Update 2/3/2017: Kirkland Signature 7.0 was recently released. Read reviews for the KS7 Costco hearing aids.
Costco has made a quiet entry into the Made-for-iPhone hearing aid market, selling its own Kirkland-brand iPhone-compatible hearing aids for $1,799.99 a pair. The new Kirkland Signature 6.0 hearing aids, utilizing technology from Big-Six hearing aid maker GN ReSound, can receive phone calls, music, podcasts and other audio directly from Apple iPhones, iPads or iPod Touch devices without requiring an intermediate streaming device.
With an aggressive price point for advanced iPhone-compatible features, the hearing aids are Costco’s latest move to expand its footprint in the global hearing-aid market. Once a provider of entry-level hearing aids based on older generations of technology, the “big box” retailer is now pushing up-market by offering higher performance products at attractive prices. Volume purchasing agreements and low-overhead “store-within-a-store” hearing aid centers have enabled Costco to gain market share by undercutting prices charged by independent audiologists.
It’s the second shoe to drop since 2014, when Costco disrupted the supply chain by inking a deal with industry leader Phonak to sell high-end hearing aids under a new Phonak Brio brand. Phonak experienced an immediate backlash from the independent audiologists accustomed to selling higher-priced Phonak hearing aids: in its 2014/15 annual report, parent holding company Sonova attributed a slowdown in first-half sales to loss of business from angry independents switching to Phonak competitors.
Sonova gave the issue special attention in its report to shareholders, stating that: “In the United States, sales in the commercial business initially slowed after the strategic decision to supply Phonak products to the innovative shop-in-shop concept at the retailer Costco, but then accelerated in the second half of the year to surpass the prior year’s level.”
Costco’s Made-for-iPhone hearing aids only went on sale in April, so time will tell whether independents will switch from ReSound as well. Industry expert Dan Schwartz, who was first to report on Costco’s ReSound iPhone deal, wrote that ReSound hoped to avoid a backlash by waiting until after AudiologyNOW 2015, the industry’s largest U.S. conference. But he predicted “an even bigger explosion than Sonova experienced last year” because the Costco hearing aids would be based on the same platform powering the highly popular ReSound Linx Made-for-iPhone hearing aids. He said ReSound’s recent Linx2 platform upgrade, now being sold by independents, does not provide enough of a performance advantage to compete effectively with the first-generation Linx technology that he said would be powering the Costco iPhone hearing aids.
Adding fuel to the fire, the $1,799.99 price Costco set for a pair of its Kirkland Signature 6.0 hearing aids is well below what many independent audiologists have been charging for the comparable first-generation ReSound Linx Made-for-iPhone hearing aids. And Costco is also offering at no extra cost its version of the slick ReSound iPhone hearing aid controller app — the Kirkland Signature Choice app — from Apple’s iTunes store.
Fear of a backlash from independent audiologists may be one reason Costco and ReSound decided to market the new hearing aids under the Costco Kirkland brand rather than under the ReSound brand name. And it may help explain why Costco is soft-pedaling the Made-for-iPhone features in Kirkland Signature 6.0 hearing aids. While ReSound trumpeted Made-for-iPhone as the most important feature of the new generation of hearing aids, Costco is marketing iPhone compatibility simply as a connectivity feature. It is not positioning the Signature 6.0 products as “Made-for-iPhone hearing aids” but rather describes their functionality on its list of features, then carries the small “Made-for-iPod-iPhone-iPad” medallion at the bottom of their marketing literature.
Downplaying Made-for-iPhone capability is a curious decision, as there is no doubt that the new technology is a great leap forward that has powered sales and growth in the industry. GN ReSound was first to market with Made-for-iPhone hearing aids and has attributed its recent financial success and market share gains to rapid acceptance of the new hearing aids, and it is clearly looking to Costco for future growth.
Only two manufacturers provide Made-for-iPhone hearing aid platforms, but both sell the technology through multiple brands. In addition to ReSound’s products, another GN ReSound subsidiary, Beltone, offers Made-for-iPhone hearing aids. The other Made-for-iPhone technology platform is from privately held Big-Six manufacturer Starkey Hearing Technologies, which sells through its Starkey, Audibel, Audigy, MicroTech and NuEar subsidiary brands. (Click here for a map showing all hearing aid manufacturers and brands.)
