Hands-On Costco Hearing Aid Review - Pros, Cons & Surprises

I headed to Costco for a free hearing test. Here's everything I learned, my favorite products and pros and cons to consider.
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[@Steverino8686]

I saw two different audiologists before buying hearing aids. I ended up going with Oticon Real at a cost of $7,900. My insurance paid about 35% of that. After a couple months, and numerous adjustment appointments, I returned them. They were just never “right”. I went to Costco 50 miles from my home and got tested there. While they do have an audiologist in store, I saw a hearing instrument technician. I have to say, the thoroughness of this tech FAR surpassed my experience with the two prior audiologists. It’s not even close. I was absolutely astonished at her level of testing, explanation, and multiple tests run. I bought the new Jabra Pro 20’s and so far I am happy as I can be. At less than 1/4 of the price of the Oticons, it’s a no brainer(as noted in the video, they do sell the Phillips, which are the same as Oticon, but at a much lower price). Also, Oticon’s app is terrible, whereas the Jabra app for IPhone is phenomenal.

[@rebeccahergenrader1804]

Had two tests with audiologists ($4000 to $12,0000) and one with Costco. The test at Costco was by far superior. I’m getting my aids at Costco. $1600.

[@lswen7737]

I purchased my hearing aids from Costco. I have three Jabra. They let me try several to see which I was comfortable with and I chose Jabra. They were about a $100 more than Phillips. I have had them tuned by phone several times ,since I live 30 miles from my nearest store. I shop Costco about once a month and leave my hearing aids at the desk when I come in. They clean them and check them and they are ready when I check out. I feel the savings of about $5,000 was well worth it over what my wife spent for hers.

[@tomj7461]

I had my hearing tested by an audiologist several years ago, and he wanted to sell me hearing aids right away. I went to see an ENT, and he said my hearing was fine. The audiologist seemed to eager to make a sale. A few years later, my hearing was getting worse. I tried Costco, and their hearing test and assessment was far better than both of my previous exams. They explained everything is great detail. I have the KS10's, and have really enjoyed them. No problems whatsoever.

[@steone3484]

You underestimate the quality of the trained technicians at Costco. I have purchased three pairs of hearing aids at Costco and never had any issues with the techs or with the computerization of the hearing assessment. All things being equal, when you factor in PRICING, warranty, returnability, service and the availability of top name choices ( you can try all the models in store) Costco should be on top of the list.

[@vickileigh2142]

I went to a Hearing Aid shop to get a free hearing test. There were so many red flags that I decided to either go to a group associated with my ENT or Costco. One of the redflags was when the hearing aid specialist that was administering the test came in to check if the button was working and shook it to fix it. I asked him for a quote before I left for Sharkey hearing aids and he just wrote some numbers on the back of his business card. I do know for a fact that there is a bit of scamming in this industry and I might be on the overly cautious side but no way was I falling for that.

[@carolro6673]

I got my Jabras from Costco. Wait time for appointments was 3-4 months. Not a very comfortable space to wait…two chairs in a product aisle. And there was wait time of 30 minutes. But the hearing aids are good. Just have to put up with it.

[@nelidareyes-matos3096]

I have hearing Aids from Costco and the y are unlocked. My outside Costco Audiologist was able to re program them and even send them back to the company for repair. So the Costco hearing Aids are no longer locked.

[@HearSoundly]

Great to hear! Thanks for sharing

[@larryshore2352]

For about 6 years, I had a set of hearing aids from an ENT facility. They never helped me much and the technicians there didn't test how they were functioning. After losing one, I decided to go with Costco. The hearing test showed that my hearing had deteriorated to where I had 70-80 db loss in the highs. The Costco technician suggested the Jabra hearing aids for me. They were 1/3 the cost of the ENT doctor's hearing aids - and they work so well that now I hear as well as before I did a lot of rifle shooting as a kid! I can now hear speech over any fans running, where before, if there was any fan sound, I could not hear someone talking to me. They have been readily accessible on the spot if I have a question or two. I very highly recommend Costco for your hearing aids. YES YES YES.

[@dougsegan]

Thank you for the insightful and unbiased review. Very helpful.

[@BeckVMH]

My family physician recommended Costco after I expressed my reluctance to spend $3-$5k for hearing aids four years ago when tested through an ENT office's audiologist (AuD). Had my exam today and was pleased with the service. The Costco option prompted my landing on this video among other web sources. Thank you for your review; very helpful.

[@mencken8]

Interesting to see there are still so many people undergoing the Costco “conversion.” Happened to me 8 years ago. Given the Costco liberal return policy, don’t take my word for it- just go and do it. Their testing facilities blow away everything I’ve ever experienced, and the prices are a revelation compared to a regular hearing aid store.

