Costco Hearing Aids

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know before purchasing hearing aids from Costco. Here are our thoughts on how these devices work, what services you could miss  and what you can expect when buying from the big box store!

You’ve probably heard of Costco hearing aids. But do you know what they are, how much they cost and if they’re right for you?  In this article we’ll get into the details on Costco hearing aids to help you figure out whether or not it’s worth it to consider them as part of your overall plan for managing your hearing loss.  By the end of this article, you should have a better idea about whether or not Costco is a good fit for your needs.

What hearing aids are available at Costco?

Costco is a big box store that buys in bulk to offer discounted items. Costco does not make their own hearing aids. Periodically they put a bid out to hearing aid manufacturers for a bulk purchase, often of the models that are not the latest devices. 

The Kirkland brand is actually a private label of one of the hearing aid manufacturers, which may vary from year to year.

Are Costco hearing aids covered by insurance plans?

While you may be qualified to get reimbursement from your insurance provider, Costco does not process insurance claims. At Atlantic Hearing Care and most independent audiologists we are credentialed by insurance and can bill most insurance directly.

How Much Do Hearing Aids at Costco Cost?

Costco hearing aids are often at a fixed price point with a limited selection, the Kirkland brand is currently advertised at $2800 a pair.  Many people are surprised to learn this falls into the range of what you would pay at an independent Audiologist.  

Don’t make a decision just based on price. Successful use of hearing aids involves more than the device.  Proper testing, programming the aids using real ear measurement  and teaching you to get the most from your hearing aids are important for satisfaction.  Extended service warranty and being able to make and get to regular check ups are important to extend the life of your hearing aids. The warranty and included service at Costco is less than what is offered through Atlantic Hearing Care and other private practice Audiologists.  Most importantly, the warranty is only good at a Costco. So if you are traveling or want to change providers the warranty can not be used elsewhere.

Consumer Reports

Review

Consumer reports did a great article about buying hearing aids where they recommended people be seen by an audiologist and be sure to have “real ear measurement”.  They concluded that the process, of where you go and the expertise of who you see, is perhaps more important than the actual hearing aid. In other words, you can be successful with a variety of hearing aids as long as they are set properly and you are shown how to get the most from them.

Audiologists are specialists in the evaluation and non-medical treatment of hearing loss, including hearing aids and cochlear implants.  Audiologists will check for potentially treatable medical conditions and refer you to medical specialists if needed. Getting hearing help is so much more than just picking out a hearing aid. The expertise in programming devices and helping you adjust to the new way of hearing makes sure that you will be successful!

Real ear measurement is a ‘best practice’ in hearing aid fitting where measurements are taken with the hearing aids in your ears to make sure they are set for your best hearing over a variety of listening situations. Unfortunately this service is offered less than half the time and even then people end up with poorly fit devices. 

What does it mean when a hearing aid is locked?

Some hearing aids sold by Costco are locked, which means the hearing aids can not be adjusted or programmed  by anyone outside of Costco. 

This is their way of locking customers into going only to them. This can be a huge headache if you move or travel. 

More importantly, if you are not happy with the way the devices were set ot how you are hearing, it becomes extremely difficult to get a second opinion. Locked hearing aids may not be easily accessed or programmed by other audiologists. Even so, we at Atlantic Hearing are happy to help clients who started their hearing journey (or bought their hearing aids) elsewhere. We regularly see clients who bought their hearing aids from Costco who need adjustments. And you know what, we almost always hear that they should’ve started their hearing journey with us from the very start!

If you’re looking for a reliable audiologist in Peabody, MA, please contact Atlantic Hearing Care.

Hearing Aids – Swampscott | Peabody, Massachusetts

Hearing care is more than being fit with a hearing aid.  As independent audiologists we carefully select and program the best hearing aids for your unique needs. At Atlantic Hearing Care we offer a free trial so you can try hearing aids at home, at work and with friends.  We make customer satisfaction our top priority, we are proud that over 90% of our patients and their families would recommend us to someone with hearing loss. 

Our team at Atlantic Hearing Care wants you to enjoy the best listening experience, which is why we offer the best technology, from all the major manufacturers, in our clinic that have unique features and power levels to meet your needs. Hear the difference we can make in your life.

If you’re in Massachusetts and would like to know more about the different models of hearing aids, please call us at Atlantic Hearing Care. We have clinics in Swampscott and Peabody. We are hear to help!

Two Convenient Locations

990 Paradise Rd, Suite 3A
Swampscott, MA 01907

2 First Ave, Suite 127-1
Peabody, MA 01960

Call 781-581-1500