Kirkland Signature 100 Fit & Functionality
The Kirkland Signature 10.0 comes in a style typical to most hearing aids. It has a sleek, relatively small form factor, with push buttons placed up behind the ear. It is a RIC-style hearing aid, meaning that it has a thin wire that goes inside the ear canal.
The Kirkland Signature 10.0 can work for all types and degrees of hearing loss. For those with greater hearing loss, it may make sense to use something called an ear mold, which enhances the fit in your ear canal.
The Kirkland Signature 10.0 smartphone app has a pretty low rating, but can adequately cover basic functions such as changing volume and switching between programs.
Costco Philips Hearing Aids
Costco has just introduced Philips HearLink hearing aids to its line-up as a replacement for Bernafon devices which they carried for a long time. Philips is a new entry to the world of modern hearing aids, although, they are also a legacy brand in the hearing aid world. Philips offered some outstanding hearing aids many years ago but left the hearing aid market. Recently they have entered into an agreement with Demant to re-enter the hearing aid market.
Philips hearing aids share their hardware with both Oticon and Bernafon, however, the strategies and features onboard are very different. For instance, Philips hearing aids use a different amplification strategy than the other brands.
Taking The Free Costco Hearing Test
I jumped in the car on test day and headed to my local Costco. The place is HUGE. Stacks of bulk deodorant, t-shirts and peanut butter as far as the eye can see.
A representative at the front door checked my membership and pointed me in the direction of the hearing center. I checked in 10 minutes before my appointment and filled in my intake form live .
A licensed hearing professional came to get me in the waiting room and took me to the Costco hearing test booth. He placed two foam wires in my ears.
I clicked the button each time a beep became audible. This first part of the test established my audiogram and hearing aid programming targets. Try the Soundly online hearing test for a quick example of how this works.
The hearing professional tested my speech comprehension by speaking various words into a microphone and asking me to repeat them. He then took out the earbuds and placed a bone conduction headphone on my head to test my bone conduction hearing.
The Costco professional tested my hearing in each ear with static in the other ear to test the interaction between both sides and finished by playing louder beeps to test my responsiveness to loud noise.
The process took about 10 minutes, and we reviewed the results together. My care provider explained why certain sounds are more challenging for my hearing loss and compared my test results to the Costco test I took two years ago. Happily, my hearing is holding steady.
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Does Costco Use Audiologists
The employees at the Costco Hearing Aid Centers are not all licensed and trained audiologists. However, some hearing centers do employ audiologists as part of their staff. If you need to see an audiologist, you should call ahead to verify that there will be an audiologist on staff on the day of your visit.
Best Hearing Aids For Tinnitus In 2022
Our experts reviewed and researched the best hearing aids for Tinnitus and narrowed the list to their top recommendations.
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The Cost Difference Is Negligible
Costcos cheapest hearing aid is the Kirkland Signature 10.0, starting at $1,399. Other brands they have begin at $1,799, and they charge extra if you want custom-fitted earmolds.
Our prices include hearing packages that bundle all the hearing services you need and that last for the next one to four years regular hearing check-ups and visits, hearing aid maintenance, hearing aid supplies, and ongoing support from advanced doctors of audiology and hearing instrument specialists.
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, weve spent more than 4,000 hours, collectively, researching the best hearing aids to help you find the device thats 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
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Are Costco Hearing Aids Locked
For the uninitiated, locked hearing aids are programmable only at the point of purchase, or within a closed seller network like Beltone or Miracle-Ear. In January 2022, Costcos US Operations team told HearingTracker that all Costco hearing aids after the KS 6.0 are unlocked. This means that you could take your Costco-purchased hearing aids to an independent audiologist, and have them programmed to your needs.
HearingTracker independently reviews products and services. When you buy through our links or using our discount codes, we may earn a commission.
Comparing Costcos Products Including The Kirkland 100
With the test out of the way, it was time to discuss treatment options. Costco offers five brands. I’ll break each one down in some detail below. Regardless of product, all Costco hearing aids come with the same benefits:
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Free follow-up appointments for life a
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One $0 free replacement for loss or damage
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Remote program adjustments
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Free cleanings while you shop
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That’s It Time For A Hotdog
Sadly I dont have photo evidence of the Costco hotdogs, but I can assure you they exist and are still just $1.50.
