Costco vs. Audiologist Hearing Aids: What’s the Difference?

The main difference between Costco and an audiologist for hearing aids is not the device. It is the fitting process, the verification step, and the follow-up care. Costco uses volume purchasing and state-licensed dispensers to keep prices lower. An audiologist provides a full diagnostic evaluation, fits using Real Ear Measurement to verify the result for your specific ear, and includes ongoing clinical follow-up. For mild hearing loss, the price difference is a legitimate factor to weigh. For moderate to severe loss, tinnitus, or anyone who has tried hearing aids before without success, the difference in care level is clinically significant.

Costco is known for their low-cost yet decent quality products. When they ventured into hearing aids and released their own line, along with other existing brand names in the market, the buying public found it interesting and a large number of members patronized it.

For some, Costco means convenience and affordability. Many were drawn to the fact that they could buy hearing aids at a store that they visit frequently. However, are Costco hearing aids worth the hype?

Why do Costo hearing aids cost less than the standard?

Costco has an edge when it comes to offering lower prices than standard because of the volume buying and distribution clout concept. Of course, for you to enjoy those perks, including the chance to purchase Costco hearing aids, you’d have to be a Costco Wholesale warehouse club member.

Costco Hearing Aids and its Tradeoffs

If you’re looking for the most up-to-date models and designs of name-brand hearing aids, you won’t find them in Costco. Why? It’s because manufacturers prioritize private audiology practices when it comes to their latest and premium models.

Another thing to consider when planning to purchase Costco hearing aids is that you’ll be more likely to be fitted by a state-licensed hearing aid dispenser rather than a doctor of audiology.

If you are in the northeast Indiana area and would want to be seen and fitted with hearing aids by an audiologist, HearCare Audiology has multiple offices in the area. Give us a call to enjoy premium hearing health care.

What are the name-brand hearing aids carried by Costco?

Costco carries digital programmable hearing aids from top name brands such as Rexton, Phonak, ReSound and Philips. Of course, these brands are in addition to Costco’s in-house brand, Kirkland Signature.

Costco Hearing Aids: Word from the experts

Costco hearing aids are locked hearing aids. We are quite lukewarm on Costco’s real ear measurement procedures, especially since they are carried out by dispensers and not audiologists or hearing specialists.

Another thing you need to consider is that there are no “loaners” for Costco hearing aids. If ever your Costco hearing aids need to be sent off to the repair facility, you may have to go without a hearing aid for quite some time.

Costco vs. Audiologist: What Each Provides

Fitting precision: Real Ear Measurement

The step that separates a professional audiology fitting from a retail fitting is Real Ear Measurement (REM). A thin probe microphone is placed in the ear canal alongside the hearing aid, and the hearing instrument specialist measures what sound level is actually reaching the eardrum, not what the manufacturer’s formula predicts. If the measurement misses the prescription target, the programming is adjusted on the spot until it matches.

HearCare Audiology performs Real Ear Measurement at every fitting. It is not an add-on or an optional step, rather it is how we verify the hearing aid is calibrated to your ear, not to a statistical average. You can read more about how we use Real Ear Measurement at HearCare Audiology.

Costco’s use of Real Ear Measurement varies by location. It is not a uniform standard across all Costco hearing centers, and it is performed by dispensers rather than licensed audiologists or hearing instrument specialists.

Ongoing reprogramming

Hearing changes over time. Life changes, too. A new job, retirement, a move to a quieter or noisier environment. When your hearing or your daily listening situations change, your hearing aids should be reprogrammed to match.

At HearCare Audiology, reprogramming appointments are part of ongoing care. Because our hearing aids are programmed on open platforms, we can adjust them at any point. Costco hearing aids are locked to Costco’s proprietary software. If you want reprogramming or want a second opinion on your settings, you must return to Costco because no outside provider can access the device.

In-office repair and loaner devices

When a hearing aid needs repair, timing matters. HearCare Audiology provides in-office servicing for many common issues and maintains loaner devices so patients are not left without hearing aids while a device is at the manufacturer.

Costco does not provide loaners. If your Costco hearing aids require factory repair, you go without during the turnaround period which can run several weeks.

Clinical follow-up

Adjusting to new hearing aids takes time. Most patients need two to four follow-up appointments in the first six months to refine programming for the environments they actually live in. At HearCare Audiology, those visits are included. The same hearing instrument specialist who performed the original fitting is available for every follow-up. This is continuity of care that a rotating retail staff cannot consistently provide.

Who each option suits

Costco is a reasonable option if:

Your hearing loss is mild and symmetrical
You have a current audiogram from a professional evaluation and know your results
Price is the primary factor and follow-up support is less important to you
You are already a Costco member

HearCare Audiology is the right choice if:

Your hearing loss is moderate, severe, or asymmetrical
You have tinnitus alongside hearing loss
You have tried hearing aids before and been unsatisfied
You want Real Ear Measurement verification at every fitting
You want continuity of care with the same provider over time
You want in-office repair support and loaner access

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Costco and an audiologist for hearing aids?

The difference is primarily in the fitting process and follow-up care, not the device technology. Costco uses high-volume purchasing and state-licensed dispensers to keep prices lower. An audiologist or licensed hearing instrument specialist at a private practice provides a full diagnostic evaluation, fits using Real Ear Measurement to verify the result, reprograms open-platform devices as your hearing or life changes, and includes ongoing clinical follow-up. For mild hearing loss, the price gap is a fair consideration. For moderate to severe loss, the care difference is clinically significant.

Can an audiologist reprogram Costco hearing aids?

No. Costco hearing aids are locked to Costco’s proprietary software. An outside provider cannot access or adjust the programming. If you need reprogramming and you purchased at Costco, you must return to Costco.

Does Costco use Real Ear Measurement?

Costco’s use of Real Ear Measurement varies by location. It is not a uniform standard across all Costco hearing centers. HearCare Audiology performs Real Ear Measurement at every fitting as a clinical standard, verified by a licensed hearing instrument specialist.

Does Costco provide loaner hearing aids during repairs?

No. If your Costco hearing aids require factory repair, you go without a device during the turnaround period. HearCare Audiology maintains loaner devices so patients are not without hearing aids while their own are being serviced.

What hearing aid brands does HearCare Audiology fit?

HearCare Audiology fits Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Signia, Starkey, Unitron, Widex, and Lyric (the extended-wear invisible hearing aid). These are current-model devices on open platforms that can be reprogrammed and adjusted as needed. Call (260) 485-1231 or schedule an appointment to discuss which option fits your hearing profile and lifestyle.

Hearing Aids in Fort Wayne, Indiana

If you’re not comfortable purchasing Costco hearing aids, going to an audiology clinic is a better idea.

At HearCare Audiology, we give you options based on your hearing needs, budget, lifestyle and personal preferences.

Are You Ready To Hear Better?

Hearing better starts with a diagnostic hearing test to pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of your hearing and a conversation with a hearing health care professional to determine what measures you can take to improve your hearing.