Best Costco Hearing Aids Review 2024: What to Know Before You Buy According to Our Experts

Aug 05, 2024
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Read our comprehensive review of the best Costco hearing aids, including features, prices, and how to get help when you need it.
Written by: Cara Everett, MS, RDN, LDN
Medical Reviewer: Brian Murray
Reviewed by: Kathleen Cameron, BSPharm, MPH

Costco has become a major retailer of hearing aids in the United States since opening its first hearing aid center in 1989. The company sells hearing aids at more than 750 locations around the world. [1] Costco. Keep Your Ears Open. Feb. 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.costco.com/connection-buying-smart-keep-your-ears-open-february-2023.html Costco is a full-service hearing health provider, with in-person hearing tests, prescription hearing devices from three major brands, hearing aid programming, and after-purchase maintenance and repairs.

Most Feature Options
9.3
Excellent
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On sale often, starting at $297–$699.98 depending on the model
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Lifetime support from audiologists and hearing specialists at no extra cost
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45-day trial period
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Costco Hearing Aids Available in 2024

If you’re looking for affordable hearing aids and wondering which budget-friendly models are among the best Costco hearing aids, read our review for details on styles, features, and costs. Our Reviews Team visited several Costco hearing aid centers and spoke with corporate staff to help you make an informed decision when buying hearing aids.

Costco carries three prescription hearing aids in-store and one over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid model online.

Costco hearing aid center
Costco in-store hearing aid center

Why you can trust our expert review

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Models Selected

Table 1 Comparison of Costco hearing aids, as of 2024

Philips HearLink 9040RextonJabra Enhance Pro 20Lexie B2
Starting cost per pair$1,499.99$1,499.99$1,599.99$879.99
Hearing aid styleMultiple optionsMultiple optionsMultiple optionsReceiver-in-canal
Battery typeRechargeableRechargeableRechargeableRechargeable
Bluetooth streamingYesYesYesCalls only
Hands-free callingYesYes (with SmartMic)YesYes
How to adjustApp, buttons on hearing aid, or remote controlApp, buttons on hearing aid, or remote controlApp or buttons on hearing aidApp or buttons on hearing aid
Philips Bluetooth hearing aids
Pros Bluetooth streaming from both iOS and Android devices Artificial intelligence (AI) sound technology for improved listening experience Hands-free calling
Cons Shorter battery life than most other brands Older smartphones need separate accessory to stream Bluetooth

The Philips HearLink 9040 series available at Costco uses SoundProtect and SoundMap 2 technology. This artificial intelligence (AI) technology allows for better processing of speech in noisy environments and minimizes noise caused by handling, wind, and sudden sounds, which is why we chose Philips HearLink as the brand with the “Best Sound Processing.”

Rather than applying unchanging rules for how your hearing aids process sound, the AI in SoundMap 2 learns how to filter sound better the longer you wear your hearing aids, with continual improvement over time. According to the company’s internal research, the new generation of SoundMap 2 technology comes with 50% better sound resolution compared to previous models.

Battery and smartphone app

Our Reviews Team found Philips HearLink hearing aids to have the shortest battery life of the hearing aids we tested. At 18 hours, it might be tough to get through the day without needing to stop and charge them.

Philips HearLink hearing aids can connect to the Philips HearLink 2 app and stream Bluetooth from iOS devices version 16 and newer and Android devices version 8.0 or newer, as long as they’re compliant with Google’s Android Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA). You can check the Philips website to see if your smartphone or tablet is compatible with the Philips HearLink 2 app.

If you have an older smartphone or an Android device that isn’t ASHA-compliant, you can still stream Bluetooth and control your hearing aids remotely with the Philips AudioClip accessory (sold separately).

Accessories

The Philips HearLink also works with the following accessories:

Best for Travel: Rexton

Rexton hearing aids
Pros Cost of hearing aids includes a travel charger and a standard charger Bluetooth-enabled devices are compatible with both iOS and Android devices
Cons Some rechargeable models have a shorter battery life than other brands Cannot be purchased online

Rexton hearing aids are made by WS Audiology, the same company that manufactures prescription hearing aid brands Widex, Signia,  and Sony OTC hearing aids.

Rexton BiCore hearing aids are the brand’s newest line. BiCore technology processes speech and background sounds separately, which the company says provides a more natural listening experience. This type of sound processing is standard among prescription hearing aids, but we like that the starting price of Rexton devices is about $400–$800 less than other leading brands.

