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Costco Hearing Aids Reviews Pros and Cons and Prices

Trying to save money on Costco hearing aids? Costco sells a variety of styles from four leading hearing aid brands. Learn about the available models, pros and cons, and prices, as well as alternatives to Costco hearing aids.Facebook TwitterPinterestCopy LinkBy Shannon CuthrellReviewed: September 29, 2021This content is researched and written independently of the views or opinions of Everyday Health's editorial team. Everyday Health may earn a commission from purchases of featured products in this article.

Kirkland

Includes TV streaming, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and a smartphone appResists water and dust
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Philips

Uses AI to clarify speechSoundMap technology processes sound in noisy environments
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Phonak

Supports TV streaming and hands-free phone callsAdjust volume and other settings in myPhonak app
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Rexton

Motion Core technology adapts to the wearer’s environmentUses lithium-ion battery for maximum charge
Get StartedCostco hearing aids have been dominating the market in recent years. The mammoth warehouse retailer now operates a nationwide network of hearing aid centers to join its gas stations, pharmacies, and food courts. The company’s massive buying power means it can sell hearing aids at costs well below those of other retailers and hearing centers. Costco offers a variety of hearing aid styles, including open-fit, behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, canal-fit, and custom-molded devices. The hearing aids can connect wirelessly to smartphones and Bluetooth-compatible devices for hands-free calling and TV streaming. Costco also offers access to accessories, charging systems, remote controls, and mobile applications to complete the hearing aid experience. Below, we’ll provide a snapshot of the four hearing aid brands Costco carries and which models it offers. We’ll also cover the pros and cons of Costco hearing aids, available models, costs of hearing aids, the buying process, warranty information, customer reviews, discount alternatives, and how they compare with some of the best hearing aids on the market today.

Pros and Cons of Buying Hearing Aids at Costco

Pros

Variety of hearing aid styles and accessoriesLower prices than competitorsRemote services on some hearing aid productsFree hearing tests, follow-up appointments, and cleaningsFree loss and damage coverageComplimentary warranty180-day refund policy

Cons

Only available to Costco membersLimited availability of Costco hearing aid centers in rural areasAppointment required for a hearing testNo payment plans or financing options

What Hearing Aids Are Available at Costco

Costco carries hearing aid products from four brands: Kirkland Signature (the Costco flagship brand), Philips, Phonak, and Rexton. Here’s a snapshot of each one.

Kirkland Signature 10 0

Kirkland Signature 10 0

Includes TV streaming, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and a smartphone appResists water and dust
Get StartedThis is the Costco flagship private label brand. Kirkland Signature hearing aids are manufactured by the Switzerland-based company Sonova, a leading hearing solutions provider that also develops Phonak hearing aids. The latest edition, Kirkland Signature 10 0, offers a top-of-the-line hearing product with TV streaming, t-coil (telecoil), and Bluetooth wireless connections, remote services, and volume customization via the smartphone app. The device can optimize speech in a variety of situations. It resists water and dust and is capable of surviving immersion in one meter (about three feet) of water for 60 minutes or eight hours in a dust chamber. Customers can choose a color: Bronze, Stone, Beige, Silver, or Black. The package comes with a cleaning cloth, brush, travel pouch, and case.

Philips

Philips

Uses AI to clarify speechSoundMap technology processes sound in noisy environments
Get StartedThe Philips HearLink line offers receiver-in-ear and behind-the-ear styles with different speaker and telecoil options to fit the wearer’s needs. It uses an artificial intelligence system to process speech in a variety of environments, and the Philips SoundMap technology processes sound more clearly in especially noisy places. An entire day of use requires three hours of charging. Users can activate streaming and adjust volume and equalization levels via the HearLink app. Philips offers devices in a range of colors. Wearers also have the option to purchase separate accessories like a TV adapter, remote control, and an audio clip for hands-free phone calls. The Philips HearLink line does not offer tinnitus management features.

Phonak

Phonak

Supports TV streaming and hands-free phone callsAdjust volume and other settings in myPhonak app
Get StartedPhonak hearing aids are provided by Sonova, one of the top manufacturers of hearing aids in the United States. Costco sells the Phonak Brio 4 line of behind-the-ear devices, which can connect to iOS, Android, and other Bluetooth-supported devices. The system adapts to different sound environments and allows wearers to seamlessly operate hands-free phone calls, TV streaming, and more. Wearers can adjust volume and other settings through the myPhonak app. Brio 4 devices are capable of continuous immersion in one meter of water for 60 minutes and eight hours in a dust chamber. Customers can choose from two battery sizes, with additional t-coil and in-the-ear custom-fit options. They can also add wireless accessories for TV and distance hearing.