The Starkey Hearing brands, especially the popular Starkey Halo Made-for-iPhone product family, may stand to benefit from independent audiologists shopping for alternatives. But for now, parent holding company GN Store Nord is cashing in on GN ReSound’s Made-for-iPhone momentum, with fast organic growth rates driving its gains in hearing-aid industry market share.
“Q1 was a strong start to the year,” Anders Hedegaard, CEO of GN ReSound, said in the company’s financial report on April 29. “We were able to extend and strengthen our partnership with Costco and delivered 10 percent organic hearing instruments growth.”
And GN ReSound is expecting more to come. Calling Costco “one of the fastest-growing global hearing aid retailers,” the GN financial report said the transition from Costco’s Kirkland Signature 5 to the new Made-for-iPhone Kirkland Signature 6 was accomplished in all Costco’s stores, with Signature 6 stocking orders having a positive impact on GN’s financial results in the first quarter.
Tom says
I have 100 db loss and used to have hearing aid for 675 battery …I was born with 60 db Will Kirkland signature 6.0 be good for me
Jim says
I have the KS6 and love them. I only wish they are compatible with the Apple Watch. That would make life so much easier!
TC says
Attracted by the low prices of their hearing aids, I went to Costco for a free hearing test earlier this year. But my hearing in both ears was damaged during the hearing test by the technician. What happened was, toward the end of the hearing test, the technician fed very loud sounds at various frequencies to my ears to test how loud the sound at a given frequency that each of my ears can tolerate. At their peaks, those sounds were so loud that they were deafening. After I went home that day, I noticed my hearing had gotten worse than before. To confirm the damages, I contacted Costco that day and scheduled to have another hearing test done (but without the last part of the test) 3 days later. Comparing the results from the first hearing test to the second test, it clearly shows that my hearing was significantly damaged in both ears at the frequencies between 2,000 and 4,000 Hertz. For example, at 3,000 Hertz, my right ear deteriorated from 30 to 45 dB while my left ear from 40 to 60dB. To see if my hearing will recover over time, I did several hearing tests at an ENT doctor’s office in the following months. But the test results showed no improvement. Dealing with Costco has also been very frustrating. The third party that handles Costco’s insurance claims (Costco is self-insured) was only willing to settle this case for $500. Considering the permanent damages to my ears and the average price of a pair of decent hearing aids is around $5,000, I turned down their offer. I think the least I can do now is to let people be aware of the danger of the hearing test conducted by Costco so that it won’t happen again. If you go to Costco for the hearing test, you might want to skip the last part of their test. It is not needed for programming the hearing aids and was never performed when I had the hearing tests done at the ENT doctor’s office.
Brian says
I appreciate all the information that has been supplied above, it has helped me make a sound decision to go with the Costco brand 6.0 verses wasting time going to a couple places.
Regards,Brian
Mark says
I find it interesting so many people question the skills of the audiologist at Costco ,I have been very impressed any questions I have asked they answered to my satisfaction as far as the quality of their hearing aids 1. they don’t sell junk. 2.If you buy a hearing aid from them you have 180 days to try them out that’s 6 months to find out if you are satisfied most others offer 30 to 45 days and probably have a restocking charge! And 3. the only way you can loose is go elsewhere and spend twice as much or more for the same quality products. Its a no brainer folks!!! If you spend more it does not mean you’ll get more you’ll just have less money in your pocket
Brett Sorge says
I have bought 2 hearing Aids from Costco. The first was a top of the line Phonaks which I did not like and was not wearing them. Now I purchased the top of the line Resound which is a great improvement. They give you 6 months to try and like or return which is important. Secondly, the work with my IPhone so if I lose them I can track them. I can also get calls and listen to Audio books directly into my hearing Aids. This pair I small wearing!
William Hobson says
I have had the Signature 6 Hearing aids now for well past a year. Costco’s service is OUTSTANDING. I had Siemens before and any service or adjustments on them from an audiologist cost me $$. Not with Costco. The only cost after the purchase I have had has been batteries. Yes there has been a problem or 2, they are electronic. Costco has taken care of any and all problems or adjustments without any additional cost to me.
You just can’t go wrong with Costco and you’ll pay 1/3 the price you will pay with any other hearing aid supplier.
