Costco Hearing Aid Reviews 2022

Why Buy Costco Hearing Aids?

The biggest advantage to buying hearing aids at Costco is the price. For instance, most Costco hearing aids are Bluetooth-enabled and cost around $1,300 to $2,500/pair. In comparison, the in-person brands that made our list of the Best Bluetooth Hearing Aids cost between $2,500 and $7,100/pair.

And for many shoppers, a low price is essential. “One-in-four seniors forgo hearing aids because they are too expensive,” said Brad Ingrao, a doctor of audiology based in Seattle. Because the average Costco hearing aid costs less than those at other hearing aid stores and local audiologists’ offices, more people can afford Costco hearing aids.

Costco also makes the hearing aid buying process easy by including everything in one place. You’ll receive a free hearing test, and if you purchase Costco hearing aids, both in-person and remote follow-up appointments for service or cleaning are free.

Finally, Costco’s trial period and warranties are more generous than your average brand. The 180-day trial period is longer than the more common 30- or 60-day trials. Additionally, Costco warranties cover loss and damage without a deductible. We recommend that you ask about the warranty before buying because the length varies by brand and model.

The Downsides of Costco Hearing Aids

According to Rudolf Probst, M.D., a contributor to Audiology Research, there are a few downsides of shopping for hearing aids at Costco that you might not expect. For instance, “There are no audiology consultations,” and the “hearing aids may be defeatured or locked.”

When a hearing aid is considered “defeatured,” it is because it doesn’t have the same features as the brand’s other models. For example, manufacturers might offer Bluetooth technology in the hearing aids they sell directly, but they may remove that feature from the hearing aids they sell at Costco.

When it comes to hearing professionals, you’ll come across two types: audiologists and hearing aid specialists. Hearing aid specialists are not clinically trained but have a state license to conduct hearing tests and fit hearing aids. Audiologists have a Doctor of Audiology (AuD) graduate degree and can diagnose and treat hearing conditions, as well as help you select and fit hearing aids.

When we spoke with a hearing specialist at Costco, we learned that most locations don’t have an audiologist on staff. And even if you find one that does, Costco Hearing Center employees are not allowed to provide any medical advice, even if they’re an audiologist. So if you need help with your hearing outside of buying a hearing aid, you should find a local audiologist.

Additionally, Costco typically locks its hearing aids, meaning you must return to Costco for servicing and repairs. And because Costco’s hearing centers are only available to Costco members, you’ll need to remain a member for as long as you own your hearing aids.

Pros and Cons of Costco Hearing Aids

Pros

• Affordable pricing
• 180-day trial period with full refunds
• Bluetooth and telecoil features on certain models
• Free hearing tests and follow-up appointments
• Free check-ups and hearing aid cleanings
• Generous warranties that include loss and damage coverage
• Options for mild to profound hearing loss
• Various hearing aid styles, from nearly invisible in-the-canal to more powerful behind-the-ear (BTE) models
• Virtual hearing support and adjustments with Bluetooth hearing aids

Cons

• You must be an active Costco member
• Requires an initial in-person appointment (no online ordering)
• Hearing aids may be locked or defeatured
• No payment plans or financing
• Potential appointment wait times
• No tinnitus masking sounds in any model

Costco Hearing Aid Prices

When we spoke with a Costco hearing aid employee, they told us that a pair of hearing aids ranges from around $1,400 to $2,700/pair. Every hearing aid either has Bluetooth streaming built-in or is custom-fit. The custom-fit hearing aids fit inside of the ear and are typically less noticeable than bigger BTE models.

Bluetooth hearing aids at Costco start at just $1,400/pair and include the wide range of wireless features that exist in other top brands. These include direct connection with your iOS or Android smartphone and accessories like wireless microphones and TV streamers. When you purchase a brand-name Bluetooth hearing aid from an audiologist’s office, you’re looking at closer to $2,500/pair or more.

While Costco is an excellent choice for value, there are other options for price-conscious shoppers. Online brands like Lively, Eargo, and MDHearingAid sell hearing aids directly to you at lower prices than name brands at hearing aid centers, with prices often lower than Costco’s. Additionally, discount networks like ZipHearing sell leading brands like Oticon, ReSound, and Starkey at competitive prices, but you’ll still need to visit a local hearing center.

For other competitively priced hearing aids, head over to our Cheap Hearing Aids Guide.

Why Trust Our Expert Review?