We also like that a pair of BiCore C R-Li hearing aids comes with two chargers instead of one: a standard at-home charger, and a travel charger that holds three full charges before it needs to be charged again. Both chargers are able to provide a 30-minute fast charge, giving you six hours of power. Most brands we’ve looked at provide only one charger, with travel chargers sold separately, which is why we named Rexton BiCore C R-Li “Best for Travel.”

Best Receiver-in-Ear: Jabra Enhance Pro 20

Jabra Enhance Pro 10 rechargeable hearing aids
Pros Water resistant (IP68 weatherproof coating) Long rechargeable battery life of 30 hours
Cons Bluetooth streaming and hands-free calling only available with iOS devices (version 11 and newer), not Androids Not suitable for profound hearing loss

The Jabra Enhance Pro 20 is sold exclusively at Costco and includes a variety of features for improved speech understanding and ease of use, as well as the longest battery life of any receiver-in-ear hearing aid from Costco, earning our distinction of the “Best Receiver-in-Ear” (RIE) hearing aid. Philips also offers a receiver-in-ear hearing aid at Costco, but its battery life is 18 hours compared to 30 hours for the Jabra Enhance Pro 20.

Features we like in the Jabra Enhance Pro 20 include automatic adjustments, rechargeable batteries, an app that we found easy to use, and a waterproof coating. While water resistance is nice, we’ve learned from hearing specialists that it’s a smart idea to remove your hearing aids before showering, swimming, or using hair products.

Bluetooth streaming, app, and battery life

You can stream audio from iOS, and ASHA-compliant Android devices to the Jabra Enhance Pro 20. This hearing aid can also be used with the Jabra Enhance Pro app to make hands-free phone calls, but you’ll need an iPhone or newer iOS device to do so. Unlike Rexton and Philips devices, Jabra Enhance hearing aids aren’t compatible with Android devices for hands-free calls.

The battery in the Jabra Enhance Pro 20 will last up to 30 hours per charge. This length is about the same as most other rechargeable prescription hearing aids.

Accessories

Jabra has a variety of accessories for the Enhance Pro 20:

For more information on this brand’s over-the-counter hearing aids, read our Jabra Enhance hearing aids review.

Best Over-the-Counter: Lexie B2 Powered by Bose

Pros Available without a prescription Call streaming on iPhone Easy setup
Cons Available online only Membership required to buy through Costco Comes in only one style and color

Costco members get a $20 discount on the Lexie B2 Powered by Bose hearing aid, a rechargeable receiver-in-canal model with excellent ratings in our Review Team’s tests. It retails for $999, but Costco sells it for $879.99.

As an over-the-counter hearing aid, the Lexie B2 doesn’t require a prescription or a hearing test for purchase, but it’s only available online. Instead of visiting a Costco hearing center for setup and adjustment, you use the Lexie app to customize settings. Fortunately, the app gives thorough instructions, so it’s easy to get started.

Bluetooth streaming, app, and battery life

The Lexie B2 has Bluetooth connectivity, but it’s limited mainly to connecting to the Lexie app to adjust the settings on your hearing aids. The B2 doesn’t stream music, television, or other audio, and it only streams phone calls on iPhone. Call streaming is incompatible with Android phones. 

The B2 has the shortest battery life of all Costco hearing aids, lasting up to 18 hours. You may have to recharge the Lexie B2 more than once a day if you frequently use the call streaming feature, as it quickly drains the battery.

According to our Reviews Team, Lexie provides one of the most functional hearing aid apps on the market. Fitting and setup instructions are thoroughly explained with animations, and it’s easy to contact the Lexie audiology team through the app for a personalized video conference. Adjusting volume, balance, and sound environment settings is intuitive. The Lexie app also hosts a video library of troubleshooting tips and a convenient portal for buying accessories. The app is available through the App Store and Google Play.

Accessories

Costco doesn’t sell Lexie hearing aid accessories, but they can be purchased through the Lexie website or app:

For more information on this brand, read our Lexie hearing aids review.

Pros and cons of Costco hearing aids

Read on for a list of the advantages and disadvantages of buying hearing aids at Costco.

Pros Lower prices than many other prescription hearing aids Available for all ranges of hearing loss (mild to profound) Unlimited cleaning and programming services included with purchase 180-day trial period, one of the longest in the industry Three-year manufacturer’s warranty plus two-year coverage for unlimited repairs and one-time replacement due to loss or damage Remote and in-person support available
Cons Costco membership required for hearing aid purchase Lack of transparency on hearing aid prices, warranties, and customer support Website is not very detailed or user-friendly No financing or payment plans No insurance accepted Can only be programmed at Costco hearing aid centers

Alternatives to Costco hearing aids

If Costco hearing aids aren’t right for you, consider over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. Most cost less than Costco’s prescription models, and many brands offer financing. OTC hearing aids come in all styles, from behind-the-ear to in-the-canal, and are suitable for mild to moderately severe hearing loss.  