BYTW if you have ringing in your ears don’t be scammed by “ANY” promise that it can be cured, IT CAN’T”. I have it now for 10 years, I’ve been scammed and tried plenty of Supposed cures. Thousand’s of dollars worth! Still have the ringing and a lot less cash in my pocket. DON’T Believe it!! Pay for a cure ONLY if and when you get cured, NOT up front! Plenty of audiologist and other Liar’s waiting to take your money, GUARANTEED!
Patricia says
Att : Apple tech’s – Did the new IOS 10 for Apple effect the Kirkland hearing aid app?
Mine is not allowing me to stream to Television…
Tony Abbate says
I did all the research. The Costco aides for $1799 are are great deal and I am extremely happy with them and the service I received. The warranty, free replacement policy and free checkups are a real plus.
barbara good says
I went into Costco to purchase the 1,799 Kirkland but the audiologist said that was not appropriate for my hearing loss and sold me the Brenaton $2,700 with a remote
It had a tin like sound but I figured that was the by product t of being able to hear
I could hear approx 10% better with this new Brenaton then my old hearing aid. My old one was 8 years old and I figured I should up date.
The problem was they kept falling off my ears and out of my ear canal and I kept telling the audiologist that. She said they were fine. Finally I insisted that I needed a longer wire and a bigger dome and she at last ordered me that and that solved the problem of them falling out of my ears BUT I had to diognoise the problem myself. It wasted many visits and frusration and distress.
Richard O'Neill says
I am currently trying out a pair of Linx2 aids from my audiologist. I like them much better than any ITC aid I have owned. Like the rest of you here looking for the comparison between the Costco aid and the Linx2 so am I. The obvious reason is the huge price difference.. I do know that my audiologist works with my insurance carrier which gives me a $1500 copay every 5 years for aids. Costco will not. So you are on your own for a reimbursement from your insurance carrier.
Nic Afshartoos@yahoo.com says
I have been wearing hearing aids for past 15 years and have tried few.
Nothing beats Resounds hearing aids and Kirkland Signature 6 is made by Resound.
They are great, sound quality, being able to program via iPhone, price, and not to mention warranty and service.
Try them if you do not mind wearing a BE hearing aids.
I got mine in blue so folks see I am hearing impaired, so they understand why I am not responding to them while they talk to me from behind.
Thank you COSTCO.
ann says
Just curious about the Kirkland Signature 6 vs the linx 2? Had my hearing test today and I found it as thorough as the one I had 2 years ago from an AudD. I tried the KS in the store and it seemed to work well but this is my first pair of HAs so I have no basis of comparison. I understand the linx is newer technology and it always seems that as soon as I buy something it becomes obsolete LOL. I have an android phone, not an iPhone, so wondering about the phone clip as well.
William Cassada says
I came across this website when researching information about Costco hearing aids, specifically, the Kirkland Signature 6.0 model. I was very encouraged by the number of positive comments, and after reading them I contacted my friendly Costco hearing aid center to schedule a hearing test.
At the age of 73, and having spent a 30-year + career as an air traffic controller, I knew I had already experienced some degree of high frequency hearing loss. But it had gotten worse since I retired, I was having an extremely hard time hearing (or comprehending) what others were saying, couldn’t hear (understand) what people on TV were saying, and so on. When I got the results of the very in-depth and professional (no cost) hearing test from Costco, I was not only impressed with the depth of the testing, but was also amazed at the degree to which I had suffered hearing loss. In my case, it was “moderate to severe,” worse in my right ear (the one I always wore my headset in/on during my career).
After the hearing test, I was offered the opportunity to try a pair and spend some time walking around the store. After the specialist assisted me in putting them on, I spent about 30 minutes with my wife as we strolled around the huge Costco store complex. To say I was amazed would be a colossal understatement. I was dumbfounded at not so much as all the “new” sounds that I was suddenly hearing, but the awareness that I had not been hearing these sounds for years. Mostly in the higher frequency ranges, but things like conversations between people who were 20 or 30 feet away, the sound of the cart wheels rolling on the floor, the sounds of my shoes scraping on the tiles, and so on. Not too mention that I could now hear and understand my wife without having to say, “what did you say?” a hundred times.