[@dianewood1297]

Costco is far superior with their testing protocols. They perform Real Ear Measurements which only 30% of other clinics or audiologists perform. They don’t nickel and dime you every time you walk in. Amazing service.

[@Elephantine999]

When my medical center audiologist was giving me the results of my test, he mentioned that Costco was a popular option. I had never heard about Costco's hearing aid program, so this was interesting.

[@BeckVMH]

Neither had I until Costco was recommended by my family physician.

[@johnhaskell5311]

After having a test at a clinic they wanted to sell me hearing aids starting at $5,000. A friend told me she got her hearing aids at Costco and was very happy with the experience so I went and got my Jabra Enhance Pro 20 for $1,600. I found the technician to be very professional and knowledgeable and the hearing aids are great. Also, if you join Costco with the Executive membership you get 2% back on purchases.

[@polarbearhero9803]

Yeah I always find it funny when people worry about the cost of Costco membership. We buy so many things from Costco including eye glasses that are so much cheaper.

[@joefranceschino3131]

Excellent review thanks. I’ve had two different sets of hearing aids from Costco. One Pro is while traveling you can go to any Costco to have your hearing aids fixed or adjusted. This happened to me a couple of times.

[@HearSoundly]

Great note!

[@billhunt6896]

I’ve heard that Costco has discontinued the locked hearing aids. But you should ask to be sure my information is correct.

[@mikee3997]

Got mine from Costco tried Jabra and walked around and listened then tried Rexton and did same but felt heard better with rexton and those ones i bought i did have beltone in the ear and ones they want to up grade is 4500 so rexton

[@monkwithfamily7875]

Surprised you did not mention that you can walking into a Costco with your Costco hearing aids and drop them off for a cleaning at no charge, go shopping and stop by and pick them up in 15 minutes or less. Often they do it immmediatly.

[@johnennis7349]

Never mentioned Kirkland aids their biggest seller

[@monkwithfamily7875]

They don't have a Kirkland Brand hearing aid any longer. @@johnennis7349

[@HearSoundly]

Great addition! Thanks for highlighting that.

[@RudiXeno]

@@johnennis7349They no longer offer Kirkland branded hearing aids.

[@emsparamedic5183]

@@johnennis7349, apparently Costco stopped selling the Kirkland brand hearing aids, unfortunately. I read that while researching Costco's hearing aid choices.

[@ericguqin]

very informative! going to order a hearing aid for my mom at Costco 0.1 mile away!

[@HearSoundly]

Good luck!

[@lindsayaliciawilcox2440]

Thanks very much for putting this info out. I got Costco hearing aids (Jabra Enhance Pro's). They are fine. My problem is I am 130 mies away from the store. That store has to book 2-3 months out for the test. I did that.Went back for two adjustment sessions and then switched to their online help system. But my question gets routed straight to the wildly overbooked and overworked technicians, so I'm not getting any response to my online question. Background noises aids are driving me bonkers and I can't get help to tune them. Rather negates any benefits I am supposed to get from Costco. I think I will probably end up returning these and going with an over-the-counter or tele-health hearing aid. All this info available here will help me VERY MUCH in mt search!!!

[@briannash2904]

Had my appointment and was told I could order the new Jabra Pro 20. They did not have any demos but I did try the Philips and the Jabra pro 10.

[@joeringelstein2303]

Do you have an opinion on Costco Rexton aids vs Phonak aids?

[@barryhaley7430]

In Ontario Costco uses audiologists not instrument technicians. But they don’t provide loaners if your aids need to be sent to the manufacturer.

[@tom2207]

From reading the comments, the vast majority say Costco is great. That's who I'll be using!

[@LouiseMZeitlin]

I love Costco … the technician was excellent and I did not wait long for my first appt. This was two years ago and I have the K10S, but do to some issues with the chargers they do not sell the K10S anymore. … I would go back to Costco for my next pair, the price is hard to beat.

[@ron101346]

I started out using the hearing benefit from my health insurance but they only offered a crap brand that was unsatisfactory. I eneded up buying another brand retail, and Costco's pricing made it doable.

[@HearSoundly]

Thanks for sharing! I'd love to hear more about the benefit experience. We are doing some research on that front and trying to understand how it works for various situations.

[@MichaelCosgrove-uq2kv]

More of a question. Does the Enhance Pro 20 handle wind noise?

[@jimneustadt2688]

Costco was GREAT! Got Rexton for $1500.00 and they work great.

[@sandykleiman8603]

Which Rextin model? Do they have a tinnitus program?