Our experts research and recommend products that can help give you a better quality of life. Using our high standards and rigorous testing methodology, we’ve spent more than 4,000 hours, collectively, researching the best hearing aids to help you find the device that’s best for you. Throughout our research process, we did the following:

• Consulted with audiologists and geriatric care experts
• Mystery shopped the brands
• Surveyed hundreds of hearing aid users
• Tested various models of hearing aids
• Interviewed experts in the field
• Read thousands of verified customer reviews from trusted sites such as Better Business Bureau and Consumer Reports

Costco Hearing Aid Reviews and Brands to Consider

The Kirkland Signature 10.0 is an incredible value. Sonova International, a Swiss hearing aid manufacturer, makes Kirkland hearing aids and those from the popular brand Phonak. The Signature 10.0 is the most affordable hearing aid at Costco, and it boasts innovative technologies and works for people with mild to profound hearing loss.

So long as you are okay with the receiver-in-canal (RIC) style, there aren’t many downsides to the Kirkland brand hearing aids. This new model features rechargeable batteries, so you don’t have to constantly buy new batteries to change them out. And they feature both telecoil and Bluetooth wireless hearing features, helping improve hearing when in public spaces, on the phone, or when listening to Bluetooth audio devices.

These hearing aids also have the features and technologies found in most of the high-end Sonova hearing aids, including:

• The ability to connect to two Bluetooth devices at one time
• A directional microphone for improved sound locatingMotion Sense for hearing while on the move
• Direct connectivity to Android and iPhone smartphones
• Superb water-resistance
• Nine automatic sound programs and four additional programs for hearing in various environments
• Remote support and hearing aid control via an app

Phonak hearing aids are known for innovation and quality. Costco carries the Phonak Brio, which is the most expensive hearing aid you can buy at Costco. It’s one of the few models that can connect to two Bluetooth devices simultaneously, which makes direct audio streaming exceptionally simple. If you’re someone who’s often using your smartphone and TV, stereo, or tablet, the streamlined Bluetooth is an excellent feature.

The Brio comes in two BTE models and two custom ITE options that fit your ear’s anatomy for comfort and hearing clarity. BTE models are powerful and often contain more advanced technology for the price, while ITE hearing aids are comfortable and hard-to-lose when wearing a mask or glasses. Another perk is impressive water-resistance, with these hearing aids surviving in water 1 meter deep for 60 minutes.

• Connects to two Bluetooth devices at once
• Both Bluetooth and telecoil wireless technologies help people with profound hearing loss hear better in many environments
• Easy Line Remote app provides remote control and live hearing adjustments and support
• Advanced speech technology for hearing better in noisy environments
• Powerful BTE or custom-fit ITE models
• Bluetooth connects directly to both IOS and Android smartphones and devices

The Rexton BiCore M-Core and BiCore hearing aids provide the greatest diversity in options among Costco hearing aid brands. You can choose from nearly every type of hearing aid, including BTE, RIC, in-the-canal (ITC), and custom in-the-ear (ITE) and ITC models. What this means is that you have the choice between discretion and visibility, price, fit, and more.

Among these hearing aid types are products with Bluetooth for streaming calls, TV, and other audio directly through your hearing aids, along with some models with telecoils for clearer hearing in public spaces and on your landline phone.

Two additional features set the Rexton hearing aids apart from the other Costco options. First, the BTE rechargeable hearing aids last up to 61 hours per charge, compared to less than half of that for most rechargeable options. Additionally, some of the models recognize up to 120 hearing situations, providing seamless transitions as you go about your day.

• Up to 120 hearing environments and automatic transitions
• Rechargeable batteries last up to 61 hours per charge
• Bluetooth connectivity to both Android and iOS devices
• Telecoil wireless available in certain models for hearing in large public spaces and on your phone
• Nearly every type of hearing aid type, from larger and more powerful BTE to custom and virtually invisible ITC options
• Smartphone app for remote support and easy control

Philips is a brand with 125 years of innovation, with its HearLink hearing aids available at Costco since 2019. Philips HearLink hearing aids come in four models that incorporate cutting-edge technologies to improve your hearing in various settings.

Philips utilizes AI sound technology for clearer speech in noisy places. And the new HiFi Music feature intensifies musical beats so that you can better enjoy listening to your favorite tunes. To further enhance your music experience, use the Philips HearLink app’s streaming equalizer to adjust the sound settings.

The HearLink hearing aids come with both telecoil and Bluetooth wireless functions, allowing direct audio streaming from your Bluetooth devices and clearer sound in public spaces with loop systems. You can choose between conventional or rechargeable batteries, and the rechargeable model lasts for a full day. Every model sits behind your ear and comes in six different colors.