On the other hand, if you’re able to spend more for in-person support, you may find more value in prescription hearing aids. Any audiologist can adjust or reprogram prescription-grade hearing aids, so you’ll get the most out of them even if your hearing changes.

Reputable hearing aids not available at Costco

Our Reviews Team tests hearing aids on an ongoing basis to verify sound quality, ease of use, battery life, and more. Here are some of the best hearing aids we’ve tested that are not available at Costco:

How to adjust your Costco hearing aids

If you need your hearing aids adjusted or reprogrammed, call your local Costco hearing aid center to make an appointment. One salesperson we talked to said they recommend monthly cleanings to lengthen the life of your hearing aids. They told us that many customers make an appointment and drop off their hearing aids for cleaning while they shop.

If your hearing ability has changed or you’re having trouble with the sound quality of your devices, make an appointment for reprogramming. This will take place in the hearing aid center’s soundproof booth and can take up to an hour.

Both cleaning and reprogramming services are provided at no cost as long as you maintain a Costco membership.

Are Costco hearing aids “locked”?

Costco Kirkland hearing aids have traditionally been “locked,” meaning they can only be reprogrammed at Costco hearing aid centers. This is a common practice among large hearing aid manufacturers, such as Beltone, Miracle Ear, and Nu Ear. Locking devices is a way to keep sales and service within their own company.

The brands described in this article and currently sold at Costco are made specifically for Costco, so they can only be serviced at the company’s hearing aid centers. The limitation on where you can go for service is an important consideration before buying. Many people decide the lower price and convenience are worth the trade-off, but most hearing clinics don’t require you to return to them for service or have restrictions on brands they’ll service.

Costco hearing aid accessories

Disposable batteries at a local Costco hearing aid center
Disposable batteries at a local Costco hearing aid center

In addition to hearing aids, Costco also sells supplies, like batteries and hearing aid accessories, for each brand.

One of our testers contacted a Costco hearing aid center in Ohio to find out how to buy accessories, like TV streamers and remote controls. They said many customers buy them when purchasing their hearing aids, but you can come into the store at any time and place an order for an accessory. The store will order it and call you when it’s ready for pick up.

Costco hearing aids cost

Prescription Costco hearing aid prices range from $1,499–$1,599 per pair. While this isn’t inexpensive, it is at the lower end of the spectrum for many prescription hearing aid brands. For example, ReSound hearing aids (made by the same manufacturer as Jabra Enhance Pro) cost $3,500–$6,500 per pair. Lexie B2, the only over-the-counter hearing aid sold at Costco, costs $979.99.

Factors that affect Costco hearing aid prices

Some of the more severe degrees of hearing loss require a power hearing aid and/or a custom ear mold for proper hearing correction. Custom ear molds will add to the overall cost. A Costco hearing specialist told us hearing aids with custom ear molds generally cost about $2,700 per pair.

Another factor to be aware of is price differences between the styles of hearing aids available. All three prescription brands have the option of a behind-the-ear, receiver-in-ear, and in-the ear style. A hearing center specialist told us that the final cost will depend on which style you choose, so this is something you’ll want to take into account and ask about when you’re in the final decision stage.

Unlimited adjustments and reprogramming services are included with the price of Costco hearing aids, though, and that’s not always standard with prescription hearing aids. Some hearing clinics charge extra for those services, and others only include a certain number of appointments with the hearing aid purchase price.

Finally, the generous warranty coverage Costco offers with its hearing aids adds to their value. The terms of prescription hearing aid warranties can vary widely among clinics because every hearing aid company negotiates its own contract with each clinic. Since Costco is a large retail chain with massive buying power, it’s able to provide a warranty that’s one of the best in the industry.

Having the ability to bring your hearing aids in for repair or replacement at no charge to address manufacturer’s defects, damage, or loss for the first two to three years is something that can definitely save you money. Our Reviews Team’s survey of 600 older adult hearing aid users found that among people who bought hearing aids at Costco, 55% needed repair services during the warranty period. Hearing aid repairs can be expensive, so a good warranty like the one Costco provides is something to look for when shopping.