[@unemployedredneckhillbilly2023]

Took me 6 weeks to get an appointment last Thursday. They just received the Jabra pro 20 demo set that morning I tried and I decided to order them with molds because of my loss. Have to wait 5 weeks for the fitting. They are very backed up but I don't mind with the savings. Coming from Rextrons The demos seemed to have better word recognition for me. Not having user replaceable batteries is the only concern I have. Was going to get Rextrons again but found out they see the most repairs of the 3.

[@bapasrcadventures3619]

Great info. In your opinion would the otacon intent 3 be better then the jabra pro 20 from Costco?

[@HearSoundly]

Good question. Costco should now have roughly the equivalent of Oticon Intent in their Philips 9050. Jabra and Philips are both great products. We would say this is a toss up. We just published out Jabra Pro 20 review if you are interested kzbin.info/www/bejne/anybmH2lr5ilitE

[@briannash2904]

I have an appointment at Costco with an audiologist. They have the hearing specialist but they do have one audiologist.

[@HearSoundly]

Awesome!

[@meric12131415]

Nice😁

[@CaritaXoXo]

How well do they work 🤔

[@Wardcreek]

So where do you suggest I get my hearing aids from! Florida ENT just did my hearing test and my hearing is severe, they said I should get phonak Nadia 30 for $3600.PLEASE ADVISE

[@sjrp]

Have to admit the hearing tests at Costco surpassed any that I ever had at a private office. Unfortunately, I am now on my fourth Philips 2040 hearing aid in 10 months as they keep dying.

[@billjuliejohnson4443]

Had my hearing test yesterday and taking a little time to determine which brand I want to purchase. I have a question I'm hoping someone can help me with. I've always had problems with ear buds used with my cell phone -- the kind that loop over the ear -- staying on. Both ears, one more so than the other, stick out a bit. I don't know if that's the reason why but I've always had problems using this kind of device. If I bend or lean over, the darn thing always slips off. I wonder if the over-the-ear hearing aids will do the same thing? Maybe they are customized to better fit my head and ears?

[@HearSoundly]

Great question! In my experience hearing aids are unlikely to fall off or slip in usual situations. They are typically pretty lightweight and the wire holds them in place. The only time mine have fallen off is if tangled with glasses.

[@richdiorio3650]

I'm going to Costco in a few weeks. In your opinion, which brand would you recommend out of the 3 you spoke about. I have mild to moderate hearing loss with my biggest challenge in bars/restaurants. And as you mentioned in one of your videos, trying to hear my grandchildren in the back seat of my car is a big challenge. I have a pair of Ergo 5's and they seem to pick up a lot of outside road noise which makes hearing in the car difficult.

[@HearSoundly]

I would opt for Jabra Enhance 20 or Rexton. Both do a good job of handling background noise. You can listen to sound demos of those brands on Soundly.com if you'd like!

[@user-li5fc5py8j]

What about Eargo. Do you have an opinion on that product

[@HearSoundly]

Hello! You can find our full review of Eargo here. It's a great product for the right person! www.soundly.com/product/eargo-7

[@philipjanes]

Do you know if Costco takes insurance? If they do I'm going there for my next pair.

[@HearSoundly]

They typically do not, although you may be able to submit your cost after the fact to your insurance plan depending on how they work

[@Madpie99]

They do not bill insurance directly. Call your insurance company and find out your coverage. Ask if you can go anywhere and submit receipt it for reimbursement.

[@philwalenga8677]

How do they fit tests? Laser or foam?

[@HearSoundly]

Hey Phil! For custom mold devices I believe they use silicon vs laser. I'm not 100% sure since I didn't go through that process.

[@malcolm356]

Does Demant design the Oticon brand with more technology than Demant puts in the Philips brand?

[@HearSoundly]

Most of it should be the same. They may make minor adjustments but these are virtually identical

[@Bob-sw2zj]

I went to Costco for hearing aids. The exam was very thorough but, as stated in this video, the choices were limited. He recommended Rexton CIC. When asked, he said it had been out for 3 years. I wanted newer technology. My insurance co-pay was similar to Costco price. The local audiologist had Signia's latest CIC. First rechargeable CIC in the world and released 3 months ago! Comparing Rexton to Signia is like comparing Camry to Lexus. Yes, made by the same company but a higher level of features. Took 2 months for the first exam and still 2 months waiting period for appt. They will change the filter for free while you wait. Costco was good but my preference is my local audiologist.

[@walterhall9682]

You know you did a good explaining of Costco, but the price of Costco’s hearing aids is a lot there’s a lot cheaper than a regular irrigate center. Their price tag is $5000. I know I have been told how much it cost for set of hearing aids at a Hearing Aid Center, Costco hearing aids are 16 to 1700 no tax on them so there you go do that one

[@chachabooom5]

Does anyone know if the ones they sell at costco allow you to use Bluetooth on phone calls with android?

