounds and you want them to make it good - when you explain you don’t want the cash back, just a decent quality Resound Aid, let them come back to you with the best they can do.

In reply to @Clint_in_KY

@Clint_in_KY said:

Can I get a Clip+ from Costco that will work with my Resound Linx2 9s ?

Just ask the Costco audiologist to call the and have the VA get you a free one. Oh wait, maybe you could just ask the VA for a free one? This (Hearing Aid Practitioner employed at Costco) has not responded to this thread for a very long time, maybe a year or so.

In reply to @Clint_in_KY

Hi Clint in KY
Yes, you can get a Clip from Costco…they are dispensing ReSound CALA 8’s, which are equivalent to ReSound Linx2 9’s.
I just picked up my new ReSound CALA 8’s, and could give you my Clip as I’ll never use it - my iPhone is more convenient.
Best Wishes, Floyd

Hi,

Can you confirm that the Brio 2 is the same as the old Phonak V series (Venture) as stated on the Phonak website? When will Costco be accessing the the Phonak B series (Belong platform)?

I can’t believe I finally finished reading all 521 prior posts in this thread. So the OP is gone (forgottheirname), yet there are still Costco related questions that others should be able to answer.

Looking back on the history of the Kirkland Signature line of Aids, it appears that they are on a refresh cycle of 18 months. Is that about right?
If so, that would make the KS8 debut in April 2018.

Way back in post 166 @carol_hawkins_aud posted this:

@carol_hawkins_aud said:

Your main priority should be to make sure you’re comfortable with your audiologist, since you need to be able to communicate well with them for the best fitting.

That really got me to thinking about my first and very recent visit to a Costco clinic for testing. I left with a very uneasy feeling and Carol’s words helped me define what I found troublesome. It seems that you are automatically "tied’ to the first person you see. I didn’t like some of the things they did clinically - one ear still hurts from their callousness. I also realized after rereading Carol’s words that there was a major communication gap.

Has anybody changed locations based on staff? Was it an easy process or troublesome?

There are a number of people/threads that made changes in their Costco audiologist. But don’t stop there. Inform the person about the injury and your view. If you get heat, each division has a head of hearing aid centers. It seem we all become a bit passive when anything is remotely medical. It took me 4 doctors before I found one that would listen. If it is a multiple fitter site, the easy way is to call the clerk and say you want to try the other fitter for your next appointment. If you’re lucky, there might be another Costco in driving distance.

I remember Carol. She was active when I first started on the site. Seemed an excellent fitter with her own clinic. Ohio? Didn’t like Costco much. :slight_smile:

And I’ll add. Don’t worry about offending the person that you’re switching from. Most medical providers understand that they don’t hit it off with everybody. Requests for second opinions are common.

In reply to @KenP

I’m in health - this allows me to look at things from both sides. Here are some examples of what I noticed.

  1. They took my one functioning aid out and brought it to the clerk. Then they started talking. I had to say I can’t hear you if you take my HAs away. I had to ask for my HA back to hear them.
  2. For the Tympanogram, they left the room and came back with 2 inserts on a Kleenex. One fit the other was too large but they continued the test forcing it up against the smaller ear canal. This leaves me to wonder about their available supplies and infection control.
  3. I actually found myself saying: “I’m sorry but you are not listening to what I’m trying to say.”
@KenP said:

If it is a multiple fitter site, the easy way is to call the HA clerk

The HA clerk was part of my negative experience. They were too busy multitasking with other people behind the counter. Numerous times they would ask a question and deal with something else when I was answering. Then they would ask the question again. Good customer service dictates that the person you are dealing with is what should be most important.

I think I’ll try another location. I’m within 3 miles of 3 stores.

Just an FYI: Costco clerks are senior personnel. They are considered promotable. Those that aren’t interested in a line position advancement can opt to HA clerk where they study audiology to take the fitters exam. The fitter I use did this and does good work. The store I go to should be authorized its third booth this year; barely missed it last year. That will start the clerk on getting her license.

Your explanation makes one wonder. I think trying another store is the best move. Probably a visit to both asking questions and then getting an appointment.

Hello i just paid $5000 for a set of Oticon opn 2. I now see online about Costco having equal quality hearing aids. I’m within my 30 day trial period.
2 questions, does Costco have a device equal to my Oticons? I absolutely love the improvement they’ve made
2nd, if so, how long does it take to get the hearung aids? My audiologist had my current ones ready the next day.

Closest would be Bernafon and that is an older model at this time. It is from the same company. The updated aid should show up soon.

They do offer premium aids from other companies – Rexton, Resound, Phonak.

After ordering you should see them delivered in 3-5 days.

Edited

Actually, my apologies, my Oticons are “”…Im new to this, they’re “Oticon OPN 2” the device sits behind my ear, with a tube/mic in my canal. Not sure if that makes difference.
Do you think a premium aid from Costco (rexton brand, etc) would be equivalent quality of my Oticon?

indicates you have a mild-moderate loss. Such a loss would benefit from almost any brand. Aids at Costco would be about half the price. The OPN2 is their medium level aid. Costco aids are Premium grade. Depending on cost:benefit, you might still consider your current aid a value. Aid preferences vary based on a number of factors. Mostly it boils down to personal preference.

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