I'm wondering if there are a few, or hopefully many on this Forum who can shed a little light on purchasing hearing aids. I went to a very reputable ENT Dr in Sarasota, Fl for a full evaluation for hearing loss. I went thru about an hour of different hearing tests and had a follow up appt with the specialist. To make a long story short, my hearing for higher range noises, such as hearing conversations in a crowded, noisy room is pretty severe. They sent me to their own Hearing Aid division, who proceeded to look at my test results, and recommend hearing Aids at $5,000. I listened to their Spiel, and said thank you very much, but let me think about it. They tried their hardest to close a deal before I left, but I told them I would think about it and get back to them.

Since then, I have done a lot of research and think I can get a much better, "bang for my buck" at Costco hearing center. Looking at all the available info on the web, it looks like Costco can sell the exact same products as the professionals, at about 1/2 the price! I'm hoping some on here have experience with Costco, and can share their experiences.

Yea sure they can, but the important part is "the person" that fits the correct hearing program to you're hearing loss.

I have never been satisfied with cheap and hearing. Takes a really good experienced person to try and help me.

Save your cheap for something else.
Not the hearing specialist. That person is the key.
JMHO.

Oh yea, hearing aids sells are kind of like a car dealer, they do push hard.
I pay the $5,000 every 3 years or so. Aids are an aid only, this is not like glasses and mechanical fix so remember that.

Had basically the same experience only quoted $6000.00 Pick up my new hearing aids at Costco on Saturday. Have six months to decide if I like them or not and can return for a full refund within that time. Free adjustments as needed. Three year warranty. Two years free loss replacement. $1800.00

Mine cost $7000 from a specialist. They help some but my hearing is still impaired.
My audiologist said the issue of hearing in crowds or lots of back ground noise is not correctable.

Crowds=MUMBO JUMBO!!

Aids increase volume! Don't help you decipher words spoken! Learn how to read lips! That's what I learned to do.

Artillery fire and millions of rifle shots and big aircraft engines are the pariah of hearing loss!!

Along with 2 stroke motorcycles with no muffler.
Diesels in the oil field in drilling operations
Getting older----
Then your brain forgets how to hear from lack of hearing as you put off any corrections and help you can get it.

If your hearing is damaged while you are young and you don't get hearing aids, the part of your brain that distinguishes between noise and speech starts to atrophy from lack of use.

That's why, even with the best hearing aids, my word recognition is below 50 %.

If I can't see you I can't understand you.

Wtxj, and Sharpsman, I know what you're saying! Grew up shooting Rifles and shotguns with no protection, and being an MP in the early 70's at the range every week has definitely contributed. Called the VA to see if I was eligible for VA benefits and they pretty much laughed at me. Thanks for your service!

I am lucky in the fact that I go to a Dr. of Audiology, A PhD type Dr., she was kind to me and sold me last years Phonics for cost plus 10, 1,070.00 out the door all properly adjusted. new price on them would have been 2300.00 EACH!

She also told me the first time I went to her that aids will not restore natural hearing just help to hear a bit better. Crowds, restaurants Etc. FUGETABOUTIT! Quiet situations and normal conversation without a bunch of background noise is where they shine. Hell, I have to mute the TV to talk to the wife or talk on the phone.

Bottom line, go with Costco and avoid Audibel and Belltone like the plague!

I don't need hearing aids yet (which amazes me) but I have been tested by a lot of different audiologists, including the head guy at the Utah State School for the Deaf. The guy I was most impressed with?

The one at Costco.

Lightning, don't ask about a disability, get registered with the VA (DD214 is all you need). I got ZERO percent for my hearing loss, but did get the aids through VA ($8000).
I was amazed that I could hear change rattle and paper rattle, BUT I drive with the windows down and don't wear them when I drive.
Cheap hearing aids simply amplify noise - that's about it, tuned hearing aids help a bunch but they will not restore your hearing to 100%

BTW, Jumping out of airplanes, rifle fire, then a long time flying did me in. Gets worse with age...

