Signature brand on this quality product,” says
Richard Chavez, Costco senior vice president of
Costco ancillary businesses. “We were able to reduce
the price over the last model by $100, so members
can purchase a pair of superior hearing aids for an
incredible price of $1,899.99. On top of that, we o;er
batteries and accessories at extremely low prices, so
the complete value to members is amazing.
“It’s our best product to date.”
Engaged In performance
Real ear measurement, or REM, is a test done
when one ;rst gets hearing aids to improve the ;t
and help assess their performance—in other words,
to make sure they are correctly doing what they
should do. Christian Anthis, director of operations
for Costco’s Hearing Aid Centers and a state-licensed
dispenser, tells me, “REM allows us to objectively
and reliably measure the accuracy of your hearing
versus ;tting, and lets us make any needed correc-
tions before you leave with your new hearing aids.”
REM is highly recommended by the industry,
but studies have shown that only about 22 percent of
providers perform the test, as it takes additional
time, and some charge an additional fee if it is done.
“Costco ;rmly believes that real ear measurement
can provide a signi;cant improvement for its mem-
bers to fully bene;t from the hearing aids,” Christian
notes, “so we provide this service at no charge.”
Costco’s Hearing Aid Centers exceed industry
standards in another area as well. When you purchase
new hearing aids, it’s important to wear them for a
while to be sure they fit and work well for you.
“Research indicates that aural rehabilitation, which is
the ear and mind adjusting to new sounds, can take
up to 90 days to be e;ective,” Soris tells me. “;erefore,
Costco o;ers a 90-day trial period for the member to
become accustomed to the ;tting and ampli;cation
in order to fully bene;t from their new hearing aids
and make sure they are satis;ed with the results.”
Service with a smile from ear to ear
Professional service for your hearing aids is one
of the most important aspects to consider, as these
tiny buds will be a fundamental part of your life.
Hearing aids can last three to ;ve years, so paying for
additional visits can get expensive. However, Soris
explains, “We want to be sure every Costco member
has the individual care they need. One of our best
service bene;ts is that no limits are placed on the
number of complimentary follow-up appointments a
member can make as long as they have the product.”
In addition to manufacturer warranties of two
to three years, you can schedule a free product
checkup as part of routine maintenance. “Everyday
product care is provided by our professionals at no
additional cost,” Soris notes. “;is really reduces the
purchase risk and ensures you will be satis;ed as
long as you have your Costco hearing aids.”
Long-term commitment
All hearing aid professionals are licensed or reg-
istered by the state they work in and are trained to ;t
and dispense hearing aids. Costco’s standards and
protocols meet or exceed industry and regulatory
requirements, and Costco’s well-trained dispensers
and audiologists provide some of the highest-quality
experiences in the industry, says Richard. Each year,
Costco hosts a continuing education conference for
its dispensing sta; to keep on top of the latest devel-
opments in the ;eld, while concentrating on best
practices that are key to member satisfaction.
Costco developed an extensive internal hearing
aid apprenticeship program to train and mentor
selected employees entering this profession, and this
year was awarded the Joel S. Wernick Award for
Excellence in Dispenser Education by ;e Hearing
Journal at the 62nd Annual International Hearing
Society Convention in Washington, D.C.
“[;e apprenticeship program] provides caring
people with new career opportunities while prepar-
ing the next generation of dispensers necessary for
growth,” says Tammy Clark, director of training for
Costco’s Hearing Aid Centers, “and it’s also a great
bene;t to members as it provides more dispensers at
each Costco Hearing Aid Center, which allows for
expanded hours of operations.”
Costco has also formed a unique and bene;cial
partnership with the International Hearing Society
(IHS). In order to support development of regula-
tions and training in various countries, Costco has
aligned with the IHS by sharing Costco’s own edu-
cation and training materials, making a positive
contribution to the industry by helping to develop a
properly trained workforce around the globe.
As Richard notes, “We can’t have a healthy business for our members if the industry isn’t healthy.”
Listen up
When you have a hearing loss, you can lose touch
with humanity. Costco’s Hearing Aid Centers o;er
the chance to reconnect. C
Sherrie Newman (sn.; rstpoint@gmail.com) is
a marketing and communications consultant.
Comparing premium hearing aids
Kirkland Signature 5.0 premium hearing aids $1,899.99 (per pair)*
Rexton, Bernafon and ReSound
hearing aids at Costco $2,599.98 to 2,999.98 (per pair)
Commercial retailers and private practice $3,590 to $6,848 (per pair)
Internet retailers $2,990 to $3,648 (per pair)
Costco hearing aid battery 23 cents (per cell)
Retail competitors’ hearing aid battery 54 cents to $1 (per cell)
ACCORDING TO the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration website,
www.fda.gov/
consumer, you may have a
hearing loss if:
• People say you are shouting when you talk to them.
• You need the TV or radio
turned up louder than
other people do.
• You often ask people to
repeat themselves because
you can’t hear or understand them, especially in
groups or where there are
background noises.
• You can hear better out of
one ear than the other
• You can’t hear a dripping
faucet or a high note of
a violin.—SN
Signs of possible
hearing loss
Costco value
Just a sampling of hearing aid styles available at Costco includes (L to R):
completely-in-canal, in-canal, in-the-ear and behind-the-ear.
BENEFITS OF buying hearing
aids from Costco include:
• Costco pricing
• Premium technology
• Free hearing tests to
determine if you could be
helped by a hearing aid
• Free follow-up appointments
• Free hearing aid cleanings
and checkups
• Free two-year loss or
damage coverage (with no
deductible)
• Free warranty periods
(warranty varies by model)
• 10 free hearing aid batteries
per hearing aid purchased
• 90-day trial period
• No-commission staff
Price comparison done on November 5, 2013. *Kirkland Signature 5.0 includes remote control,
10 batteries, cleaning kit, travel pouch and case, plus a 90-day trial period and unlimited follow-ups.