It didn’t take long to convince me that I was going to buy these hearing aids. Fortunately for me, it is a benefit of my health insurance, but nonetheless, I ended up paying less than $2000 for them, including the remote control. My elderly mother, who is 91, had tried a pair a few years ago, but turned them back in. The lack of strength in her fingers and other physical issues prevented her from dealing with the small batteries effectively, so she gave up on them. But the point is, she got them from a doctor’s office to the tune of about $6000.
Fast forward to two months later. I absolutely love these hearing aids! Nothing negative to say about them whatsoever. They wear comfortably, and after a few minutes I don’t even notice they’re on – physically – but of course I do notice the improved hearing. The Costco specialist advised me to wear them as much as possible, daily, in order to allow my brain sufficient practice in interpreting the new sounds and effectively allow me to process all the sounds I had not been hearing for many years.
The Kirkland Signature 6.0 model is nothing less than a miraculous technological innovation. Bottom line – they work, and they work well. For those who might be concerned with others knowing that you’re wearing them (for me, that’s not an issue), you’ll be happy to know that when you have them on, they’re practically invisible, and not a single person that I’ve encountered has even noticed that I have them on. (Except for those who already know I have them.)
Costco has done the same thing to doctors and audiologists that Walmart has done to the grocery industry – they have simply leveled the playing field. For all of those who might be “Walmart (or Costco) haters,” I’ll put it to you simply. Would you rather pay $6000 + for your hearing aids, or would you rather pay $1799 for absolute state-of-the-art technology instead?
As a footnote…I received a “check-up” about two weeks after I had received the hearing aids. This was just a check to see if any adjustments needed to be made. I have another appointment for a 3-month check-up, where the specialist will clean the hearing aids thoroughly, and also make any adjustments to the program that may be needed. Additionally, it has been recommended that I have an annual hearing test as well as any (no-cost) adjustments that might be necessary. The Kirkland Signature 6.0 model is warranted for three years, with a standard clause for either repair or replacement.
If you are one of those folks who may be up in years (even if you’re not so old) and have been experiencing difficulty in hearing, hasten yourself to the nearest Costco hearing aid center and schedule yourself for one of their very in-depth hearing tests. You won’t be sorry and you might be very surprised at how much hearing loss you’ve actually experienced.
naresh mehndiratta says
i dont know why hearing aids are costlier than iphone or samsung phones cannot they have a simple algorithms on phone to enhanced the hearing for hearing impaired person ?
Don says
My wife is planning to buy a pair of hearing aids for my father in law in Costco. He tried the Kirkland signature brand but complained about the noise. Then he tried the Rexton brand ($1299*2 for a pair), and said there was no noise. The audiologist said that it didn’t make sense because that they were almost identical device. He seemed quite disappointed that we didn’t buy the Kirkland signature brand. I compared the $1299 ones and the $899 ones. The only difference that I find is that $1299 has iPhone app. Because my father in law doesn’t use smart phones, I asked the Costco audiologist(or salesman) whether we could try the lower end Rexton brand($899*2 for a pair). The Costco person became quite angry. He told me that I should treat my family member better and not buying the cheaper ones. I said that I would buy the better quality if my father in law can feel the difference. So far the only difference that I can tell is that $1299 has iPhone app. Then he asked me “Who is the professional here? I know what is the best for your father. He won’t be able to tell the difference between the hearing aids” I said that you stated that he won’t be able tell the difference between the Signature brand and the Rexton brand, but he liked the Rexton better. I trust you have more knowledge than us but I just want to let my father in law to try it on before buying them. He told me that he won’t allow us to try the lower end because that only car sales person would allow people to try it before buying it. I am quite confused. Why are we not allowed to try the lower end Rexton hearing aids? Is it the Costco policy, or the policy for all hearing aid centers?
SM johnson says
Why do Costco hearing aides only pander to IPhone users? Why are they ignoring others, who use other types of smartphones?