Wind noise from driving with the window down killed your hearing. To the OP, $5K is the bottom and my dad has been using his aids for three years, (He is 91.) He had to relearn how to hear, and his comprehension is down below 50% now due to vascular dementia (NOT the hearing aids quality.) What you get now for the money is a service with scheduled appointments and computer-enhanced tuning of the chosen model tailored over time to your own unique needs.


If you csn get by with just a boosted model, get ready for the big time and $10K models later on. Roll them windows up and pay for the A/C!!

Even with excellent hearing protection, I managed to shoot enough rounds that I forever damaged my hearing.

After going though many, many hearing tests, lots of audiologists and hearing aids, I finally settled down to using one source ... COSTCO.

I was skeptical at first, but the Costco hearing test and booth were the finest of the many I've experienced. Further, I found that Costco's technicians are simply excellent.

Something that wearing aids for several decades has taught me; technology advances, even in hearing aids, and I normally buy the next generation about every three years.

Haven't kept count, but I've probably been using Costco as my hearing aid source for fifteen to twenty years. Costco's service is unexcelled, at least at my local warehouse.

I always buy the finest aid that is appropriate. My last pair of hearing aid was purchased last November and they are the best I've experienced yet. Cost out the door for the pair of BTE aids and custom molds??? $2,800

That's dirt cheap, considering the fact that they turn me from a severely-impaired person to one who can actually hear and converse normally.

kd

There is lots of good information here about hearing loss as it was explained by the technician at Costco. She said there is a relearning period of about 3 months that's why they will have to adjust your hearing aids periodically. Also why they allow you to try them out for six months before deciding to keep them.
The ones she loaned me while in the store had a switch that could shut out background noise or allow it as you preferred. She also suggested learning to read lips or at least face the person talking to you was helpful.
I didn't have complete hearing loss at any frequency so just need amplification. Some frequencies more so than others but across the entire spectrum.
I would suggest at least having the hearing exam and going from there. You will know after the exam whether or not you have a good technician.

Yep,do the VA thing.

They are doing my brother-in-law and so far it is looking good.

He lobbed large things a long way while a Captain in the Army.

I have been using hearing aids for 12 years and currently on my third pair. I got the second pair at Costco and that experience convinced me that I would never buy hearing aids from them again. The technicians at Costco are not audiologists. Their hearing test booths are not soundproof. I could hear the store heating and AC fans while taking the test. When I had problems with the aids from Costco, I had to wait up to three days to get an appointment. Costco did not offer loaner aids while mine were out for repair. My local audiologist gets me in for problems on the day I call and provides loaners while mine are being repaired.

If Costco offers their Kirkland brand don't buy them if they won't identify the manufacturer. If it is either Rexton or Siemens there repair service sucks. I waited up to three weeks to get repairs, and always had to have Costco call to get action.

Costco does have the best prices on hearing aid batteries that I have found.

I had my hearing tested at Costco and listened to their pitch, then I went to an M.D. who specialized in hearing disorders. Same scenario as the O.P., I tried the high price $5K + aids for 30 days which cost me $150.00. They had assured me that the masking noise would help with the tinnitis which was my main complaint. I did not feel that they did after a return trip for reprogramming results were the same so I returned them.

COSTCO is the right choice. They identified who makes their Kirkland brand for me as soon as I asked the question. I checked the brand with other audiologists, one of which used to work for Costco - they are top of the line products, and you'll pay over twice as much for them anywhere else. I paid $1900 including tax for a pair.

The guy who left Costco did so to open his own shop and now makes well over $100,000 per year selling $5000 hearing aids.

