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- Philips HearLink 9030 | Skip to review
- Jabra Enhance Pro PM | Skip to review
- Rexton BiCore C R-Li | Skip to review
If you or a loved one has difficulty hearing, you may be thinking about buying hearing aids. Hearing aids work by amplifying the sounds around you.
Finding the size and type of hearing aid you need can be a bit challenging because it varies so much by individual. There’s no one-size-fits-all, “best” hearing aid.
Hearing aids are also expensive. Oftentimes, they are only covered partially by insurance. In the majority of cases, they are not covered at all.
Costco has Hearing Aid Centers where the nationwide wholesale retailer carries several brands of hearing aids. Buying hearing aids from Costco can save you money, but it won’t be the best choice for every customer. Let’s go over the things you should know before you buy Costco hearing aids.
Costco has over 500 warehouse locations in the United States. Most, though not all, have a hearing aid center onsite.
Costco Hearing Aid Centers are staffed primarily by licensed hearing aid specialists. Unlike audiologists, hearing aid specialists aren’t required to have an advanced degree in audiology. Some Costco Hearing Aid Centers do have audiologists on staff in addition to hearing aid specialists.
If it’s important for you to see an audiologist, find out if this is possible at your location before you book an appointment.
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 done at the hearing aid center.
One drawback mentioned in older online reviews is the inability to purchase Costco hearing aids online.
When you purchase hearing aids from their Hearing Aid Center, Costco offers limited support services for some hearing aids remotely.
Costco carries three hearing aid brands:
Philips
Costco sells the HearLink 9030 model made by Philips, a health technology company based in Amsterdam. This is another behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aid.
It uses artificial intelligence (AI) to identify the sounds that you want to hear, like conversations close to you, and amplify those sounds instead of background noise.
The HearLink 9030 is Bluetooth-equipped and syncs with Android and iOS devices through an app.
Costco also sells a variety of add-on accessories for this product, such as:
- a TV adapter that streams directly from your television to your hearing aid
- a remote control and a hearing clip for making phone calls (this one only works with Android devices)
These hearing aids cost around $200 more than the Kirkland brand, but they’re still available at a lower price than some other premium brands.
Pros of the Philips HearLink 9030
- An app allows you to control your hearing aid settings seamlessly from your mobile device.
- Some reviewers say it’s a much more affordable version of other state-of-the-art, AI-equipped hearing aids.
Cons of the Philips HearLink 9030
- The charging case doesn’t close, so if you have curious children or pets around, you’ll have to keep the case out of reach.
- The hearing instrument does take up significant space behind your ear, so wearing it might take some getting used to.
Jabra
Costco sells the Jabra Enhance Pro PM hearing aid.
Jabra is produced by the company that makes ReSound hearing aids, which used to be sold at Costco but aren’t currently stocked at their hearing centers.
The Jabra Enhance Pro PM is a BTE device and comes in eight different colors. You can choose which model works best for your level of hearing loss.
Jabra Enhance Pro PM has Bluetooth and pairs with iOS and Android devices.
There’s an app (iOS, Android) that allows you to adjust the preferences according to the situation that you’re in. The app can also help to track down a hearing aid if it gets lost.
This hearing aid is rechargeable. Its price is similar to that of Kirkland or Philips BTE devices sold in Costco.
Pros of the Jabra Enhance Pro PM
- It has an affordable price for a product that’s similar to Kirkland and Philips models.
- The rechargeable battery lasts longer than some models, so one charge lasts for over an entire day, according to the company.
Cons of the Jabra Enhance Pro PM
- Not a lot of distinguishing features to put this above other models sold at Costco
- Some users say that this hearing aid is more prone to wax buildup.
Rexton
Rexton is a brand that specializes in hearing aids. Costco sells the BiCore C R-Li hearing aids made by Rexton. They’re sold at a similar price to Jabra, Philips, and Kirkland brands.
The BiCore C R-Li comes in rechargeable or disposable battery versions. They’re made for behind-the-ear wear. They also offer custom ITE versions of this hearing aid.
The BiCore C R-Li is also Bluetooth-enabled, and, like the others on this list, has an app that you can use to adjust the settings and get remote assistance. It’s compatible with iOS and Android devices.
The signature of the BiCore C R-Li is its ability to filter speech from background noise, according to Rexton. The company says this technology also extends the battery life of its devices. Thirty minutes of charge will give you 6 hours of hearing aid use, according to Rexton.
This company’s hearing aids are also known for their durability. They’re resistant to water, UV light, and impact.
Pros of the Rexton BiCore C R-Li
- The hearing aids are available in more colors and are a bit more discreet than other BTE options from Costco.
- The projected battery life is better than other hearing aids on the list.
- It’s resistant to water, impact, UV light, and other environmental factors.
Cons of Rexton BiCore C R-Li
- It doesn’t have AI like pricier models, and the version sold at Costco doesn’t appear to have a T-coil.
- Some reviewers say that Bluetooth or the hearing aid itself will sometimes turns off without the user choosing to do so.
Costco Hearing Aid Centers are only available to Costco members. They provide a full range of services, including initial hearing tests, fittings, adjustments, cleanings, and follow-up appointments.
They don’t offer a repair service on hearing aids that were not purchased through Costco. If you need to repair a Costco-branded hearing aid, you can only have them repaired through Costco’s services as there’s a lock placed on the hearing aid.
The type of warranty you get on your hearing aids will depend on which brand and type you buy.
Most hearing aids can be returned for a full refund within 180 days.
Costco provides free loss and damage coverage with no deductible.