[@HearSoundly]

They do! The only drawback is that you have to hold your phone close by while you speak. All of the flagship products at Costco will send audio into your ears but the sound of your voice will be captured by your phone.

[@chachabooom5]

@@HearSoundly thats good to hear, cuz i had seen many comments to the contrary

[@Madpie99]

I would say most android phones work. Motorola seems to be the main one that does not like to connect well from my experience. Each manufacturer has a list of compatible phones. If you call Costco they should be able to provide you that list.

[@chachabooom5]

I have a motorola that works with the kS9s from Costco but i need stronger aids now.. I was told that i could try the jabras with my phone but will probably need to wear the device around my neck in order to stream calls with Bluetooth. I dont want to wear an extra device in order to use my phone.

[@Madpie99]

The Ks9’s &10’s by Phonak connected straight through blue tooth and was great. The other manufacturers connect differently through the app. I personally and not a fan. Have your local store check your exact phone model.

[@jesstalarczyk1865]

One thing to consider, when buying from Costco, the hearing aids are “locked”- this means that if you are disatisfied with the hearing aids/hearing care professional or if the store closes, you would need to find another Costco to go to. Other clinics would not have access to your programming.

[@chandebrec5856]

They stopped locking in 2022.

[@Madpie99]

That is not true. None of the current selling products are locked. Products from 5+ years ago may be different. If you do go elsewhere, that clinic would need to have the software. Not all outside clinics will have the software, so you would want to verify with that clinic if they have the software or not.

[@Ray-nj8jx]

I but phonak lumity 90 for $2545.00 very happy I had Costco aids Philips and jabra look around. Be for you buy good luck

[@joanneformisano5811]

How can I thoroughly clean my Phillips hearing aids so I don’t need to go back every two months?

[@Madpie99]

If you live near Costco next time you go in ask them to show you how to clean the hearing aids, not just do it for you. At my Costco we are happy to show you how to do it and give you free supplies to take home.

[@richdiorio3650]

Got a good question for you. Eleher ($499) or Lexi B2 ($899)

[@jackmortimer329]

As many commenters are pointing out, not all hearing clinics are the same. For what they charge, I don't know why they all don't do the full set of good practices as emphasized by Dr. Cliff on his channel.

[@user-qy9tf2im7f]

NONE OF THE MODELS THEY CARRY HAVE ANY TYPE OF TINNITUS PROGRAMS. IF YOU HAVE TINNITUS TOTALLY WORTLESS THEY ARE NOT FULL FEATURED MODELS OF THE DIFFERENT BRANDS THEY CARRY. MADE FOR COSTCO, WITH STRIPED OUT FEATURES?????????????? THAT IS WHY THEY ARE CHEAPER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@MrAtrophy]

to be clear anything you get from costco is locked and no one can ever work on your hearing aids but costco. if a store closes and you have none near you. you are screwed. get hearing aids almost anyplace else and any one can work on them.

[@n3lli36]

Others are saying that Costco hearing aids are no longer locked, so this may have changed.

[@Mark-rw3kw]

Pretty rare that a Costco store closes, unless they open a new and bigger one close by. As far as locked, that has obviously changed and Costco hearing aids are no longer locked. Sounds like (no pun intended) you are an audiologist in private practice that charges 3 times the price that Costco charges.

[@chandebrec5856]

They stopped locking in 2022. Still, it should be noted that at least some of the ones they sell use fitting software that works only with that brand. For example, the Philips hearing aids that I got at Costco use fitting software that providers other than Costco don't have. (At least in the U.S., Costco is the only provider for Philips.) And I'd think there could be issues of sending the aids to Philips for repair from an independent provider. But I knew all this before I bought the Philips from Costco and in my judgment the price and level of service made it worthwhile.

[@richard9827]

After five years with my Costco Resound HA I tried an audiologist office latest Resound. $5400 plus $400/year maintenance. Returned them because Bluetooth kept dropping. Got the Jabra Pro 20 with battery a month ago and I’m happy. $1600 free maintenance. With the #13 battery it is bulkier than before but it still hides behind my ear. My specialist was excellent, equal or better than the doctor but my hearing loss is nothing special

[@Ray-nj8jx]

Alll 3 👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎

[@user-su7ry6hk6x]

Interesting to see there are still so many people undergoing the Costco “conversion.” Happened to me 8 years ago. Given the Costco liberal return policy, don’t take my word for it- just go and do it. Their testing facilities blow away everything I’ve ever experienced, and the prices are a revelation compared to a regular hearing aid store.