Costco

i went this route,love mine.4 years now. they replaced an ear tube on one free. other than that no problems.great people to deal with.

after 27 years in the oilfield i have mod-severe hearing loss in both ears. this year for my 50th birthday i decided to go ahead and get hearing aids. went to an ENT and had the full hearing test then went to their audiologist for the HA's. She quoted me $6500 for signia Primax Ace 7 hearing aids.
I thought that seemed high and after looking and researching i found a vendor on ebay and bought the same hearing aid with a 3 year warranty and lifetime reprogramming (same as the Audiologist offered) for $2500. they came with everything signia offers (warranty card,batts, domes etc).
Extremely happy with the purchase and performance. 6 different programs (normal, noisy env, phone,tv,music, outdoor sports) all controlled from an app on my phone.

I am on my second set of aids. My first were 5k,

After they got old and crapped out I went back to the ENT at my hospital.

After all the "new" tests he gave me some options .
$2500, $3200, $5000
ReSound brand is what he recommended and was pricing .

The difference is options and power.
The budget price had limited options and limited NlueTooth capabilities.

The top of the line had all kinds of options bells and wistles.
I could adjust tones, set different modes(tv, movies, nature, ) stuff like that., through my phone .

To took the 3200 aids.

The first ones I selected did not work for me,
Fourth from the right.

http://www.resound.com/en-US/hearing-aids

I am outside a lot and these were similar to my old ones and wind was a big problem. Nothing worse than hearing nothing but wind wher sitting in a deer stand or fishing.

He took those back and fitted me with these, six from left.
http://www.resound.com/en-US/hearing-aids

The microphone tucks into the ear and is out of the wind. Bests aids I have ever worn.

Now with my $3200 I got great service, a rebuild on the complete design, total and complete adjustments via computer, adjustments on fit twice, excellent warranty.

With these aids I can Blue Tooth everything through my IPhone either through an app of through Apple .
Answering the phone is now though my aids so I do not have to put the ph e up to my ear and experience squeeling and such
But the best part is the WIND.

If you are going to get new aids, check them in the wind and make sure they BT to your phone.

My current pair cost $4,800 because the audiologist charges as a package including followup visits for adjustments, hearing tests, cleaning, etc. The actual cost for just the hearing aids at retail is 50% of that cost. Unfortunately, I've moved and that audiologist is now 2,500 miles away.

My next pair of hearing aids will be from Costco. Costco is everywhere.

You got [bleep].
My $3200 included 1 full year of adjustments and visits a three year free replacement warranty and after 3 years, a $300 co-pay for damage or loss for 2 more years

Sign up with the VA I have no complaints other then I get a new Doc way to often. Total knee replacement, complete care for my stoke, chiropractor,therapeutic massage, acupuncture, sometimes more care than I think I need. $8.00 per 30 days drug percription , but no hearing aids. And I was only in the USAF for a little over 4 years and no combat. I hear a lot of complaints on the news but at least the Alaska VA is great. --- Mel

I second the VA if you served. The care and the service is the best I have had in my life. The hearing aids they gave me are great and are four years old. I get a new pair every five years and any supplies or tuning is just a phone call away. As me hearing fluctuates all the time from the Meniere's disease I have to see the audiologist and the ENT a couple of times a year.

There is a small copay depending on income and percentage of disability. but even with a large income and no disability they still beat Costco for a darned good hearing aid.

I've suffered from tinnitus for years, and it also was affecting my hearing. The ringing is awful at times, and very aggravating. Finally went to an ENT, he told me the ringing was something I'd just have to learn to live with. He did send me to a hearing specialist, and after some tests, they recommended hearing aids. Cost was $2500, with 3 years worth of checkups, batteries, and maintenance. My insurance covered it, and will pay for a new pair every 3 years. I can't say as they've helped a lot, the ringing is still there, and I have trouble wearing them. I'm outside a lot, working on the farm, and they are bothersome to some degree. I "might" like them better if I wore them every day, but I admit that I don't, and a person needs to wear them most of the time in order for the brain and the hearing to get in sync. Had my insurance not paid for them, I would not consider it worth the price.

NOW HEAR THIS !!
Imagine a hearing problem after 65 or so years of shooting (many of those pre-protection), working in an oil refinery when young, running diesels/race cars/loud motorcycles and being at the front of some loud bands/orchestras.