Pros of Costco Hearing Aid Centers
- The centers have low or deeply discounted prices for hearing aids.
- They offer free follow-up visits, fittings, and cleanings.
- You can shop for certain hearing aids remotely.
- They offer a free 180-day trial on most hearing aids.
- They have professional fittings and services.
Cons of Costco Hearing Aid Centers
- There’s a limited number of hearing aid brands available.
- There are few to no audiologists on staff.
- They don’t accept insurance.
- They don’t offer payment plans.
- You must pay a membership fee to shop there.
You must be a Costco member to buy hearing aids from the company or to use the complimentary services in their hearing centers. These include:
- free hearing test
- free hearing aid product demonstrations
- free follow-up appointments
- free hearing aid cleanings and checkups
- free hearing aid adjustments
Learn what’s available from Costco’s hearing centers online.
Membership fees start at $60 annually.
Because they buy in bulk, Costco is able to sell hearing aids at a low or deeply discounted price. You can find multiple hearing aids here that cost around $1,500 for the pair.
Hearing aids at Costco include free services that are typically folded into bundled hearing aid packages. In addition to the in-person services listed above, these include:
- loss and damage coverage with no deductible
- a warranty period, which varies by hearing aid model
Because their costs are already low, Costco doesn’t offer payment plans for hearing aids. You’ll be required to pay the full cost of your hearing aids upfront.
Insurance
Costco doesn’t accept insurance for hearing aids. Hearing aids aren’t usually covered by health insurance plans, including original Medicare.
If you have an insurance plan that covers hearing aids, you can still shop at Costco. You’ll have to submit an invoice to your insurer for reimbursement, after payment.
Before you book your first appointment for a hearing test, download and fill out Costco’s patient intake form in either English or Spanish. The form requires information like your medical history and hearing history.
The hearing test is done in a private sound booth and will take about an hour.
After the test, you have the option of meeting with a hearing aid specialist to go over your hearing needs and potential solutions. At that time, you can access product demonstrations, which can help you decide which type and brand of hearing aid will be best for you. The hearing aid specialist may make recommendations for you to consider.
You’ll receive a date for a follow-up appointment or fitting. In some instances, you may have to return to get your hearing aids at a later appointment.
You’ll also receive a member journal, which provides information about your hearing aids, plus tips on caring for and getting used to them.
Costco Hearing Aid Centers and hearing aids have a solid, positive track record with users. Low cost is a major driver of the good reviews they receive online.
Since there are so many locations, your experience may vary.
If you’re considering buying hearing aids at Costco, talking with local customers and accessing regional reviews may help provide specific information about the location near you.
It’s important to note that you cannot have your Costco hearing aids repaired at a non-Costco location. If you’re not near a Costco and experience trouble, you may have difficulty getting a quick repair.
You can buy hearing aids directly through an audiologist who works with you on your hearing health. You can also buy them through brick-and-mortar retailers and online sellers. Many online hearing aid stores offer low-cost options that are similar to Costco’s.
Most sellers offer five to six brands of hearing aids. If you want a particular brand, you can look for an authorized local or online seller through that brand’s website.
The most important thing to do before buying hearing aids is to have an accurate, up-to-date assessment of your hearing by a medical professional. You won’t get the most out of any hearing aids without knowing exactly what you need.
Some hearing aids require individualized fittings. Others just need programming, which may require an in-person visit. Since hearing aids are meant (and priced) to last for several years, you need to buy something that will meet your hearing needs several years from now.
Is Costco the only place where I can get hearing aids?
No, you can get hearing aids from lots of places. Hearing aids are sold by hearing professionals who specialize in evaluating your hearing and helping you choose a product. These include not only Costco Hearing Aid Centers, but also licensed hearing aid dispensers and audiologists who work at hearing aid dispensaries (these are similar to an optical distributor or eyewear store).
What hearing aid is the best option for me?
There’s no best, one-size-fits-all hearing aid. You’ll need to go to an audiologist or hearing professional who can help determine the best hearing aid option for you. Your budget, your type of hearing loss, and your lifestyle will all play a role in determining which product works for you.
What else comes with the hearing aid?
Your hearing aids will typically come in a bundle with basic accessories. This will include a charging station (if you purchase a rechargeable option), as well as a travel case and tools to clean your hearing aid. All hearing aids sold at Costco also come with access to a mobile app that you can use to customize your hearing aid options.
Does Costco use audiologists?
The employees at the Costco Hearing Aid Centers are not all licensed and trained audiologists. However, some hearing centers do employ audiologists as part of their staff. If you need to see an audiologist, you should call ahead to verify that there will be an audiologist on staff on the day of your visit.
Are Costco hearing aids good quality?
Most reviewers find that the hearing aids from Costco are very good, especially for their price.
Kirkland, Costco’s private label brand, produces one of the most popular hearing aids on the market. Most hearing aids don’t allow you to return the product for a refund, but with Kirkland, you can.
Does insurance or Medicare cover hearing aids?
Standard Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, there may be some coverage available through that plan.
Some insurance companies offer limited hearing aid coverage, or they allow you to use your Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) on hearing aids. For the most part, though, hearing aid coverage is extremely limited.
And, remember, Costco doesn’t accept insurance for hearing aids.
Costco Hearing Aid Centers offer a low-cost way to purchase hearing aids. They sell five brands, including Kirkland Signature, Costco’s in-house brand.
Costco sells every type of hearing aid, including some with rechargeable batteries and some that are Bluetooth capable.
If you already have hearing aids, Costco does provide support services for some of their products remotely.
In-person services include a free hearing test, fitting, and follow-up appointments.
