Costco Hearing Aids
Costco is one of the big box stores that has been providing hearing aids to its members for more than a decade. They offer a wide range of hearing aids from popular brands such as ReSound, Phonak, and Kirkland Signature.
Costco’s hearing aid centers are typically staffed by licensed hearing aid specialists who can help guide consumers through the process of hearing aid fitting and selection.
One of the major advantages of Costco hearing aids is the “savings”. Costco offers discounts on hearing aids compared to most hearing aid providers. However, it is worth noting that purchasing a hearing aid at Costco doesn’t really bypass the need to get your hearing evaluated and fitted by a qualified audiologist.
While the hearing aid specialists at Costco are trained to assist with the hearing aid selection and fitting, they may not have the same level of expertise and experience as an audiologist. For this reason, it is still encouraged to get a comprehensive hearing evaluation from an audiologist before purchasing Costco hearing aids, or any other provider for that matter.
What Hearing Aids Are Available at Costco?
To date, Costco offers the following hearing aid brands:
- Jabra
- Philips
- Rexton
- Kirkland Signature
Is Costco a good place to get a hearing aid?
While Costco has a reputation for offering various goods and products at competitive prices, purchasing a hearing aid at Costco may have some limitations that you need to consider.
Level of expertise
Costco may not offer the same level of expertise in hearing healthcare as what an audiologist could. While Costco may employ hearing aid specialists, they may not have the same level of experience and training as an audiologist who specializes in the fitting and programming of hearing aids.
Level of customization
Compared to an audiology clinic, Costco may not offer the same level of variety of hearing aids and customization options. Typically, Costco just offers a limited range of hearing aid models from selected manufacturers. Plus, the latest models may not be available at Costco.
Aftercare service
While Costco may offer lower prices on hearing aids, the cheaper cost of the device may affect the overall cost of hearing healthcare. What you don’t see is the possible additional costs such as follow-up appointments for programming, repairs, and maintenance, along with accessories and cleaning supplies.
Most audiology clinics have bundled up their services along with your device of choice to ensure that you get to enjoy professional, convenient, and comprehensive hearing care.
Things to consider when purchasing Costco hearing aids
Hearing aids are an investment; that’s why you should not buy them on impulse just because they are on sale. When it comes to purchasing hearing aids, you need to weigh the pros and cons and consider several factors to ensure that you purchase the best device for your hearing requirements.
If you are considering purchasing Costco hearing aids, below are some things to take note of:
Price
There’s no sugarcoating it – Costco hearing aids have temptingly low price tags. Costco hearing aids are considered as over-the-counter hearing aids and have lower prices than most hearing centers or audiology clinics. At a glance, this can be really appealing if you’re on a budget. However, it’s worth noting that while Costco hearing aids may have a cheaper price tag, they may not have the same level of advanced features and customization that you might find at audiology clinics.
Accessories
Costco sells a wide range of hearing aid accessories, including batteries, cleaning tools, wax guards, and carrying cases. Hearing aid accessories can be useful in boosting the lifespan and optimal functioning of your hearing aids. However, not all accessories may be bundled with Costco hearing aids, so you may need to purchase them separately.
Defeatured or basic hearing aids
If you are looking for a hearing aid that offers the latest features and hearing aid updates, Costco is not the place to go. Why? Because Costco hearing aids are usually not on par with the latest hearing aid models that audiology clinics offer. Most Costco hearing aids fall under the category of “basic” hearing aids, which means that they do not have the advanced sound processing features that are available in more sophisticated premium devices.
This is quite understandable since they are also sold at a much lower price point than premium hearing aids. Offering de-featured or “basic” hearing aids makes it possible for Costco to offer their hearing aids at a lower price point.
Bottomline: Our take on Costco hearing aids
In conclusion, while Costco may offer tempting prices for their hearing aids, we want you to consider the limitations and potential drawbacks of acquiring your hearing aids from a big-box store.
To make an informed decision, please carefully consider the level of customization, expertise, and ongoing care and maintenance that you need to efficiently manage your hearing loss.
Consulting with an audiologist may give you more comprehensive and personalized care for your unique hearing requirements.
Columbine Hearing Care provides comprehensive hearing care services in Littleton, CO. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!