Costco News: KS10 discontinued

Hearing Aids
#139

I have a power aid and custom mold in my right ear; a custom mold in my left. The right is heavier than the left. When I put my aids in the charger, the left (lighter) aid always gives a consistent green blinking light. The (heavier) right will initially show a green blinking light, that most often will stop after a few seconds. the weight of the mold will unbalance the battery connection and stop the charge. I’ll most often (!) have to fiddle with the balance to keep the right aid charging. For example, I’ll put something under the mold to hold its weight. then, it charges as normal.

I wonder if something like this isn’t behind the issue. It’[s not the charger. it’s loss of contact with the aid with the charger. The magnet holding the connection isn’t strong enough. Users see the green light when they put their aids in the charger, and don’t wait to see the connection has failed.

1 Like
#140

I was told straight up by a fitter that they sell the hearing aids at a loss to build up membership and sales in other areas (he mentioned optical but not sure that was his real point, just an example). He also said that they did the same thing with the hot dogs and rotisserie chickens. There are a few things that they will always keep cheap because it keeps people remaining as members and buying other things that are profitable. Of course, he’s low on the Costco totem pole but he does work there.

1 Like
#141

I bought KS10s in January with the “Kirkland Charger Case” a few months ago (substantial improvement over my old Phonak Brios) and have had no problems, so it isn’t affecting everyone, however one has detailed the problem and it is right to consider the whole system when troubleshooting. Could be a quality control issue.

5 Likes
#142

Moving to android 13 resolved the drain issue for me. Now I end the day with both aids within a few percentage of each other.

1 Like
#143

More “tea leaf reading” :smile: Costco currently has many of their hearing aids at $200 off. This continues until November 23rd. It seems feasible that there might be a new model or models at that time (or it could just be a pre Thanksgiving sale)

3 Likes
#144

Just talked with my local Costco audiologist. She said that ks10 would return when the charging issue is sorted out. Also she assured me that the current situation wouldn’t affect the warranty of the ks10 already sold.

3 Likes
#145

I don’t see how the issue could have affected warranty. The warranty is a written agreement. I am dubious about KS10s returning, but I have definitely been wrong before.

1 Like
#146

My impression was that the KS10 was a private lable version of Phonaks Audeo P90R’s. I have the Phonak P90R’s.

So when talk started here about the reason for the removal of KS10’s from COSTCO’s shelves because of reliability issues, I wondered if this was because

  1. the KS10’s were redesigned to meet COSTCO’s request for proposals, and they weren’t the same
  2. or, they were the same and explanation was wrong
  3. or, whether Phonak’s Audeo P90R’s had the same problem but their hearing aid providers were more skilled at solving the problem
  4. or all of the above :wink:

Point is I hope that we as users of both models of this hearing aid find them acceptable and reliable for the life length we expect. I don’t have back-up hearing aids that I can use if mine fail. They are essential to my safety at work. (Using previous Phonaks I couldn’t hear moving traffic or equipment behind me on construction sites. I can with the P90’s. Do I phone in sick if my hearing aids fail and aren’t returned for two weeks?)

1 Like
#147

Regarding needing hearing aids at work for safety: If explained to your audiologist, they may very well be able to provide a loaner while your hearing aids are being serviced. Another possibility might be an alternative work assignment.

#148

Might have even been the charger.

Jordan

1 Like
#149

From reading all the posts here … it appears that is what it is.

2 Likes
#150

No. I’m old. They’d just kick me to the curb . No alternative work assignment, though I appreciate your suggestion.

My audiologist is incredible. About 4 months ago he took my old hearing aids and reprogrammed them. He provided me with batteries, and wax guards too. But he’s changed all my settings since. When we finally get my P90’s right I’ll ask if he can reprogram my old HA/s again. Phonak is here in town. Maybe he could find loaner P90’s and program them…

DaveL
Toronto

#151

my audi provides loaners while my aids are in the shop. Ask! i bet yours does too.

3 Likes
#152

Thanks Jeffrey.

I’ve had 2 concerns during the almost 20 years I’ve used hearing aids.

  1. Is there insurance against loss or damage I should be buying?
  2. How will I hear if I have to send my HA’s back?

Thanks for your response.

DaveL
Toronto

#153
  1. It depends largely on where one buys one’s hearing aids. I believe Costco includes a 3 year loss and damage policy. This is something to clarify when one purchases. If you’ve already bought, clarify asap so you are not surprised.
  2. a)If you’re having problems with your hearing aids and your provider can’t fix it. b) For a lot of providers, near the end of the 3 year warranty it is wise to send them back for “refurbishment.” Usually you just get new aids. You need to remember to do this on your own. I am unaware of any recalls of hearing aids so I doubt anybody is going to contact you about sending hearing aids back.
2 Likes
#154

Thanks MDB. I have Phonak P90’s that are just over a year old. My audiologist has been very helpful. Yet I’ve been so concerned taking masks off that I’ll lose a hearing aid or two. Masks are seldom seen now; but in some environments I feel the need to wear them. I’ve had a few close calls.

1 Like
#155

When I wear a mask with my aids I need to check my aid placement every time I put my mask on or take it off.

3 Likes
#156

MDB I do that too…

It’s like treatment for sleep apnea. I used to use a mask that worked well. Respironics Dreamwear. As I wore it more and more, I used to check it for leaks. After a while I became so impulsive that I would wake up in my sleep to check for leaks. Finally I changed make and model of masks! Sleep quality had deteriorated so badly I had to make a change.

#157

Thanks Neville! Much appreciated.

DaveL

#158

My aids from Costco have the 3 year manufacturer warranty and 2 year warranty for loss and damage

1 Like