Service fees
Service Costco Others
Exam fee Free Up to $75
Restocking fee None Up to $200
Hearing aid dryer Free $60–$150
L&D deductible None Up to $500
Remote Free with KS 4.0 $200–$250
Tubes/domes Free Up to $15
Cleaning fee Free Up to $75
Comparison prices as of December 2011. Prices are subject to change and may vary.
Hearing aid batteries (per battery)
Kirkland
Size Signature Others Savings
10a $. 25 $. 36–$1.66 $. 11–$1.41
13 $. 25 $. 36–$1.66 $. 11–$1.41
312 $. 25 $. 36–$1.66 $. 11–$1.41
675 $. 25 $. 75–$1.66 $. 50–$1.41
Kirkland Signature batteries are sold in a 40-pack for $9.99 and represent the
best value in the industry.
plimentary hearing aid checkup, including
cleaning and a new battery—even if the aids
were not purchased at Costco. (Some retailers
charge up to $75 just for a cleaning.)
The newest model
Since their arrival about three weeks ago,
the stylishly discreet Kirkland Signature
Premium 4.0 digital hearing aids have been
stirring up quite the chatter.
Crafted with the latest technology, built-in directional microphones and state-of-the-art open-ear design, the Kirkland Signature
4.0 is Costco’s best yet, rapidly analyzing
incoming sounds and automatically making
adjustments to adapt to the user’s needs.
The hubby was one of the first to purchase the new Kirkland Signature 4.0. He
reports, “I can’t believe what I am now hearing. The aids are so tiny they are nearly invisible and do not plug my ears. These aids are a
life changer for me.” (And me!)
Key features include feedback suppression that quickly eliminates hearing aid squeal,
superior directionality that detects speech
regardless of where it comes from and a built-in telecoil. (See sidebar.)
I’m particularly pleased with the environmentally friendly rechargeable battery option.
(You can’t use rechargeable batteries in a hearing aid if it’s not designed to accept them.)
Leia reports, “Costco hearing aids continue to run about a third to a half of what is
charged by other national programs for com-
Leia reports, “Costco hearing aids con-
parable products. We did not raise the price of
the new Kirkland Signature 4.0. It is still
$1,999.99 per pair with a three-year warranty,
and we’ve added a remote control that dis-
creetly switches settings. Similar hearing aids
run as much as $13,000 per pair.”
All Costco hearing aid purchases are
made at Costco Hearing Aid Centers prior to
ordering and qualify for the 1% cash rebate
with Costco’s co-branded TrueEarnings Card
from American Express and the 2% Executive
Member Reward. (Select private Medicare
Advantage plans or private insurance carriers
might cover part of the cost of hearing aids. It
never hurts to check.)
The scoop on the loop
A TELECOIL (T-coil) in a hearing aid
functions as a wireless antenna, delivering customized sound when linked to
a hearing loop sound system.
Costco member Steve Frazier is
thrilled with this new technology now
available in some Costco hearing aids,
including the new Kirkland Signature
4.0. He writes:
I recently replaced my old devices
with a pair of Costco hearing aids
with tiny telecoil receivers. Now all I
have to do is push a button on the
hearing aids to hear the sound from a
“hearing loop.” Background noise
goes away and the speaker’s voice
I am so sold on this technology I now
chair the Loop New Mexico Committee.
We’re working to get hearing loops
installed in all public places, including
churches, meeting rooms and theaters,
to connect with telecoil hearing aids.
I also put a hearing loop on the TV in
my home, so now I’m really “in the loop.”
To learn more, read “A Hearing Aid
That Cuts Out All the Clatter,” New York
Times, October 23, 2011 (www.nytimes.
com, advanced search “telecoil”), or ask
Steve Frazier how to set up hearing loops
in your state. Email him at loopnm@
gmail.com.—PV
