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- Mon-Fri 8:00-4:30
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Cyber Monday Discount 20%
Proper testing, hearing aid programming, and fitting all play a big role in ensuring that the hearing aids provide the best listening experience possible.
When you hear the word Costco, you immediately think of big savings and bulk discounts, right? Aside from its usual food and home-improvement offerings, the big box company has also ventured into Costco hearing aids. Question is – are Costco hearing aids as good as others?
Typically, a set of Costco Kirkland Hearing Aids will set you back at around $1,399.99 per pair. Other hearing aid brands at Costco cost anywhere between $3,000-$4,000 per ear. Prices may vary depending on the technology, the model, and the features of the device.
When purchasing hearing aids, don’t make a decision by merely looking at the price tag. There are many other important things to consider, such as technology, features, fitting, and testing. Correct testing and hearing aid programming, including real ear measurement, plays a big role in a consumer’s hearing aid satisfaction.
While Costco offers service warranty and regular hearing aid check ups, what they offer is significantly less than what private audiology practices offer. When you purchase Costco hearing aids, the warranty of the device will only be valid at Costco hearing centers. If you happen to be traveling or you want to change providers, the warranty will not be honored elsewhere.
Consumer Reports advised the public that when it comes to buying hearing aids, seeing an audiologist and getting real ear measurement is highly important. The organization shared that knowing where to go and the expertise of an audiologist plays a very critical part in getting the best results from a hearing device.
There are various hearing aid brands out there, from Costco hearing aids to high-end brands. However, the listening experience greatly relies on proper testing and fitting (real ear measurement).
When it comes to hearing loss and related concerns, audiologists are the best health professionals to approach. Audiologists specialize in the evaluation and non-medical treatment of hearing loss. They are well-trained in fitting hearing aids and cochlear implants. Audiologists can also check for potentially treatable medical conditions and refer patients to medical specialists as needed.
At the end of the day, treating hearing loss is so much more than simply picking out a hearing aid. Keep in mind that proper testing, hearing aid programming, and fitting all play a big role in ensuring that the hearing aids provide the best listening experience possible.
For years, Costco has been carrying brand name hearing aids in addition to their in-house Kirkland Signature brand. Various hearing aid manufacturers have joined and left the Costco hearing aids roster. Aside from Kirkland Signature, the following are the latest brands available at Costco – Rexton, Jabra, Phonak, and Philips.
Buying hearing aids at Costco may seem to be the convenient and accessible choice for some consumers because they are attracted to the low prices. Costco hearing aids are marketed with the company’s volume buying and distribution clout that allows them to offer hearing aids at prices lower than many private audiology practices and hearing clinics.
However, Costco hearing aids are not all that they seem. Lower prices come with trade-offs, one of which is that Costco hearing aids are not always the latest and the best versions that their manufacturers provide.
While most consumers can get reimbursement from their insurance provider, Costco hearing aids are not covered by insurance claims. Longmont Hearing and Tinnitus Center, along with other private audiology clinics, are credentialed by insurance and can accommodate direct insurance billing.
Real ear measurement is considered as an unwritten ‘golden rule’ when it comes to hearing aid fitting. The best audiologists use real ear measurement to ensure that the device(s) is set to provide the optimum hearing experience over a variety of listening situations.
Most audiologists in private practices offer real ear measurement and incorporate this as part of their standard operating procedure. Unfortunately, not all audiologists offer this to their patients. It is less likely to be offered with Costco hearing aids and similar devices sold online. Without accurate real ear measurement, people just end up wasting their money because they purchase poorly fit devices.
Without real ear measurement the result is hit or miss. There might be amplification, but the question is, is it the right amplification? Hearing aids are not just made to amplify. When programmed correctly, hearing aids can open new doors for people with hearing loss, as they embrace clear sounds with accuracy and efficiency across all frequencies.
Some Costco hearing aids are locked. When a hearing aid is locked, it means that it cannot be programmed or adjusted by any other provider outside of Costco. On the marketing side, this strategy is pretty good because it means that customers only go to them for any hearing aid concerns, upgrades, or servicing.
Locked Costco hearing aids can be a huge pain in the neck when moving to a new place or travelling. It works out if there is a Costco store in the vicinity, but what if there isn’t? When your Costco hearing aid gets damaged, you’re left with a hearing aid that’s good as gone.
Longmont Hearing and Tinnitus Center accepts hearing aids bought elsewhere. We do our best to check the hearing aid and see what we can do to help.
Healthy hearing starts with the best hearing healthcare providers. Meticulous testing and device fitting are needed to ensure that you get the best hearing experience possible. As independent audiologists offering quality hearing healthcare since 1992, we ensure that we provide each patient with the best expertise and technology for their specific needs.
When it comes to hearing health, patient satisfaction is our top priority. Don’t settle for less when it comes to your hearing aids, because you deserve only the best. And when we say the best, it doesn’t necessarily come with a hefty price tag. Come talk to us and we’ll go over your hearing needs, lifestyle, and budget. At Longmont Hearing and Tinnitus Center, we help you hear better for life. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
