Skip to content
HearingTracker
Log in

Which Costco hearing aid? (here we go again...)

71 replies6.1k viewsLast reply

Jump
Link to this topic
Reply

In reply to @user844

It’s not just Costco. I had this same experience with two different independent audiologists. Neither was able to help me and each seemed not to have full knowledge. In one case, I had to advise her of a program that she didn’t even know was out there that could have helped me. So it’s always the “person” (whether audiologist or tech or Costco or independent). Got to find the right person and then hope that they stay for you a long time!

In reply to @OcramSagev

Costco recommended the Philips 9050 for my moderate to severe ( on right ) loss. I am not quite sure these are the ones for me. I suggested that I wanted to purchase another brand before my trial was up but was told “ that’s not allowed” . I was also told if I returned the Phillips and did not like the new pair, I could not purchase the Phillips again. Now here I am very close to the end of my trial period and feel confused :frowning:

In reply to @kindzmarauli

this analysis ignores the Costco link from the original post…Currently available6….this shows that the Sennheiser on offer is in fact the Sennheiser Sonite RISE (not the R). This is new technology based on the Phonak Infinio Ultra (90R) & is a much more capable HA than the older Sonite R. Use the RISE for comparson to the other brands and the answer might well be different. Also there are other issues to consider with the other brands - e.g. Android or iPhone? How many devices do you want to connect to with Bluetooth, etc etc.

In reply to @Lynn54

Anyone know what Costco’s policies actually are? It sounds like some Costco locations are telling people different things and seemingly making up restrictions.

If Costco gets full credit for the returned hearing aid it seems that keeping any aid, even rebuying the same aid, would be better than keeping none. The problem may be that Costco cannot guarantee one will keep any specific aid.

I think they closely monitor “returns” and try to minimize them. I think some staff get a little heavy handed trying to minimize them. I’m convinced that if one met resistance one could escalate and return or buy what you wanted.

My understanding with Costco UK is after the initial trial period (3 months) they will not accept more than two returns. After that they will probably refuse to further supply the individual.

@Ziby said:

you can start fresh at another Costco store in the area?

I believe all Costco’s are tied together computer wise. This is a benefit for most so they can go to any Costco while traveling or a move and still get that Costco service. My hunch also says the personal notes taken about a client at one Costco also follow the client to other Costco’s.

My bet is if you have returned too many aids at any Costco they will all know.

One of the beauties of Costco for me is that they ARE tied together by their computer systems. That has made it possible for me to get service (including a new receiver under warranty) in Massachusetts and Nova Scotia.

I had absolutely no trouble swapping my rechargeable Jabra EO 10s for the same with disposable, I was told I may have difficulty if I wanted to exchange the new ones, but I just got a refund and made the disposables a new purchase. I got the same contract for both purchases, which included a 180 day refund period for each.

They may not have wanted to sell me a 3rd pair, but if they can’t satisfy me with 2 pair, I wouldn’t be very confident of the 3rd.

I had a new hearing test done and the audiologist at Costco reprogrammed my aides. He did not do a and said it is only done the first time when you get the aids, but it is not needed if I have to reprogram them. Thoughts ?

Well first thing is, how are you hearing, as in better or worse or just don’t notice any difference, if your test is the same as last then is just another tool in the toolbox for them, if it’s completely different then they should of offered to do it, but if your happy with how your are performing…

Test results were slightly different. I’m only satisfied with my hearing in a very controlled environment.. like at home talking to my husband with no TVs on, no noisy appliances…out of house is a completely different story !

Lynn54,

Which model do you have? Can you buy new ones?

The Jabra 30s are MUCH better than the HAs that preceded them. I think that is true for the Philips 9050s and Sennheiser Rises and current Rextons and Soundgear AMP. The Phonak Spheres and Oticons and Widexes are probably better than anything that preceded them and my be better than Costco’s pfferings..

I KNOW 2 different pairs of Jabra EP 30s have enabled me to have conversations I haven’t been able to have for 20 years.

My reco is to tell your Costco person you want to try out new HAs. They may do what you need and want - and if they don’t, you can wait for a still newer generation.

In reply to @Lynn54

Then I’d go back and explain what’s not working satisfactory in these environments and also ask to rerun for you, no harm other then their time, otherwise it’s time to trial another brand/model if possible, no point sticking with these if there not preforming or satisfactory to you.

In reply to @kindzmarauli

I would try the Jabra Pro 30. The app with it gives you a lot of extra control. I used one for 6 months & was really happy. Only reason I returned it was because my WSIB claim for workplace hearing damage was approved and they do not cover Costco. Am fighting to get back up to the Jabra level of satisfaction with Resound Vivia 7 (I believe audiologist lack of experience) & now Phonak I70 Ultra Sphere (lacks Jabra user controls in the App).
Were I on my own I would go back to the Costco Jabra 30 but I can’t not look a free horse in the mouth!

Related discussions