Our ride-along is almost done. Youve seen the hearing test and available products. But is Costco worth it? The answer depends on your goals and budget. If saving money is your #1 goal Costco is tough to beat. If you are looking for something even more affordable, Id look at Lexie. If you want professional care but prefer telehealth, you might consider Lively.
If budget isnt a top factor for you, Id suggest finding a licensed audiologist in your area. A long-term relationship with a profession can greatly help you make decisions about your hearing health.
Final Thought
If you havent ever yet had your hearing tested start with an online hearing test right now. Most tests take 5 minutes and give valuable insight into the state of your hearing.
I hope youve found this review helpful and Id love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Benefits & Drawbacks Of The Kirkland Signature 100
Benefit #1: Price
For under $1,400, you get a pair of durable, rechargeable hearing aids, fit with the help of a professional. This is a sizable discount compared to hearing aids purchased from traditional clinics.
Benefit #2: Bluetooth connectivity
With the Kirkland SIgnature 10.0, you can take phone calls and stream music and videos all through your hearing aids, regardless of whether you have an Apple or Android device. The hearing aids also come with a built-in microphone, allowing for hands-free calling.
Benefit #3: Rechargeability
The Kirkland Signature 10.0 comes with a rechargeable lithium ion battery system, which is considered to be the gold standard. After charging the devices for a few hours overnight, youll have enough charge to use the hearing aids all day without worry.
Benefit #4: Flexible trial period
Costco offers a six month trial period for their hearing aids, enabling you to test them and return them if they arent a good fit. This is significantly longer than the 30- to 45-day trial periods offered by most clinics, and affords you the time needed to work through the month-long retraining period when switching to new hearing aids.
Drawback #1: Professional support
If you are looking to purchase hearing aids from a Costco near you, make sure you ask to meet with an audiologist or, if not possible, a professional with the most experience. This will decrease the possibility of inadequately fitted hearing aids.
Drawback #2: Tinnitus masking
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Costco Hearing Aids Vs Custom Fit Hearing Aids
June 30, 2021 By Hearing Associates of Las Vegas
Those with hearing aids are aware of the constant struggle to find the hearing aid that works for them. With a wide variety of options available from various locations, the choice can sometimes be extremely overwhelming.
However, a straightforward goal remains for those looking for the right hearing aid: to hear easily and clearly. One manufacturer of hearing aids that have popped up recently is Costco Wholesale. Costco is now the largest supplier of hearing aids globally, accounting for a large portion of the hearing aid market.
Hearing Aid Price Factors
- How well you want to hear in noisy situations?
- Will having direct connectivity from your hearing aids to your phone enhance your life while you hear amazingly well?
The outcome of your hearing test along with the features and benefits you want to take advantage of to improve your lifestyle will determine how much your hearing aids will cost.
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Should I Get A Hearing Aid
If you have hearing loss, hearing aids can significantly improve your quality of life. Hearing loss has been linked to dementia, especially for people ages 45 to 64. Living with hearing loss may stop you from participating in social and educational activities.
If cost is an issue, keep in mind that more and more affordable hearing aids are coming onto the market.
Costco Hearing Aids Complaints
The majority of Costco Hearing Center and hearing aid reviews are mixed with many stores receiving positive reviews and ratings, but other stores having less than stellar ratings among customers. Customers who wrote reviews on ConsumerAffairs gave Costco Hearing Centers a cumulative score of just under three out of five stars. The majority of complaints revolve around store location, appointment times or trouble with some hearing aid models. The Better Business Bureau gives Costco Corporate an A+ rating.
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Will Costco Take Insurance
Costco doesnt accept insurance for hearing aids. Hearing aids arent usually covered by health insurance plans, including original Medicare.
If you have an insurance plan that covers hearing aids, you can still shop at Costco. Youll have to submit an invoice to your insurer for reimbursement, after payment.
Resound Vida Power Bte
The Power BTE is the largest and most powerful of the Vida behind the ear hearing aids from Resound. It is fitted with a traditional tube and mould. It has a telecoil onboard. The device is suitable for hearing losses from moderate to severe. While it will help some people with profound hearing loss, it will struggle depending on the exact level.
The BTE is a sturdy hearing aid model with great reliability. They very rarely break down.