Payment options

The Costco website lists the following options as acceptable forms of payment at U.S. Costco warehouse locations:

Costco doesn’t offer financing or payment plans for its hearing aids or any other products.

Can I use insurance to pay for hearing aids?

Without the option to finance hearing aids at Costco, you may be wondering about other ways to fit this expense into your budget. Unfortunately, Medicare Parts A and B don’t cover the cost of hearing aids. [2] Medicare.gov. Hearing Aids. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hearing-aids

The good news is some Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Medicare Part C) and private health insurance plans do include hearing aid benefits. [3] Medicare.gov. Medicare Advantage Plans Cover All Medicare Services. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/12026-Understanding-Medicare-Advantage-Plans.pdf Talk to your health insurance provider to see if your plan will cover the cost of hearing exams and hearing aids.

How to save money on hearing aids at Costco

Costco doesn’t offer financing or payment plans, but you can still cut down on the price of hearing aids from the company by using the tips below.

Costco store credit card

Use the Costco credit card to earn 4% cash back on in-store, gas, and other qualifying purchases. The company sends out the cash you’ve earned over the past year each February, and you can put that money toward your hearing aid purchase. Or simply use your Costco credit card to pay for your hearing aids and earn 4% from that purchase to use or save for later.

Other money-saving tips for hearing aid customers

Regardless of where you buy your hearing aids and whether you need prescription or OTC devices, they are an expensive purchase. Treating your hearing loss is just as important as improving your vision with glasses, but hearing aids don’t need to break your budget. Read on for ways to save money on your next pair of hearing aids.

FSA and HSA funds

If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), you can use those funds toward the purchase of hearing aids, as they are considered a medical expense.

Medicaid

Medicaid offers some hearing aid coverage in some states. The Hearing Loss Association of America has more information on Medicaid coverage for hearing aids and exams in each state.

Veterans benefits

Hearing issues—including hearing loss and tinnitus—rank as the number one service-connected disability [4] U.S Department of Veterans Affairs. Office of Research and Development. Found on the internet at https://www.research.va.gov/topics/hearing.cfm#research4 among U.S. veterans, defined by the Department of Veterans Affairs as “an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military service.” [5] U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs. April 21, 2015. Found on the internet at https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/benefits_chap02.asp If you’re a veteran receiving VA health care benefits, you can also get free hearing exams, hearing aids, and hearing aid supplies. Check the VA website for more information on hearing benefits.

State vocational rehabilitation programs

If you need hearing aids to get a job or to function in a role at your current job, your state’s vocational rehabilitation program may pay for them. Check out the Rehabilitation Services Administration website to contact the vocational rehab program in your state.

Hearing aid donation programs

Organizations such as Help America Hear and the Hearing Aid Project donate used and refurbished hearing aids across the country. Visit their websites to fill out an application.

Other hearing aid financial resources

This list provides links to other sources of financial aid for hearing aids:

Use NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp to find other benefits in your area you may be eligible for.

Costco trial period, warranty, and follow-up care

Costco provides a 180-day trial period, during which you can return the hearing aids for a full refund if they aren’t a good fit for your needs. This trial period, which equals a full six months, is longer than any other hearing aid company we’ve researched.

Most states require a minimum trial period of 30 days for hearing aids, and the majority of manufacturers provide up to 45 days. [6] Hearing Loss Association of America. Consumer Protection Laws. May 2013. Found on the internet at https://www.hearingloss.org/wp-content/uploads/ConsumerProtectionLaws.pdf

Warranty

We visited a Costco hearing center and were told by the manager that the company doesn’t share warranty terms until after customers have signed a purchase agreement. We also contacted the regional hearing aids manager and the corporate office multiple times, both of whom said they could not share warranty information.

Finally, after calling four Costco hearing aid centers, we reached a helpful salesperson who was able to give us this information on the company’s hearing aids warranty:

Follow-up appointments

While the corporate office also declined to share details about the care you can expect after purchasing Costco hearing aids, the same salesperson told us that customers get unlimited repairs and cleanings at no cost.

Costco customer service and reviews

You can contact the Costco customer service department in the following ways:

From our experience searching for information on Costco hearing aids and customer policies, we found customer service varies widely depending on who you talk to. Some hearing aid centers didn’t answer the phone even after we called multiple times, while two centers had helpful, friendly salespeople who readily answered our questions.

The regional managers and corporate offices we reached out to were not helpful in sharing information about Costco hearing aids to help potential customers. This may explain why as a company, Costco does not have favorable customer reviews.