Robert Bogan says
I have the Signature 6 hearing aids. They are amazing. I wear them all day every day. The Costco tech is also amazingly knowledgeable, user friendly, and helpful. Thank you Costco
Kathleen says
I have a pair of Phonak hearing aids that were covered by my insurance from a audiology clinic. I have sent them back many times & nothing changes. The left hearing aid is so low in tone compared to the right that they have reprogrammed them too many times with nothing any better. They gave me the $300 phone for home use free but I have only have acell phone, so does me no good. My 1st pair of hearing aids from Costco are close to 5 years old & I will be going back to have them re program them. They won’t with my iphone is my old regret. I do not have the money for the new hearing aids or I would purchase them as the phonak are crap. They are $6,000 hearing aids and they do not work. I am better off without them at times. which I could find a way to sell them to cover for new costco hearing aids. My pulmonary doctor went to Costco to get his after I told him about them when I first got. Best deal ever.
Don Sz says
It is interesting that in all the reviews there are few or no negative comments. I read Amazons customer rating and find that the average rating of the stuff I buy, and its a lot, is 10% one star and almost never below 2% one star. Are Costco customer (I buy a lot from Costco also) less critical, more easily pleased,or are the negative comments been screened out?
Regardless I am going to Costco next week to try out their hearing aids before Costco discontinues the AmX credit card with the one year extended warrantee
Ralph says
I purchased the 5.0 model a few years ago. They were as good as Starkey model I had. I kept them since for the price it was good to have a spare. I have trialed the latest Starkey model in 2015 and found word recognition at meetings was no better. The bluetooth was interesting and I would have kept them if taking phone calls (iphone) worked well but in my case the wired earbuds sounded much better. I hope to get the 6.0 soon. Looks like most people see improvement over the 5.0. Those of us that have sensory loss need to understand nothing will fix that but the aid does help.
Thomas Canthear says
Appreciate all the helpful comments. I have gone to a local audiologist for nearly 15 years for check-ups and purchased hearing aids 4 years ago for approx. $5700. After loosing one I decided to go back for another check-up and research newer models. It was now like talking to a car salesman with all the high pressure sales tactics. (I left) I don’t really blame them now because I realize after the great experience at Costco the independents cannot compete anymore. Very thorough, professional exam. No pressure whatsoever on making a sale. Great product offering.
DIANA says
I am an owner of the Costco brand hearing aids for a year now. I was quoted $4500 for a different brand by my audiologist that was several steps down from the Costco brand. I was not a member of Costco at the time but was able to go in for a consultation and try out their hearing aids before buying them. No other company offered to allow me to try their hearing aids before I bought them. The hearing aids are wonderful!. I hear well in business meeting, at church when I sing in choir. I can hear the TV now, go to the movies and I can even hear sounds I wasn’t aware I was missing like the birds. These hearing aids were less than half the price of others quoted to me, the warranty was better and the customer service has been great so far. I have been back in Costco twice once a month after I bought them for a recheck and a year later for a check up and a few adjustments. The rechecks were free and I went to two different stores and got excellent service at both stores. My husband has a pair of their hearing aids, my mother now has a pair of their hearing and I have told many others about my good experience. It will not cost you anything to try them out. I did not join Costco until I tried their hearing aids and now I just repaid my membership fee because I am sold on this club.
Karen says
I have had the Kirkland 6 since last October and I am very happy with them. This is my first time wearing hearing aids so I can’t compare them to other brands. I wear them as much for tinnitus as I do for hearing loss. They decrease the tinnitus by 50 to 75%. I love the Bluetooth capability. I ride a bicycle and can listen to music or podcasts through them and can still hear the noise of cars for safety. Sometimes if it is noisy at work due to people talking I put my music on and can concentrate and no one knows. I do find that I sometimes need to talk into the phone to be heard and the Bluetooth doesn’t always work if the phone is in my pocket. I usually get about 4 to 5 days out of the batteries.
Allen says
Costco and others do not post hearing aid specifications like Starkey
OR cell phone sellers
How can anyone make a hearing aid to hearing aid comparison with values statements like multidirectional, channels, bands, background noise, or good for talking with grand children and more. The comparisons are subjective.
