Keep in mind that Costco doesn’t actually stock hearing aids in the store; they have to be ordered from the manufacturer upon purchase. So you’ll need more than one trip. If distance is an issue, you might be better served by a local provider.
You can see the brands that Costco sells here:
That is not a problem if they have to ordered them. I will keep wearing what I have now. It still works, but not as good as it used to. Hopefully I can get a pair that will allow me to hear more or less at get-together’s. I hear more noise/chatter than what I want to hear.
I bought my first aids from Costco 4 years ago, Bernafon’s and was never really happy with them, wore them sporadically. Then in March, my grand dog ate one and I had to buy another pair. I again went to Costco, and saw another audiologist. I tried Trax 42’s (my audiologist fitted me with BTE model), and I was not happy after 2 adjustments. I also tried a pair of Phonak Audeo’s from an independent audiologist. The Audeo’s were clearly the best aids for me, and my wife and son told me I would be crazy not to spend the extra money for the Audeo’s. Being a frugal person, I then tried Phonak Brio’s from Costco, but again there was no comparison with the Audeo’s after 2 adjustments. Based on my experience, since the Costco aids are a sizable expenditure, I would suggest trying the later technology from an independent audiologist before you commit to the Costco aids. I am glad I did.
When you say there was no comparison, what specifically was not to your liking with the Costco Brios? The Audeo and Brio and the same thing, the Brio being less a couple features like echo block and tinnitus masker. Sadly, skill varies widely from Costco to Costco. Did either the Costco person or the audiologist stick probe tube mics in your ears to measure and adjust the sound? If not, then they were guessing.
I hardly think Phonak would let Costco sell equal aids at half price that the independent audiologists sell. Anyway, I could tell the difference immediately and my family could tell the difference. For example, my son and I were walking out to the car and he was behind me. He spoke softly as a test and I could hear every word. Another difference is I now ENJOY going to restaurants with my friends, but with Costco aids I avoided. Maybe it was all my Costco audiologist, or maybe me, but I don’t think so. All I am saying is that if you are going to spend that kind of money and you have the money to try the top of the line from an independent audiologist, it is well worth the time and effort to do so, IN MY OPINION. I don’t have a dog in this hunt, just giving my experience and hope it helps someone.