Costco Ratings

Company-wide ratings for Costco on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is 1.2 out of 5 stars, with many negative reviews citing poor customer service. TrustPilot reviews are about the same, with 1.6 out of 5 stars. While the Costco hearing aid center has an A+ rating on BBB, it is not BBB accredited and doesn’t have any customer reviews.

Costco online hearing screening

Costco online hearing test

Costco provides a free online hearing screening to give you an idea of your degree of hearing loss. While it can’t be used as a diagnostic tool and isn’t nearly as detailed as an in-person hearing exam (which is also free to members at any Costco hearing aid center), it’s a great starting point and took our Reviews Team only about five minutes to complete.

You’ll need a pair of wired (not Bluetooth or wireless) earbuds or earphones and a quiet place to take the screening. After answering a few questions about your hearing health, which covers conditions that may be underlying your hearing loss, you’ll listen to a series of numbers spoken over background noise, with instructions to type in the numbers as you hear them.

We like the fact that the online hearing screening combines questions about hearing health along with the hearing test. Questions about symptoms like ear pain, sudden loss of hearing, or issues with dizziness and balance can help guide users to make an appointment with their doctor to address underlying medical causes of hearing loss.

We also like that you don’t have to enter an email address or other personal information to get your results. The final screen gives you a rating of your degree of hearing loss, along with a link to find a hearing aid center near you.

For more information about online hearing tests, visit our online hearing test guide.

Costco online hearing test results
Costco online hearing screening results

One thing that’s difficult with this hearing screening, which is made by hearX (the manufacturer of Lexie hearing aids), is that when you click on each number as it’s spoken during the test, you can’t go back and change your answer if you accidentally hit the wrong button. This could result in a false rating. You can always take the test again, though, if you feel the result is wrong.

What to look for in hearing aids from Costco

Cost

Prescription Costco hearing aids range in price from $1,499–$1,599 per pair, but can get more expensive if you need custom ear molds. Every rechargeable hearing aid purchase includes the charger, but you’ll pay extra if you need accessories like a remote control or TV streamer.

Features

Think about the features you’ll use in a hearing aid. Do you want to stream music or phone calls to your hearing aids? You may want a model with Bluetooth capability. Do you like to exercise or work outside? A model with water resistance, such as the Jabra Enhance Pro 20, may be a good fit.

Style

If you want a discreet model that other people won’t notice, think about a behind-the-ear (BTE) or receiver-in-ear (RIE) model, which are available among all three prescription brands sold at Costco. The tiny wire that runs from the hearing aid body at the back of your ear into your ear canal is so slim that it’s almost invisible; even more so if your hair partially covers your ears.

Keep in mind that smaller hearing aids are less able to accommodate technology like rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth, and telecoil.

Battery type

Are you interested in a disposable or rechargeable hearing aid battery? Many hearing aid users we’ve interviewed like the convenience of rechargeable hearing aids. You won’t need to buy disposable batteries, which can save money over time, but you will have to go without your hearing aids for several hours while they charge. Many people get around this by charging them at night so they’re ready to go in the morning.

Bottom line

Buying hearing aids at Costco can be a good solution if you need prescription hearing aids. They are able to treat all degrees of hearing loss, from mild to profound, and are priced at the lower end of what you can expect to pay for prescription devices.

Even so, you need to have an active Costco membership to buy hearing aids in the store, you need to keep your membership active for as long as you have the hearing aids in order to get service for them, and Costco doesn’t offer financing or payment plans like many hearing care clinics do. We also found that customer service varies widely across hearing aid center locations, and it can be hard to get details about what’s included with your purchase until you sign a contract.

For more information on how to make a wise decision when shopping for the best Costco hearing aids, read our hearing aids buyer’s guide.

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Additional older adult resources

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Costco sells prescription hearing aids from three companies: Philips, Rexton, and Jabra Enhance. Costco also sells over-the-counter Lexie B2 hearing aids online.

Costco sells prescription hearing aids from Philips, Rexton, and Jabra Enhance in a variety of styles for all degrees of hearing loss, and over-the-counter Lexie hearing aids.

Costco prescription hearing aids cost between $1,599–$1,699 per pair. Over-the-counter Lexie hearing aids cost $979 per pair.

Costco does not accept insurance, but you may be able to submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement after purchasing hearing aids at Costco.

You need to have an active Costco membership to purchase hearing aids in the store or online, and you need to keep your membership active to get your hearing aids serviced. Memberships start at $60 per year.

Hearing tests at the Costco hearing center are free, but you need to have an active membership. The online hearing aid screening is free and doesn’t require membership.