charles j cooley says
GREAT to hear you had the same great experience I did. I first posted last Aug or thereabouts. You have heard incorrectly about batteries!! First, you can buy 6 wheel packages of 8 batteries each for only $8.00!!! (at Costco)
Also, to save batteries for a LONG time (weeks), when not in use, put the + side of the battery — the flat side — onto a strip of scotch tape. (that acts like the original packaging, which has a very long shelf life)
Neil says
I have had the KS6 for about 3 months now and love them. But I do find the batteries lasting 3 days, never more than that. However I do spend almost 7 hours per day streaming from a Jabra Bluetooth adapter on my office phone to the Phone Clip+ on my job. It works beautifully so I have no complaints not regrets. It works much better than my prior Phonak Bluetooth adapter did. It gives me more time to dial the call, picks up instantly without the delay the Phonak had, the sound is clearer, and the volume control much better allowing me to separately control the mic and phone volume
Ronald Beck says
I read a comment that it is better to go to a non-Costco audiologist because the give better service. That is rubbish, or as the Republicans say about each both, it is a lie. I have been using Costco for 7 years and just changes to their sig 6 with bluetooth from my iPhone 6 to hearing aides for $1,799.
The specialists are BETTER tan the private practice ones, and I make an appointment any time that I want, come in and they clean the hearing aides and will retest anytime I want for the rest of my life. Disregard any negative comments. there are none!
Ronald Beck says
I have had the Kirkland 6 hearing aides for 4 months. They are fabulous using the bluetooth technology from my IPhone6 to hearing aides from app on my phone. Batteries are good for about 7 days. they are cheap, so there is no reason to think of rechargeable ones (Costco coast is $9.99 for 40!) You will not be sorry if you get them Amazing technology!
Jack Kiner says
I went into a specialist a month ago and she only wanted to sell me $6000.00 in hearing aids. My internist suggested I go to Costco. The test they did the other day were almost exactly the same results. The man at Costco who did the test showed me all of their models and never tried to sway me in any way. He answered my concerns better and more thorough then the specialist. I am ordering the Kirkland 6 tomorrow.
The only question I have now is I thought the unit uses batteries that need replacing every 2-3 days. Can you get rechargeable batteries also.
Nick says
Can I use my Samsung s5 with these hearing aids? If so, how?
Giovanni Ciriani says
I just tried demos Kirkland Signature 6.0 and Rexton Trax 42 at my local Costco. The Rexton sounded a little better, but I wouldn’t mind saving $800 and go with the KS 6. Would they work equally well in a crowded environment?
I’m also curious about the technology. Does anybody here know if they both utilize Linear Octave Frequency Transposition (LOFT)? I was reading a recent research article explaining that LOFT technology is better at suppressing tinnitus. I can’t find much in the websites of the manufacturers.
Richard says
As of February 11, 2016, Costco’s free trial period was recently extended from 90 days to 180 days. How on Earth can you go wrong? If they can’t satisfy you in 6 months, get your money back and go elsewhere.
walt says
I just returned ReSound Linx that I had been trying for 2 weeks; the audiologist told me that the Samsung S6 would stream to the Linx but it did not so I only had the volume, treble and base control.
I could not hear using my phone unless I put it on the speakerphone; most importantly, in a noisy restaurant environment I couldn’t hear anything but the persons setting next to me or noise; I returned the Linx devices yesterday and could hear perfectly using my 4 year old Starky devices today in the restaurant.
I go to Costco on Monday to try their Signature Series 6. Hopefully, they can be set up as good as my 4 year old Starky’s
Stephen Pate says
Costco are disrupting the market much the same way that Amazon, eBay and Apple have. It’s good for consumers. Audiologist who fight the trend have to see their huge margins shrink or get out of the business. Hard to worry about protecting them and not consumers. The canard that Costco does not have trained and experienced audiologist is proven wrong over and over. I’ve had 3 different audiologist over the years at Costco. They are better than any of the private clinics. They use up-to-date test equipment, care about my issues and provide great solutions.
Chuck cooley says
What is the difference between the two?
Michael Robinson says
in response a comment on 1/1/16. I work for Costco and we did have a Kirkland Signature 5 by Resound before the KS 6
charles j cooley says
don’t think Costco ever sold a signiture 5. Signiture is new in 2015, and the first time they sold Resound. If they had a 5, it was another brand knockoff. Best to call them, or better, go in and ask your questions. Love my S.6 CJC
Joel T says
My experience with Costco is they do all the things you said. The audiologist at my local Costco has her doctorate and many years of experience. They do adjust the hearing aids as necessary. They will clean the hearing aids and remove the wax anytime I bring them in. They are truly professional. One should check out the local Costco to insure they are experienced.