Rexton

Rexton

Motion Core technology adapts to wearer’s environmentUses lithium-ion battery for maximum charge
Get StartedCostco carries two lines of Rexton hearing aids: the M-Core line and the Adore custom-made devices. One key feature of Rexton products is the Motion Core technology, which recognizes changes in the wearer’s environment and adapts accordingly. Rexton rechargeable hearing aids use a lithium-ion battery for maximum charging performance. Below we summarize the main features of each Rexton hearing aid that Costco carries.RM-Core R-Li Includes Motion Core technology; rechargeable batteries can run for up to 21 hours (with five hours of streaming on a full charge)M-Core SR Includes rechargeable batteries and a charging case accommodating up to four days of useM-Core 312 Rechargeable hearing aid with optional t-coil; includes Motion CoreM-Core B-Li M Includes Motion Core; continuous sound resolution adjustments; can recognize up to 120 hearing situations; direct audio streamingM-Core B-Li P A smaller version of the B-Li M; offers an optional charging station that dries and sanitizes the hearing aids; includes Motion CoreM-Core B-Li HP Rechargeable behind-the-ear device designed for people with severe to profound hearing loss; includes Motion Core; a single charge lasts 61 hours; optional charging and cleaning stationM-Core iX Adapts to the environment and recognizes hearing situations better than existing productsAdore Customs A line of small, discreet, in-the-ear devices Rexton also offers accessories such as a TV streaming transmitter, a smart microphone for hands-free calling and streaming, and a remote control.

How Much Do Costco Hearing Aids Cost

Prices vary depending on the model and brand wearers choose and whether they want a single device or a pair. Prices start at:Kirkland Signature 10 0 $1,399.99 per pairPhilips $1,799.99 per pairPhonak Brio 4 $2,499.98 per pairRexton M-Core Line $1,799.98 per pair For perspective, most estimates place the average cost of a single hearing aid between $1,000 and $4,000. In 2015, the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology reported that the average hearing aid costs more than $2,300 (or $4,600 for a pair).

How to Buy Hearing Aids at Costco

Those who are not Costco members will need to sign up to take advantage of its hearing aid program. A standard Gold Star membership, priced at $60 per year, includes access to all Costco warehouses and e-commerce channels and offers two membership cards. For $120 per year, users can level up with the Gold Star Executive membership, which includes Gold Star benefits with an annual 2 percent reward on eligible purchases, additional benefits and discounts on services, and a Costco Connection magazine subscription. Interested users should contact a Costco hearing aid center near them to schedule a test appointment. They’ll need to submit a confidential case history form (available here) detailing their medical history and hearing needs. The hearing test takes place in a private sound booth and should last about an hour. After the test, Costco staff will let users know if hearing aids are the best solution for their needs and, if so, staff will help users find the best products for their lifestyle.

Warranties and Guarantees

Warranties vary by model and manufacturer. But Costco offers loss and damage protection free of charge, with no deductible needed. And if wearers aren’t satisfied with the product, they can return it for a full refund within 180 days of purchase.

Alternatives to Costco Hearing Aids

While discount prices are the staple benefit of Costco hearing aids, there are other ways to find low-cost options. Users can buy high-quality hearing aids online through a discount network like ZipHearing, which helps users locate a provider in their area who facilitates the order and then assists with fitting the new hearing aids. ZipHearing carries models from Phonak, like Costco, but it also offers access to many other brands. Alternatively, users can purchase hearing aids online directly from the company that makes them. Some brands offer deals and discounts to new customers.

Standout Brands and Models Users Can t Find at Costco

Eargo

Eargo

Best for discreet devicesFree sample kit to try before you buy
Get StartedThe Eargo in-the-canal hearing aid models are perfect for people who prefer discreet devices. With advanced noise reduction, feedback cancellation, and sound amplification, the Eargo Max, Neo, Neo HiFi and Eargo 5 models pack the best in-demand features into a small design. The company also offers an online hearing test and support from hearing experts. Once customers find the model they want, Eargo will mail a sample kit to try out the hearing aids before buying. Plus, if a customer is a federal employee or retiree, they may be able to get Eargo hearing aids at no cost through their insurance benefit plan. Prices range from $1,850 to $2,950 per pair. Get Eargo at Eargo.com.