The family finally cracked down on my "huh"? stuff and wife bought me a pair. Then I started doing the research.

Talked with a guy I knew who ran the hearing science program at a major university, talked turkey with some "audiology" types and went through the paces with one.

Bottom line - individual person problems do vary, but for about 90% of us the high-priced supposedly "adjustable" or "tuneable" aids give no better help than good/solid less expensive models. Background noise in crowded rooms or at noisy games or at events with background music (like a recent wedding reception) are not fixable with these things, and sometimes the aids make that noise more bothersome.

It looks to me like most of the 'audiologist' game (the science seems somewhat simple) is a channel to sell "sophisticated/individually tailored" hearing aids at high prices. These things are - a microphone, an amp, and a speaker - all made mini and with a volume control and maybe some selection for 'conditions". Mine cost $700 through the internet/mail - no exam or fitting - and they work as well as anything else I have tried. Your experience may vary - a bunch - but this is what I know. Brand is "MD".

No disrespect intended but with mine, the noisy room program let's me focus the reciever. I can select on the phone app the direction I want to focus on and as you "tune out" directions you can hear them get quieter in real time while enhancing the direction you want.
It definitely works for me and makes things like dinner out more enjoyable.

My experience as well.

I have the ability to tune out background noise and a whole host of other options.

The guy he was talking to is full if BS.

My Costco aids are made by Resound.

I really appreciate all the responses. I have an appt with Costco in about a week. I was able to try a HA at the Audiologist, so I will be able to compare. I guess Costco will let you walk around their store for a couple hours with theirs to experience them. Everything I've read online, and on the Hearing aid forum, is about 90% positive of Costco.

As far as those that recommended the VA, I was told by the VA I would have to "prove" my hearing loss is service related! I'm not sure how I can prove that, but if any of you Veterans have suggestions I'm all ears.

Yes, my $700 aids have some push-button options for different "conditions" (they don't have a "remote" app feature) and one can choose to downplay some of the distant sounds. I looked into the "tuned direction" feature. It's somewhat like a mic with a cardiod (or other pre-set) receiving/damping pattern. That would seem good if a fellow has his head aimed in a single direction or a while (like watching TV or giving attention to a non-moving source) but hard to imagine that being very effective in a situation where the user and/or sound sources are mobile.

I just wish I didn't need them in order to hear my grandkids and other important soft-speakers.

I never had to prove anything in Seattle to get my hearing aids.

Went to the VA a week ago and filed the application for benefits. I was told that, "you will receive a call within 24-48 hours with your status". A week later, today, I received a letter stating that I was in category 8e or 8g consisting of veterans in higher income groups, and I am not eligible for enrollment at this time! I can't even enroll!! If my status changes i can reapply, how nice of them! I have a brother in law who was dishonorably discharged from the Navy, has been a druggie all his life, has never worked a day in his life, is on welfare, and receives full VA medical benefits!
Welcome to the Liberals new America!

Just go to Costco. I've had theirs for almost 3 years, had one replaced because I lost it at the range, had one replaced because it died and have had about 4 adjustment appointments. Also have stepped in the shower with them on several times and just opened them up and hit em with a hair dryer though I'm sure that's not recommended. Worn them while sweating buckets in the summer and freezing in the winter. $1995 OTD. Went thru the same drill with the audiologist wanting to sell me the $3k/$5k/$6k package and just couldn't do it. My hearing has become more diminished and I need to get another adjustment. Starting to lip read more and more but that ain't the hearing aid's fault.

Are you near Charlotte? Just wondering if you can hear those BLM people with your hearing aids? If so I'm going with a different brand!

I'm about 20 miles north of Charlotte but the effects are felt to a small degree. Last Friday night a local high school football game was cancelled for "safety reasons" another 15 miles north of here. Sad. As far as whether or not I can hear them? I don't intend to get close enough to smell them much less hear them. As I indicated on the General Big Game board my feelings lean more to "Black Bears Matter".