The functional features of this model are as follows, it has a push button, volume control, the devices all have smart start which gives you a couple of seconds to get it in your ear before it comes on. You will get direct audio streaming from iPhones, ear to ear communication, and wireless accessories.
More importantly, you will get access to the Smart 3D app and all the benefits that it delivers to your experience. This device takes a size 13 battery which again should deliver up to seven days of use
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Yes Costco Hearing Aid Prices Are Cheaper
But that comes at a cost. Too often we see patients who have resorted to purchasing hearing aids in big warehouse stores to get lower pricing. They come to us for help after they have lost confidence in where they purchased their hearing aids from and after multiple adjustments with poor outcomes. Most of these patients are not satisfied with the fit or the way they sound.
Unfortunately for the patient, these warehouse stores do not have the best interest of the patient in mind. They do not tell them they are purchasing locked hearing aids that are not programmable by an outside business. They are more about how many devices they sell on a daily basis, but are not focused on patient follow-up. That is Big Box and Private labels way of keeping you coming back to them. Even if you are unsatisfied.
Even though these cheaper prices may sound like a better option, they are still expensive if they are not appropriate for your hearing loss and not programmed properly. Most of these stores employ technicians who have limited education in hearing loss and treatment.
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. Youll receive a free hearing test, which lasts about one hour and is performed by a Costco hearing specialist using a sound booth. If you purchase Costco hearing aids, both in-person and remote follow-up appointments for service or cleaning are free.
Finally, Costcos 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.
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What To Consider Before Buying A Hearing Aid
The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders reports that 37.5 million American adults have some level of hearing loss.7 While hearing loss can occur at any time in life, the problem becomes more common with age.
The NIDCD estimates almost one in four adults between the ages of 65 and 74 and half of people older than 75 have disabling hearing loss. It may come as a surprise that only one in three adults who could benefit from hearing aids has ever used them. In fact, people with hearing loss tend to wait an average of 10 years before seeking treatment, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine8.
There are many reasons that may prevent those with hearing loss from seeking help. The following are some of the more common:
- The cost of hearing aids and hearing care
- The fact that insurance companies and Medicare do not cover hearing aids
- The distance from hearing care providers
- The stigma associated with wearing a hearing aid9
We asked Michelle Brady, an audiologist with Access Audiology, a mobile audiology service in the New York City area, what shed like people to know about the purchasing process. According to Brady, the most important thing to consider when shopping for a hearing aid is time.
Which Is Better: In
Hearing aids come in several styles, including behind-the-ear and in-the-ear. Finding the best device for you depends on several factors.
A behind-the-ear hearing aid sits behind your ear with a plastic earmold that fits into the outer ear. The case that sits behind your ear holds all the electronic parts necessary to make it work. BTE devices are bigger, so they are typically easier to use and handle, making them a good choice for kids and older adults. Theyre also able to hold a larger battery, which provides a longer battery life. Plus, the bigger size makes them more durable and able to provide more features. BTE hearing aids serve a range of ages and hearing loss. They are appropriate for all ages and work well for anyone with mild to profound hearing loss.
In-the-ear hearing aids fit inside the ear, either partially or completely, and work well for mild to severe hearing loss. Some ITE devices come with a telecoil, which is a small magnetic coil enabling you to hear sound through the circuit rather than the microphone. This may improve the quality of phone conversations or help you hear in environments that use special sound systems, like auditoriums. ITE aids are more discreet than BTE, but they are still bigger than nearly invisible options like a completely-in-the-canal hearing aid.
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The Cost Of Hearing Aids
Traditional hearing aids range in price from around $1,000 to over $14,000 per pair, and most insurance plans offer only partial coverage. Medicare doesnt cover hearing aids at all. In fact, the original 1965 Medicare Act specifically excluded coverage of hearing aidsa quirk of the law that hasnt changed. Making matters worse, hearing aids have an average lifespan of just five to six years, which means that a person diagnosed with hearing loss in their mid-50s can expect to purchase multiple pairs over their lifetime. This cost burden is especially challenging for someone on a fixed income.
Even if money isnt an issue, access to audiologists can pose another obstacle. Patients are currently required to see a licensed hearing professional and obtain a prescription prior to purchasing hearing aids. The initial testing and tuning of the hearing aids may require multiple trips to the audiologist, and the devices generally need to be rechecked at least annually . Many people simply cannot manage to get to and from all these appointments with regularity.