Lively

Lively

Entire buying process takes place onlineAccess to a remote audiologist for three years
Get StartedLively offers a wide range of behind-the-ear hearing aids, featuring 12 processing channels, noise-blocking functions, and a companion mobile app. The company is popular for its customer service and engagement. Similar to Costco, new customers take a hearing test and consult with an audiologist who helps program and adjust their hearing aids. But Lively takes it a step further: The entire process takes place online. Following users’ first appointment, they can reach out to their remote audiologist for questions and feedback anytime for three years. Prices range from $1,195 to $1,595 per pair. Get options at Listenlively.com.

ReSound One

ReSound

Best for those with tinnitusChoose from 17 audio channels
Get StartedReSound One is a highly customizable receiver-in-the-ear hearing aid that’s perfect for people who have tinnitus (ringing in the ear). A microphone sits in the ear canal to complement two additional microphones on the device — providing full sound quality through 17 audio channels, four customizable programs, and an accompanying mobile app. Prices range from $3,198 to $4,738 per pair. Get the ReSound One at Ziphearing.com.

Phonak Audeo Paradise 90

Phonak

Built for those with profound hearing lossPause or play streaming with two taps near the ear
Get StartedThe Phonak Audeo Paradise 90 receiver-in-the-canal hearing aid is built specifically for people with profound hearing loss. The device has three auto-switch programs that adjust to echo, car, and loud-noise environments. It supports eight Bluetooth connections and includes an air-tap feature that allows wearers to pause and play streaming with two taps near their ear. Prices average $2,399 per hearing aid or $4,798 for a pair. Get the Phonak Audeo Paradise 90 at Ziphearing.com.

Costco Hearing Aid Customer Reviews

“I have had hearing aids for 10 years using three pairs before Costco's, beginning January 2020. I have had Odicon ($4,500) and Phonak ($5,500) and have never been happy with them. These Kirkland for $1,600 are great. I can hear my wife, the TV, and conversations. Before, I could hear volume, but did not understand the words. Even better is the Bluetooth connection to the TV. Only downside is now that I can really hear my wife, I noticed she has a lisp, which I never noticed before!” — D., verified customer, ConsumerAffairs.com “My wife and I tried to use our United Healthcare insurance plan for hearing aids. The insurance program proved to be expensive and low quality after two appointments with United Healthcare providers. We then met with an independent provider who was good but very expensive. I then decided to see what Costco had to offer. That proved to be an excellent decision.” — Tom, verified customer, ConsumerAffairs.com “This is my first time getting hearing aids. What a difference! I bought the Kirkland 10. And they are fantastic! After a few days my wife turned the volume on the TV to what I set it prior. Wow, talk about waking up the neighborhood ... Save up, it’s worth it.” — Randy, Retirement Living

The Bottom Line

Users have a lot to consider when purchasing hearing aids, and with so many different kinds of brands and styles out there, it can be overwhelming to try and choose the best one without testing them out in person. For value shoppers looking for national hearing center brands at lower prices, Costco hearing aids could be the way to go. Customers get a variety of perks, from a no-deductible loss and damage warranty to free checkups, adjustments, and hearing aid cleanings. That said, if users purchase hearing aids through Costco and need to repair their devices, they have to visit a Costco hearing center to do so. If having access to ongoing audiologist care is important when purchasing hearing aids, it may be a better idea to look elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Costco hearing aids good quality?Costco hearing aid products are a low-cost but valuable buy. It’s important to remember that with lower prices come some trade-offs, like losing out on access to an audiologist. Users can buy hearing aids online (for example Lively or Audicus) for the same price with audiologist care included. That said, the brands Costco sells are reputable and have been in the business for decades. Sonova, which manufactures the Costco Kirkland Signature hearing aids as well as Phonak products, has operated for more than 70 years.Who makes Kirkland hearing aids for Costco? Kirkland hearing aids are manufactured by Sonova, a hearing device maker based in Switzerland. It’s the parent company of Phonak and other hearing brands.Does Costco use audiologists? Costco mostly uses licensed hearing aid specialists, who are trained to evaluate customers’ hearing loss and establish the best solution for their needs and lifestyles. Hearing aid specialists are licensed by the state where they live to dispense hearing aids, but they do not have the expertise of an audiologist. Audiologists hold a doctor of audiology degree and are experts in all things related to hearing care. They can diagnose and treat issues related to hearing, whereas a hearing aid specialist can only help users purchase hearing aids. If customers require the expertise of an audiologist, Costco may not be the best option for them. But if customers are looking for affordable and quality hearing aids without the need for audiologist support, Costco hearing aids may be a viable low-cost option.