Joel Tendler says
Can someone describe the differences between the Kirkland Signature 5.0 and 6.0 hearing aids? I lost one of the hearing aids and am trying to understand if I should just replace the lost one ($950) or buy the newer 6.0 pair ($1,799). Any help and/or experience folks have had with them would be greatly appreciated.
Neil says
I have had my Kirkland Signature 6’s for almost a month now. I love them. I had Phonak Audeo YES IX’s before these, about 6.5 years old and dying. I have my first follow-up in 2 days. The HIS who did me is GREAT! He is an expert at programming them. He is at the 2nd Costco I went to as the first one I saw was a waste. She had no clue, didn’t have what I wanted to trial, the Sig 6’s, tried to push the Trax9 on me which totally sucked, were very tinny sounding. The next guy though was a pro, as good as and of the previous 3 providers I had purchased from.
The Sig 6’s work fantastically in noisy malls, noisy restaurants, and I was even able to enjoy a Cirque Du Soleil performance and hear the gibberish they sing, but also make out their actual speech, and I could hear my friends and carry a conversation over the noise of the show, and at the dinner before it. I am very impressed by these. They work fantastically with my iPhone 6 Plus. You do have to talk into the iPhone for the mic, but the phone call is stereo in your aids. I use them all day at work with an older Jabra Bluetooth adapter on my office phone doing tech support phone calls for a small software company. I paid $1799 for the aids, and only $210 for the Bluetooth remote/Phone Clip + to use with the Jabra. My old Phonak iCom cost me $500 in comparison plus roughly $100 per year for Phonak to replace the thin wire antenna that it had to hang around your neck from. The Clip + is so much better designed as it just clips onto your collar or pocket and does not hang by a thin rubber coated wire. I work for a software company, not for Costco or a hearing aid provider or manufacturer, so am not pushing these for anyone.
A says
I think all you people who have posted on this forum need to understand that yes, Costco has good hearing aids for a good price. However, Costco lacks experienced audiologists and dispensers who are the most important part of the process. People who treat hearing aids as commodities have a lot to learn about how the brain functions. If you can find a good professional in your local Costco hearing center, then great! You’ll be fine. However, if you can’t which it the case for a lot you go elsewhere and pay more for above and beyond service and continued adjustments. Having routine cleaning and adjustments as well as ear wax removal if needed are key!
Because Costco is so big(nationally) they get a significantly better deal from the hearing aid manufacturers and can pass that along to its shoppers. Independent audiology and dispenser offices don’t get that amazing deal. They pay more and have to charge you more. It is the manufacturers that are being greedy, not the middle man. In fact, over the years the middle man has been squeezed more and more over years.
Having an audiologist look after my hearing an make adjustments to my hearing aids for me is better than trusting it to someone with significantly less education. I feel I am more successful with my hearing aids because of this. Oh, and I paid $3000 for my hearing aids that are mid level from Widex and I am very satisfied!! They explained to me and I believe that routine adjustments help keep me sharper. I tried Costco and I don’t get this level of care. If I have an infection or pain in one of my ears, my audiologist is with an ENT and I can get right in without any problems.
My advice is to find a good audiologist and find reasonably priced hearing aids and have them adjusted appropriately and make sure you go for follow ups!
Good luck!-A
judith lee says
I am forced to buy Phonk hearing aids locally as Costco is too far away. What is best way to get my hearing man down in price? I am retired, fixed income and his price is horrid,
J Lee
lee-juda@comcast.net
Judith Lee
978 682 4232
JIM FINNEY says
Does the present patent lawsuit against GN ReSound by Oticon prevent me from buying the latest
aids? And does Costco sell these latest versions?
charles j cooley says
I wrote july 30th…. Since then I have talked to the rep for our area (MPLS MN) I asked about the difference between last years resound 5 etc as compared to Signiture 6 at Costo, and the possible difference between those and the Linx squared He didnt know the specifics (he said) but did agree that the Sig6 is pretty much the last years model. My Audio from Fl urged me to buy that model last year. !! Now she says the linx2 is much improved and I should consider them, and DON’T go to a Costco etc as they are not trained there,, only maybe 2-3 hours.
