Costco vs. an Audiologist: Where Should You Buy Hearing Aids?

Author: Dr. Sarah Johnson

Overview: Costco can be a reasonable hearing aid option for some adults, particularly when price is a priority. Working with an audiologist provides a different level of hearing evaluation, individualized technology selection, professional fitting, verification and ongoing hearing care. The better choice depends on your hearing needs, budget and how much professional support you want.

We’re going to say something you may not expect to read on an audiologist’s website: Costco can be a reasonable place for some people to purchase hearing aids.

There. We said it.

If you're researching hearing aids in Sioux Falls, there's a good chance Costco has already come up. And rather than tell you that one choice is universally good and the other is bad, we'd rather help you understand the difference.

Because they aren't really the same experience.

Why do people consider Costco hearing aids?

Usually, price.

Costco has made hearing technology available at prices that get people's attention. For someone with relatively straightforward hearing needs who is comfortable with that model of care, price can make it an attractive option.

But hearing aids aren't a purchase we'd recommend comparing on price alone.

The better question is what kind of care you want surrounding the technology.

What is different about working with an audiologist?

At High Tone Hearing, the hearing aid is only one part of what we're evaluating.

Before recommending anything, we want to understand your hearing, your ear health, your communication challenges and the places where hearing is most difficult for you.

Maybe you hear perfectly well sitting across from your spouse at home but lose half the conversation at a restaurant. Maybe meetings have become harder. Maybe television is fine, but your grandchildren aren't.

Those details influence what we recommend.

Then, once you've selected hearing aids, the fitting and programming process begins. We don't simply hand you devices in a box.

Does professional fitting really matter?

Yes.

This is one of the things we wish more people knew before shopping for hearing aids.

Two people could purchase the exact same hearing aid and have completely different experiences with it.

The technology matters. So does how it is fit.

At High Tone, we use real-ear verification as part of our hearing aid fitting process. It allows us to measure how the hearing aid is actually performing in your ear rather than relying only on manufacturer settings or assumptions.

Small differences in programming can make a big difference in how speech sounds and how comfortable your hearing aids feel.

What about selection?

High Tone is independent.

That means we're not tied to one hearing aid manufacturer.

We work with technology from Phonak, Oticon, ReSound, Starkey, Widex and Signia.

We don't believe there is one brand that's best for everyone. Sometimes one manufacturer makes the most sense for a particular hearing loss. Sometimes another is a better match for someone's lifestyle, phone, dexterity, listening environments or preferences.

That's why we like having options.

So is an audiologist worth the difference?

For many people, yes.

Especially if you have more complex hearing loss, struggle significantly in background noise, have had hearing aids before and weren't happy with them, want help comparing different technologies, want an ongoing relationship with the person managing your hearing care, or simply want more guidance through the process.

And for some people, another purchasing option may make sense. We're comfortable saying that too.

What should you ask before buying hearing aids anywhere?

Ask who is evaluating your hearing. Ask how they will decide which technology is right for you. Ask whether the hearing aids will be programmed specifically for your hearing and whether real-ear verification is used. Ask what follow-up care is included, what happens if you are unhappy with how you are hearing, what brands and technology levels are available, and what you are actually paying for.

If you get clear answers to those questions, you're in a much better position to make a good decision.

At High Tone, our goal isn't to convince every person in Sioux Falls that there's only one place they can buy hearing aids.

We want you to understand the difference between your options. Then you can decide what's right for you.

Have questions about hearing aids? Come ask us.

High Tone Hearing is located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and appointments are available with our audiologists.