Costco generally employs hearing instrument specialists rather than audiologists.

Costco hearing aids are comparable to other prescription hearing aids on the market, such as Phonak, Oticon, ReSound, Widex, Starkey, and Signia.

Costco discontinued selling its Kirkland Signature 10.0 hearing aids in November 2022. The Kirkland name is well known to Costco customers as the store’s flagship brand and has traditionally been the top-selling hearing aid at Costco.

Sonova is the world’s largest hearing aid manufacturer and was the maker of the Kirkland and Phonak hearing aid models sold at Costco until late 2022, when Sonova and Costco ended their partnership amid declining sales. [8] Hearing Health and Technology Matters. Sonova to End Sales of Hearing Aids at Costco as It Eyes Future of Brand. Nov. 21, 2022. Found on the internet at https://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearing-news-watch/2022/costco-stops-selling-phonak-hearing-aids/ At the time of publication, Costco had not released details on if and when Kirkland hearing aids would be available again.

Several benefits come with purchasing hearing aids from Costco, including prices, which are lower compared to many other prescription aids. Additionally, hearing aids that treat mild to profound hearing loss are available, and there’s a generous 180-day trial period, a two-year manufacturer’s warranty, two years of unlimited repairs, and a one-time replacement offered due to loss or damage. You also get unlimited cleaning and programming services and remote and in-person support.

The downside is that you need a membership to purchase hearing aids from Costco. It’s also hard to find what you need from the website, there are no financing or payment plans, and health insurance is not accepted. Additionally, if you need your prescription hearing aids adjusted, you’ll have to do it at Costco.

Costco sells four brands of hearing aids: three prescription devices and one over-the-counter option. For prescription devices, you can shop Philips, Rexton, and Jabra Enhance brands. The only OTC brand sold is Lexie.

Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

  1. Costco. Keep Your Ears Open. Feb. 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.costco.com/connection-buying-smart-keep-your-ears-open-february-2023.html
  2. Medicare.gov. Hearing Aids. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hearing-aids
  3. Medicare.gov. Medicare Advantage Plans Cover All Medicare Services. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/12026-Understanding-Medicare-Advantage-Plans.pdf
  4. U.S Department of Veterans Affairs. Office of Research and Development. Found on the internet at https://www.research.va.gov/topics/hearing.cfm#research4
  5. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs. April 21, 2015. Found on the internet at https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/benefits_chap02.asp
  6. Hearing Loss Association of America. Consumer Protection Laws. May 2013. Found on the internet at https://www.hearingloss.org/wp-content/uploads/ConsumerProtectionLaws.pdf
  7. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Finalizes Historic Rule Enabling Access to Over-the-COunter Hearing Aids for Millions of Americans. Aug. 16, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2022/08/17/2022-17230/medical-devices-ear-nose-and-throat-devices-establishing-over-the-counter-hearing-aids
  8. Hearing Health and Technology Matters. Sonova to End Sales of Hearing Aids at Costco as It Eyes Future of Brand. Nov. 21, 2022. Found on the internet at https://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearing-news-watch/2022/costco-stops-selling-phonak-hearing-aids/
  9. NCOA Adviser Hearing Aids Survey. 328 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched March 2022.
Cara Everett, MS, RDN, LDN
Cara Everett Author, Medical Reviewer
Cara Everett is a writer and registered dietitian nutritionist who has been helping people reach their wellness goals for over 20 years. In addition to working in clinical practice, Cara writes extensively on hearing aid technology, keeping pace with new models and industry developments to help readers make the most informed purchasing decisions possible. She has spent more than 1,000 hours researching and testing hearing aids.
Photo of Brian Murray, Hearing Instrument Specialist
Brian Murray Medical Reviewer
Brian Murray was born and raised in upstate New York. He studied at Ithaca College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology in 2010. He is registered/licensed to dispense hearing aids in New York, North Carolina, and Virginia, where he has worked in both private practice and retail clinics. He currently works as an event consultant, working with clinics across the country.
Kathleen Cameron
Kathleen Cameron Reviewer
Kathleen Cameron, BSPharm, MPH, has more than 25 years of experience in the health care field as a pharmacist, researcher, and program director focusing on falls prevention, geriatric pharmacotherapy, mental health, long-term services and supports, and caregiving. Cameron is Senior Director of the NCOA Center for Healthy Aging, where she provides subject matter expertise on health care programmatic and policy related issues and oversees the Modernizing Senior Center Resource Center.
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