The rep told me where I could obtain the new ones, and the place happened to be the same as my ENT Doc! The rep gave me MSRP prices for the 5, 7, and 9 new models (about $3200, $5200 and $7200 respectively. BUT, said that the audios would likely charge less to be competitive.
I visited my ENT Doc for followup hearing problems. He asked if my present aids (resounds — 13 years old) were ok, and if so, don’t change. BUT if I thought I should upgrade. don”t go to his clinics Audiology folks — rip off!! He routinely refers his patients to —-you guessed it —-COSTCO!!!
I went to COSTCO for there FREE exam and consultative remarks and recommendations (compared to the $150 exam at the Audio)
I now have had the $1799 COSTCO product which has proved to be a wonderful upgrade from my old Resound devices, and have the free app to use my iphone to regulate the new devices in different situationsk answer phone calls and listen to radio, podcasts, music etc from my iphone directly into my hearing aids. Am very happy, and, incidently, after 6 weeks of moderate usage, am still using the first set of batteries!! (Hint, always remove batteries if not using the aids, and place the large flat side onto a strip of scotch tape)
BATTOM LINE DO THE COSTCO FOR SUPERIOR SERVICE ETC (My hearing speialist was trained a the U of MN with lots of experience( CCOOLEY
In August I posted a report on me getting ready to try the Kirkland 6, iPhone comparable hearing aides. I have now had them for 5 weeks and am used to them. They use a smaller battery than my previous Rexton hearing aides, and if you are mot careful, they says
If you email me, i would be happy to give you the name and phone number of the hearing aide repair guy in Kansas!
Sam Jacobs says
One of the things it should be noted is the warrantee when you buy Costco hearing aids with The American Express card. I had a pair of hearing aids that I had, let’s call it a minor mishap with some H2O, and took them back to Cosco to see if they could be fixed. They were sent to the manufacture and it was determined they indeed were not able to fix them. I was then that I was made aware of the fact that American Express extends the warranty one year past the manufacturers warranty and was eventually given a new pair. I don’t know if this is a plug for Cosco or for American Express, or, if any other credit card does the same, however, this is a program that should be taken in consideration when buying hearing aids.
Al Perris says
I too am interested in knowing what I would be missing if I purchased aids from Costco or with linx2 from my hearing aid practitioner.
Jane Pronko says
This is an interesting conversation about whether Costco hearing aids are below par. I want to tell you an unbelievable account regarding my hearing aids. I have had the least expensive Costco hearing aids for about 5 years. I use the rechargeable batteries and every night I charge up and dry out my batteries in the small charger. A couple of months ago I lost one of my hearing aids. I searched all the possible places not willing to give up and spend the money to get another set of aids, I went by the kiosk at the hearing aid section at Costco and told the very lovely assistant about my loss. She suggested I check my clothing carefully as that is where most hearing aids get lost.
About a week and a half after I missed my hearing aid I was washing clothes. When I opened the dryer door., there was my missing hearing aid in the lint container. I put it in the charger and, guess what, It worked just fine and is still working. It works like it had never been through the washer and dryer. Possibly because the battery had died before it’s trip through the and drying cycle of my machines, but whatever the reason I’m sold on Costco hearing aids. When I upgrade my I-Phone I plan to get the app for hearing aids and enjoy the benefits that are advertised.
Alex says
Is it possible that the reason the made-for-iPhone feature is being downplayed is because of the lawsuit that GN just lost to Oticon pertaining to the first gen technology?
Ronald Beck says
Never believe an audiologist. they are just upset that their monopoly and unfair profit margin has ended. I bought Rexton hearing aides from Costco 5 1/2 years ago. One has gone bad and can’t be repaired because it is past 5 years. I am going to Costco on Friday, having a refresher hearing test, and will be ordering the Signiture 6 hearing aides which are compatible with my IPhone 6. i put in the app already and can’t wait to hear the difference in phone calls. My hearing loss is moderate, so I have confidence that my next five years will be covered by a good product, continued fabulous service and good hearing!
I truly love Costco. (an interesting aside is the by paying with American express, you will be reimbursed for any repairs for an extra year beyond the warrantee period.
charles j cooley says
My question my audiologist is really badmouthing the costco, mainly saying the costo product is inferior, and the linx2 is far superior. It does not appear that is true. I would like a more detailed comparison between the two. It seems the costco (last years model) does everything and more for what I want.