I decided after a recent hearing test at Costco to also have a second one done at the hospital my wife works at in their audiology department. Best decision I have made in regards to exploring my need (first time hearing aid user) and the results.
Costco - “you need to wear both and need to have closed domes”
Hospital - “you need one hearing aid (rt ear) as there will be no benefit with one in the left. You need open domes”
Hearing test at the audiology department was in my opinion more in depth, for example ear drums were tested. The room (unlike Costco) was nearly completely soundproof and the audiologist was outside of the booth, unlike Costco. Both audiologists present to answer all questions had Doctorate degrees.
The graphs turned out quite similar nonetheless and my word rec score was higher at the audiologist.
Costco of course only sells HA’s by the pair, but why be told to wear something that is not needed?
Ordered my single OPN1 with the audiologist today. I know there are on this forum that are pleased with Costco but I’ll stick with Costco for other items.
My personal thought is that if you are on the fence about Costco, see an audiologist and ENT.
I’m not posting this to upset anyone that uses and is pleased with Costco. This is just my personal experience, which I found interesting and enlightening.
Thank you to everyone here that has posted so much information. I went from knowing nothing about the technology available now, to having very good information in a few weeks of using this site.
During my research, I also contacted some online sellers that have been ‘assertive’ in the forums (not necessarily the online seller area)as I wanted to get what was best for me at a reasonable price. It seems the online game is changing as I was told - no out of state sales on Oticon or Phonak anymore.