• Four models to suit various hearing loss levels
• Rechargeable models have a full day of charge
• AI sound technology helps you hear speech more clearly
• Dual microphones assist in sound location and background noise reduction
• Directly connects to Android and iOS devices
• Philips HearLink app provides remote control
• Both Bluetooth and telecoil wireless technologies for direct audio streaming and enhanced hearing in some public venues

In 2021, GN Group swapped out its ReSound hearing aids with Jabra hearing aids. Both ReSound and Jabra are part of the GN Group, which has over 150 years in sound technology. Because GN manufactures both ReSound and Jabra hearing aids, so they have similar advancements and features.

Costco carries the Jabra Enhance Pro RIE hearing aids that work for people with mild to severe hearing loss. The Enhance Pro hearing aids have a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 30 hours, so you only need to remember to charge it each night while you sleep.

Every model comes with Bluetooth technology, so you can accept calls from your hearing aids and stream music or TV from your Bluetooth stereo system. One model has both Bluetooth and telecoil, which is an excellent addition if you like to go to the theater, church, or other public space with a telecoil loop system, or if you use a landline phone.

Using the Enhance Pro smartphone app, you can speak with your Costco hearing specialist, make hearing adjustments, or control the volume of your hearing aids. There’s an Ultra Focus setting that helps reduce background noise so you can hear more clearly when talking to someone in a challenging environment.

• Rechargeable batteries last up to 30 hours on one charge
• Available in eight colors to match your skin tone or hair color
• All models have Bluetooth connectivity
• Some models have a telecoil
• Three microphones improve sound locating and create a natural sound experience
• Ultra Focus feature supports better hearing during one-on-one conversations
• Connects directly to iPhone and Android phones
• Enhance Pro smartphone app offers remote adjustments and hearing aid control

Online Alternatives to Costco Hearing Aids

Eargo is a direct-to-consumer brand that manufactures nearly invisible hearing aids. These tiny hearing devices fit completely in the ear canal and have rechargeable batteries—something that you won’t find in the Costco hearing aids that are this small. Another difference is that Eargo’s CIC hearing aids don’t require custom fitting, so you can do everything from home, which is a great benefit if you don’t live near a Costco or have limited mobility.

As one of the only online suppliers of invisible hearing aids, Eargo made our list of the 10 Best Hearing Aids of 2022. We appreciate Eargo’s flexible, multi-layered eartips designed to fit most ear canals, along with the free non-working samples available so you can see if you find them comfortable before buying.

Another perk with the Eargo 5 is remote control and customization using the smartphone app. While you cannot stream music directly to these hearing aids, you won’t find that feature in most invisible hearing aids. The Bluetooth features in the Eargo 5 make it one of the more advanced invisible hearing aids for its price.

Eargo hearing aids come with a 45-day trial, lifetime support, and a one- to two-year warranty.

Lively hearing aids, which come in just one BTE model, are similar to what you’ll find at Costco. They come with either standard or rechargeable batteries, work for people with mild to moderately severe hearing loss, and boast Bluetooth for direct sound streaming. Additionally, ReSound manufactures Lively hearing aids, so they offer a high-quality construction compared to some online hearing aids.

Another similarity between Lively and Costco hearing aids is a great trial period and warranty. The Lively 100-day risk-free trial and a three-year warranty that includes loss and damage coverage
is exceptionally generous for a direct-to-consumer brand and similar to what Costco offers.

One negative with Lively hearing aids is that the traditional battery model doesn’t connect directly to Android phones, so you’ll need to buy the Android Phone Clip+ ($199) if you want to stream audio from your Android devices. Additionally, telecoil is only available if you pay for the MultiMic accessory ($275)—but know that this accessory and similar mics through Costco are valuable for improved hearing in challenging environments.

With a similar price point to multiple brands at Costco, the biggest perk with Lively is that you don’t have to go to a physical store. Instead, you may take an online hearing test and use the Lively app for future sound or setting adjustments.

MDHearingAid is a direct-to-consumer brand known for its affordable prices. With one model that costs just $799.99/pair, MDHearingAids cost less than Costco hearing aids. However, every one of the three MDHearingAid models is less advanced than the hearing aids at Costco. Plus, you must pay $14.99/month for warranty coverage after the first 90 days, or you won’t have any defect protection.

