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In reply to @MikeC

Costco has some audiologists, but probably most of their practitioners are specialists ( in my area, but I think it is state by state) who are often better than some audiologists. It is the same in many practices besides Costco, you need to find where you are comfortable, feel like you are heard and can understand what they say. If they talk above what you can understand, or treat you like you don’t need to know something, then find a place where you are comfortable. I use and I’m really happy with my audiologist even though the center is almost an hour away.

The Costco near me let me try on a pair of aids programmed to my loss when I was still working out how I was going to be treated. I was nearly in tears because I could hear, and knew I needed something. That is what convinced me I needed treatment, and I couldn’t dismiss it any longer. Very gracious folks there.

WH

In reply to @jeffrey

Thanks so much. I 100% agree that the service offered is just as Important as the hearing aid. There is a Costco a few miles away from me but if they don’t offer the services you’re describing for maintenance or there is a
Charge I am not going to buy their product. The audiologist that I used wants me to use a hearing aid that gives me three free service callS in the first year and then I have to pay after that. I asked how much it would cost to clean the hearing aid after the service contract were off and they told me $85. I would like to pay for a hearing aid that comes with services that I need included in the price. Hopefully that exist.

I’ve been vain throughout my life with glasses and hearing aids. When I finally succumbed to hearing aids, my ex said: “Well, at least people will realise you have hearing loss, and you’re not just being awkward to people”. I took that on board and now embrace it.

I wouldn’t bother with those solutions, as your high frequency loss is probably outside their best amplification.

In reply to @MikeC

At Costco:
Everything is free as far as tuning and cleaning. Repairs are covered free during warranty (usually 3 years) and not exorbitant after that.
Return for full refund for 6 months, even the membership fee if you like.

WH

In reply to @MikeC

Many people here (including myself) have gotten better service from Costco vs. other providers.

Costco’s low prices are most definitely NOT a case of ‘you get what you pay for’.

Have a look at this link that gives an overview of the industry:

Hearing Aid Industry Map v12 - Updated for 2024
Here’s a copy of the new map: https://www.hearingtracker.com/Hearing-Tracker_Hearing-Industry-Map_2024.pdf [image]

All of the five major manufacturers of operate their own clinic chains. For example, you went to Audibel, which is owned by Starkey. They are likely to either exclusively sell Starkey HAs or at least they will push you strongly in that direction.

The other thing to consider is that it takes at least a month for your brain to get used to HAs. During that first month it would be very hard to make any meaningful comparisons between different manufacturers.

For the most people that kind of comparison may not be super important because, if fitted well, most HAs will perform roughly equal in standard situations. However, given your job and the noisy environment you are in, it may be worth it for you to trial more than one manufacturer.

As others have mentioned, Costco offers a 6 month return policy, which would allow you get used to HAs and then look elsewhere as well.
Since cost is not your primary concern, you should probably also consider Phonak Sphere HAs - that is if their size and battery life aren’t dealbreakers for you. I can’t speak from experience, but people seem to be impressed by their ability to separate speech from background noise.

In reply to @Raudrive

My is similar to yours, but my word recognition in my left ear is only 24-40%, >92% in my right ear, voices sound distorted, and I cannot hear more than the melody of music on TV or in the car WITH . My insurance covers HAs 100%, but Nations Hearing (Aetna’s hearing subcontractor) has a limited network of audiologists only within practices. I can get 2 or 3 programming adjustments free, then I have to pay $65 a visit for the rest of the 3 years. Out-of-Network providers such as HearUSA charge 2-3 times the usual price for the HAs, with unlimited visits for 3 years.

In reply to @WhiteHat

Wow! This is exactly what I need! Costco seems to have the quality, the service and the decent price! Thanks for that information. It’s very important to me.

In reply to @MikeC

@MikeC said:

asked how much it would cost to clean the hearing aid after the service contract were off and they told me $85. I would like to pay for a hearing aid that comes with services that I need included in the price. Hopefully that exist.

yes my provider offers daily walk in hours for wax cleaning and other matters. Wax cleaning is free. And of course when I used rubber domes I would change myself. Now I have custom molds without wax guards. again, my shop provides all services free unless there’s a repair that gets sent out–but that’s free under a three year warranty.

people don’t notice you wearing hearing aids any more. Everyone is walking around with huge pods hanging out of their ears now. LOL

In reply to @Bird

Hi there, I have Aetna PPO and thanks for the good information. How often do you need service for your ? So far I like the COSTCO deal that includes the service and has a very flexible refund policy best. I still have to see an and then see it from my insurance is gonna accept his diagnosis of my work related injury from the last 30 years of being around Jen engines.

Costco includes loss replacement to some level. I think it is one each, maybe for only two years? I’m not certain of details but they provide something in the cost of the aids. Most clinics do. Good idea to ask, though.

WH

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