Costco offers a variety of hearing aid styles, including open-fit, behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, canal-fit, and custom-molded devices. The hearing aids can connect wirelessly to smartphones and Bluetooth-compatible devices for hands-free calling and TV streaming. Costco also offers access to accessories, charging systems, remote controls, and mobile applications to complete the hearing aid experience. Below, we’ll provide a snapshot of the four hearing aid brands Costco carries and which models it offers. We’ll also cover the pros and cons of Costco hearing aids, available models, costs of hearing aids, the buying process, warranty information, customer reviews, discount alternatives, and how they compare with some of the best hearing aids on the market today. The latest edition, Kirkland Signature 10.0, offers a top-of-the-line hearing product with TV streaming, t-coil (telecoil), and Bluetooth wireless connections, remote services, and volume customization via the smartphone app. The device can optimize speech in a variety of situations. It resists water and dust and is capable of surviving immersion in one meter (about three feet) of water for 60 minutes or eight hours in a dust chamber. Customers can choose a color: Bronze, Stone, Beige, Silver, or Black. The package comes with a cleaning cloth, brush, travel pouch, and case. An entire day of use requires three hours of charging. Users can activate streaming and adjust volume and equalization levels via the HearLink app. Philips offers devices in a range of colors. Wearers also have the option to purchase separate accessories like a TV adapter, remote control, and an audio clip for hands-free phone calls. The Philips HearLink line does not offer tinnitus management features. Costco sells the Phonak Brio 4 line of behind-the-ear devices, which can connect to iOS, Android, and other Bluetooth-supported devices. The system adapts to different sound environments and allows wearers to seamlessly operate hands-free phone calls, TV streaming, and more. Wearers can adjust volume and other settings through the myPhonak app. Brio 4 devices are capable of continuous immersion in one meter of water for 60 minutes and eight hours in a dust chamber. Customers can choose from two battery sizes, with additional t-coil and in-the-ear custom-fit options. They can also add wireless accessories for TV and distance hearing.
RM-Core R-Li Includes Motion Core technology; rechargeable batteries can run for up to 21 hours (with five hours of streaming on a full charge)M-Core SR Includes rechargeable batteries and a charging case accommodating up to four days of useM-Core 312 Rechargeable hearing aid with optional t-coil; includes Motion CoreM-Core B-Li M Includes Motion Core; continuous sound resolution adjustments; can recognize up to 120 hearing situations; direct audio streamingM-Core B-Li P A smaller version of the B-Li M; offers an optional charging station that dries and sanitizes the hearing aids; includes Motion CoreM-Core B-Li HP Rechargeable behind-the-ear device designed for people with severe to profound hearing loss; includes Motion Core; a single charge lasts 61 hours; optional charging and cleaning stationM-Core iX Adapts to the environment and recognizes hearing situations better than existing productsAdore Customs A line of small, discreet, in-the-ear devices
Rexton also offers accessories such as a TV streaming transmitter, a smart microphone for hands-free calling and streaming, and a remote control.
Kirkland Signature 10.0 $1,399.99 per pairPhilips $1,799.99 per pairPhonak Brio 4 $2,499.98 per pairRexton M-Core Line $1,799.98 per pair
For perspective, most estimates place the average cost of a single hearing aid between $1,000 and $4,000. In 2015, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology reported that the average hearing aid costs more than $2,300 (or $4,600 for a pair). Interested users should contact a Costco hearing aid center near them to schedule a test appointment. They’ll need to submit a confidential case history form (available here) detailing their medical history and hearing needs. The hearing test takes place in a private sound booth and should last about an hour. After the test, Costco staff will let users know if hearing aids are the best solution for their needs and, if so, staff will help users find the best products for their lifestyle. And if wearers aren’t satisfied with the product, they can return it for a full refund within 180 days of purchase. Users can buy high-quality hearing aids online through a discount network like ZipHearing, which helps users locate a provider in their area who facilitates the order and then assists with fitting the new hearing aids. ZipHearing carries models from Phonak, like Costco, but it also offers access to many other brands. Alternatively, users can purchase hearing aids online directly from the company that makes them. Some brands offer deals and discounts to new customers. Plus, if a customer is a federal employee or retiree, they may be able to get Eargo hearing aids at no cost through their insurance benefit plan. Prices range from $1,850 to $2,950 per pair. Get Eargo at Eargo.com. Similar to Costco, new customers take a hearing test and consult with a hearing professional who helps program and adjust their hearing aids. But Jabra Enhance takes it a step further: The entire process takes place online. Following users’ first appointment, they can reach out to their remote audiology care team for questions and feedback anytime for three years. Prices range from $1,195 to $1,995 per pair. Get options at JabraEnhance.com. Get the ReSound One at Ziphearing.com. Get the Phonak Audeo Paradise 90 at Ziphearing.com. “My wife and I tried to use our United Healthcare insurance plan for hearing aids. The insurance program proved to be expensive and low quality after two appointments with United Healthcare providers. We then met with an independent provider who was good but very expensive. I then decided to see what Costco had to offer. That proved to be an excellent decision.” — Tom, verified customer, ConsumerAffairs.com “This is my first time getting hearing aids. What a difference! I bought the Kirkland 10. And they are fantastic! After a few days my wife turned the volume on the TV to what I set it prior. Wow, talk about waking up the neighborhood … Save up, it’s worth it.” — Randy, Retirement Living For value shoppers looking for national hearing center brands at lower prices, Costco hearing aids could be the way to go. Customers get a variety of perks, from a no-deductible loss and damage warranty to free checkups, adjustments, and hearing aid cleanings. That said, if users purchase hearing aids through Costco and need to repair their devices, they have to visit a Costco hearing center to do so. If having access to ongoing audiologist care is important when purchasing hearing aids, it may be a better idea to look elsewhere.