The Air hearing aid is the least expensive. While it doesn’t have Bluetooth capabilities, it does have a built-in telecoil that helps you hear clearly in venues with a loop system, such as many concerts, movie theaters, and churches. But the Air doesn’t automatically adjust to hearing environments, it’s not water-resistant, and it doesn’t have rechargeable batteries.

The other two models—the Volt+ and the Core—don’t have telecoils. The Volt is the only option with rechargeable batteries, while the Core has limited Bluetooth functions and more advanced sound technology. If you want to stream audio and take hands-free calls, MDHearingAid is not the right choice as none of the hearing aids offer these features.

The most significant advantage to MDHearingAid is price. Not only are most of its hearing devices less expensive than Costco’s options at full-price, but there are frequently steep discounts. So if you care more about price than features like Bluetooth or advanced sound technology, MDHearingAid is one of the best brands around.

Costco Hearing Aid Warranty and Trial Period

One of the biggest selling points of Costco for hearing aids is an incredibly generous 180-day trial period. After buying hearing aids, you have 180 days to try them out. If you decide they aren’t working for you, you may return them for a full refund. Most other brands that we’ve researched offer trial periods of between 30 and 60 days.

According to a hearing specialist at Costco, most of the hearing aids have a three-year warranty covering defects and a two-year warranty for loss and damage. But some models may have a shorter warranty, so you’ll want to confirm this before you buy if a long warranty is important to you.

Things to Consider When Buying Costco Hearing Aids

Price

Costco hearing aids range in price from $1,400 to $2,700/pair. Kirkland offers the least expensive option, while Phonak and Rexton custom-molded hearing aids have the highest cost. Unfortunately, Costco doesn’t offer any monthly payment plans or financing options, so you’ll need to pay the total price upfront.

Wireless Features

Most Costco hearing aids come with Bluetooth, a telecoil, or both. Every Bluetooth hearing aid at Costco offers the following benefits:

• Direct connection with Android and iOS phones
• Hands-free phone calls
• An app for remote assistance and easy hearing aid control
• Optional accessories like mics and TV streamers

Telecoil is a wireless technology that’s been around much longer than Bluetooth. If you’ve worn hearing aids for years, chances are at least one of the pairs you’ve owned had a telecoil within. Telecoils are small wires inside your hearing aid that allow you to connect to hearing loops found in many public spaces, such as theaters, convention centers, and churches. Most landline and cellular phones also connect to hearing aid telecoils.

Because both Bluetooth and telecoil wireless technologies take up some space in hearing aids, you’re more likely to have both in larger BTE models. Smaller ITE hearing aids usually only have one or the other, and in some cases, neither.

The more severe your hearing loss, the more these wireless features can add to your hearing health and quality of life. When talking with a Costco hearing aid specialist, be sure to discuss these features to see if you should opt for a model with one, both, or neither.

Hearing Aid Type

Your level of hearing loss, ear canal shape, budget, and desired features will influence which type of hearing aid is best for you. When deciding between different styles of hearing aids, it’s helpful to speak with an audiologist or hearing aid specialist to ensure that you find a good fit.
Costco carries six hearing aid styles:

• Open fit: Often called receiver-in-ear or receiver-in-canal, these hearing aids are best for mild to moderately severe hearing loss.
• BTE: These are large and powerful hearing aids with a custom-fitted mold that works for mild to profound hearing loss and fits behind the ear.
• Bluetooth capable: Hearing aids with Bluetooth wireless capabilities are designed for mild to severe hearing loss.
• ITE: These are custom-molded hearing aids that fit inside of your outer ear and work for mild to severe hearing loss.
• ITC: These are nearly invisible hearing aids that are molded to your ear canal and suit mild to moderate hearing loss.
• CIC: The smallest hearing aid that’s invisible from the outside, CIC hearing aids are custom-molded to fit your ear and are best for mild to moderate hearing loss.

Warranty

Most Costco hearing aids have a three-year warranty covering defects and a two-year warranty for lost or damaged hearing aids. However, some models may have a shorter warranty, so confirm the warranty terms before choosing your hearing aids.

Battery Life

Hearing aids come in either conventional or rechargeable batteries. Whether you opt for conventional or rechargeable hearing aids, it’s helpful to know how long the batteries last.

With traditional disposable batteries, battery life typically increases with hearing aid size. Additionally, features like Bluetooth dramatically decrease battery life. You can expect these batteries to last between a couple of days to two weeks. We also recommend that you consider the cost of additional batteries over the life of your hearing aids.

