Those with hearing aids are aware of the constant struggle to find the hearing aid that works for them. With a wide variety of options available from various locations, the choice can sometimes be extremely overwhelming.
However, a straightforward goal remains for those looking for the right hearing aid: to hear easily and clearly. One manufacturer of hearing aids that have popped up recently is Costco Wholesale. Costco is now the largest supplier of hearing aids globally, accounting for a large portion of the hearing aid market.
Should You Buy From Costco?
But should you buy your hearing aids from Costco? Is it worth it in the long run? We take a look at the hearing aids they have to offer and their potential long-term impact on your hearing.
Costco has over 500 warehouse locations in the United States, making it one of the largest retailers in the country. Most of these locations, though not all, have a hearing aid center onsite.
Since hearing aids are based on prescriptions and individual needs, Costco’s hearing aid services are centered on these physical locations. Meaning you will have to go into the store whenever you need to purchase or require maintenance for your hearing aid.
Costco Hearing Aid Centers are staffed primarily by licensed hearing aid specialists. Unlike audiologists, hearing aid specialists don’t have an advanced degree. A few Costco Hearing Aid Centers have audiologists on staff, but most do not.
Costco members can schedule a no-obligation hearing test at a hearing aid center and can purchase hearing aids there. Cleanings, adjustments, and follow-up appointments can also be made at the hearing aid center.
Costco Brands
Costco offers five different hearing aid brands: Kirkland Signature, Philips, Phonak, ReSound, and Rexton.
Kirkland Signature is Costco’s private label brand. Costco does not make these hearing aids; a company called Sonova does. The Kirkland Signature hearing aids have received good reviews for their Bluetooth streaming technology, allowing you the ability to control your hearing aids from your phone.
The new 9.0 version of the Kirkland hearing aid can be paired with two devices simultaneously and work with EasyLine RemoteControl and PartnerMic. However, they are only available with disposable batteries and cannot be recharged.
Costco’s Phonak Brio hearing aids come in behind-the-ear and custom in-the-canal models. They feature Bluetooth connectivity and a TV Connector so you can listen to your television when you want.
These models also only use disposable batteries and cannot be recharged.
Costco also sells four different models of Rexton hearing aids: the Adore iX, Adore Custom, Adore LI, and Adore Styline.
Rexton offers a bold new accessory, the Smart Key, with their hearing aids. The Smart Key is a small remote that allows the user to adjust other hearing aids remotely. For those maybe not as tech-savvy that don’t want to mess around with their phone to adjust their hearing aids, it is an excellent feature to have.
Costco offers two ReSound hearing aids as well, the ReSound Vida and Preza. Both are available in receiver-in-the-canal and custom BTE and ITC styles. Both of these models offer advanced sound processing and Bluetooth connectivity. The Preza is rechargeable, and the Vida uses disposable batteries.
Phillips is new to the hearing aid market, using Costco as its distribution partner. The Costco Philips hearing aids come in either the receiver-in-the-canal and behind-the-ear styles. These hearing aids feature advanced noise reduction and feedback cancellation technology as well as multichannel directional microphones.
Pros and Cons of Costco Hearing Aids
While the price of these hearing aids may be less than the industry average, the limited selection may be inadequate for those looking for the perfect fit.
Also, you must be a Costco member to buy hearing aids from the company or use the complimentary services–like the free hearing test–in their hearing aids center.
Costco does not offer online ordering, meaning you will have to visit a physical location for all of your hearing aid needs.
Hearing aids are expensive and typically not covered by insurance, so looking for cost-effective options is understandable.
Because they buy in bulk, Costco can sell hearing aids at a discounted price. But because the costs of these hearing aids are already low, Costco doesn’t offer payment plans for hearing aids. You’ll be required to pay the total fee of your hearing aids upfront.
Costco also doesn’t accept insurance for hearing aids. Hearing aids are not usually covered by health insurance plans, including original Medicare.
Costco also does not offer a repair service on hearing aids, meaning you will have to take them elsewhere if you encounter any problems.
While Costco brands offer hearing aids at lower prices, we do not recommend using Costco as your hearing aid provider. While you may believe you are saving money in the long run, hearing aids require a lot of maintenance, adjusting, and repair to function correctly over the long term.
Costco brand hearing aids are cookie-cutter, which is problematic because every case of hearing that requires a hearing aid is different. Finding a hearing aid that works for you isn’t as simple as plugging a hole. You must adjust the hearing aid to the user or the user to the hearing aid.
It is vital that when you find a hearing aid, it also comes with a team of dedicated professionals that can help you understand and adjust the total utility of your hearing aid.
For all of your hearing aid needs in the Las Vegas area, consider using Hearing Associates of Las Vegas. Let our team of dedicated professionals help you with all of your hearing needs.
info@hearingassociateslv.com
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