Rechargeable hearing aids at Costco have a battery life of between one day and 61 hours. It’s the Rexton brand rechargeable hearing aids that have an incredibly long battery life, so you may want to choose Rexton if you don’t want to charge your hearing aids nightly.

Accessories

Advanced Bluetooth hearing aids can offer exceptional audio quality, but you’ll need wireless accessories to connect to non-smartphone devices. These include:

• TV streamers: These accessories allow you to stream sound from your television or stereo directly to your hearing aids.
• Remote microphones: Wireless microphones are great for improving conversational hearing in noisy environments. There are mics that you can give to your friend or family member when you’re at dinner, or even hand to your preacher or someone who’s giving a talk so you can hear them more clearly.
• Remote controls: While you can use your smartphone as a remote control for your Bluetooth hearing aids, you may prefer the simplicity of a wireless remote. These help you adjust the volume or switch sound settings without needing to have your phone out.

Other accessories that you may need with hearing aids include:

• Batteries for models that aren’t rechargeable
• Cleaning tools or cleaning kits
• Charging cases
• Hearing aid dryers
• Earwax filters

Costco Hearing Aid Reviews

One of the best ways to get a sense of what to expect with a new hearing aid brand is to read through customer reviews. On Consumer Affairs, Costco Hearing Aids received 4.1/5 stars with 122 ratings, although these reviews are from people who bought various brands at Costco.

When we read over these reviews, there wasn’t one brand that seemed to have more complaints than another. However, many positive reviews centered on the value of the Kirkland brand. Similarly, in a survey of over 17,000 Consumer Reports members, Kirkland came out on top for overall satisfaction when compared to 15 other hearing aid companies.

Why Should You Choose to Go with a Costco Hearing Aids?

Costco members who are looking for affordable hearing aids may want to explore purchasing their devices from this wholesale giant. There are plenty of options to choose from, and Costco does offer some services to help you maintain your hearing aids.

How We Reviewed Costco Hearing Aids:

We consulted audiologists and geriatric care experts in addition to independently testing various models. We read thousands of verified customer reviews and conducted exhaustive research.

Through this in-depth research, we determined the following to be the most important criteria to consider when shopping for a hearing aid:

• Price
• Types of hearing aids available
• Types of battery used
• Quick-charge options
• Types of hearing loss covered
• Bluetooth compatibility
• Audiologist care
• Comfort and fit
• Warranty
• Customer satisfaction
• Customer service
• Features such as bluetooth capability and rechargeable batteries
• Reliability

Bottom Line

Costco is one of the best places to buy affordable hearing aids, especially if you want high-end features. Costco offers some of the lowest-cost custom-fit and Bluetooth hearing aids, and there are models for people with mild to profound hearing loss.

Costco’s 180-day trial period and warranties are also some of the most generous we’ve seen, both compared to in-person hearing clinics and online hearing aid providers. Every Costo hearing aid comes with a warranty for both defects, and loss and damage, which is another perk for shoppers who want to save money over time.

Another benefit of buying Costco hearing aids is that support doesn’t cost more money. So long as you’re a Costco member, you receive free cleanings, hearing tests, and follow-up appointments.

But there are some downsides that may lead you to choose another place to shop. For instance, if you want a pair of hearing aids for less than $1,400, you’ll find a better fit with online brands like MDHearingAid. Additionally, you must go to Costco for an in-person consultation, and there isn’t any financing—two features nearly universal when buying online hearing aids.

Another potential drawback is that Costco’s staff cannot provide medical advice. Typically, you work with a hearing aid specialist at Costco, not a clinically trained audiologist. So if you need hearing medical advice, opt for a local audiologist’s office. Another perk with a local audiologist is that they offer hearing aids with even more technological advancements. For instance, you’d need to visit a non-Costco hearing clinic to buy the tiniest hearing aid on the market, the Phonak Lyric.

FAQs

RESOURCES

Who Can I Turn to for Help with My Hearing Loss?
https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/who-can-i-turn-help-my-hearing-loss

Telecoils and Hearing Loops
https://hearingservices.gov.au/wps/portal/hso/site/eligibility/abouthearing/telecoils_hearing_loops/!ut/p/a0/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfGjzOK9A03NDD0NjLwtwvzdDBwd_UJ9vNxMjAwcDfULsh0VAav0Y6c!/

Prolong the Life of Your Hearing Aid Batteries
https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2016/hearing-aid-batteries.html

Verification and Validation of Hearing Aids: Opportunity Not an Obstacle
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6002586/