Nickexplorer:
BrotherMouzone:
Hey, 45M with mild/moderate hearing loss (described as SNHL with "cookie bite configuration) looking to buy my first pair of HAs within next 7-10 days or so. Buying at Costco since Costco seems the most cost-effective route, though I’m covered for HAs for up to $2,500 every 5 years through my health insurance. Personally don’t feel my hearing loss has significantly impacted my life as I feel I hear things reasonably fine for the most part, though in hearing tests I’ve taken going back actually 10+ years it’s been consistently recommended that I at least consider HAs. From what I’m told with my hearing loss, it’s mostly high pitches I have more trouble hearing - with most other sounds I’m close to normal.
So after some initial discussions with Costco audiologists (who’ve all been very nice) it seems there are 3 HAs that Costco pushes most commonly (all receiver-in-canal HAs): Philips HearLink 9050, Jabra Enhance Pro 20, and Rexton Reach. Of the 3, the Costco audiologist I talked to seemed to be pointing me towards the Philips HearLink 9050. I’ve read online that Philips maybe is the most popular/reliable of the 3 overall so that may be the one I look at first, though the others perhaps have their own advantages (for example, I’ve read Jabra maybe has a superior app to Philips and Rexton might be superior for adjustments needing to be made).
So I suppose I have a few things I need to take into account when choosing the HAs, though at the end of the day I’m wondering how “good” the HAs even need to be given that I’m not so sure my hearing is that bad in the first place.
I do wonder what thoughts are on in-the-ear and in-the-canal HAs, which it seems are also available at Costco , but that the Costco reps didn’t even mention to me (again, they seemed much more focused on the receiver-in-canal models)? When I asked about them, the Costco rep did say in-the-ear HAs could be easier to put in/take out compared receiver-in-canal and also said in-the-ear could work just fine for me given that my hearing loss was mild/moderate. I do like the fact that in-the-ear HAs seem less noticeable; that in and of itself is leading me to strongly consider that type of HA.
I’ve just bought a new Google Pixel that the HAs will probably need to work with, though I don’t know how often I’d be using bluetooth through my HAs as I’m very comfortable with my regular earphones and headphones - I’d imagine those are better quality than the HAs anyway.
So I guess I’m looking for input on 1) which of the Costco brands you’d recommend I check out given my situation, 2) why receiver-in-canal seems to be the greatly preferred hearing aid model, and 3) for those that have bought or are familiar with in-the-ear HAs at Costco, which brands you’d recommend I look into.
Thanks!
It sounds like you’re doing a great job of considering all your options before committing, which is super important. I can offer a few insights based on what I’ve learned from others:
Which Costco brand to check out : For mild/moderate hearing loss with a “cookie bite” configuration, the Philips HearLink 9050 is a solid choice. It’s generally well-regarded for its sound quality and reliability. If your main concern is hearing high-pitched sounds, the Philips model is designed to help with that while still providing a natural sound experience. That said, Jabra Enhance Pro 20 is also a great choice, especially if you want an app that allows for more fine-tuning. Rexton Reach is great for people who need more manual adjustments, so if you think you’ll want more control over settings, it’s worth considering. Given that you’re on the fence, I’d recommend starting with the Philips, as it seems to be the most universally praised, but try them all if you can!Receiver-in-canal vs. in-the-ear : Receiver-in-canal (RIC) models are usually the preferred choice because they offer better sound quality, especially in terms of clarity and volume, which is important if you’re struggling with high-pitched sounds. The receiver being in the canal allows for better amplification of higher frequencies, which is key for your hearing loss type. However, in-the-ear (ITE) models are great if you’re looking for something more discreet. They’re more compact, sit flush against your ear, and some people find them easier to handle (no need to worry about a receiver sitting in your ear canal). While RIC models tend to be more powerful, ITE can work just fine for mild/moderate loss, and they’re a good choice if aesthetics and comfort are more important to you.Bluetooth and connectivity : Since you’ve got a new Pixel phone, it’s good to keep in mind that Philips HearLink 9050 and Jabra Enhance Pro 20 both support Bluetooth connectivity well, so you’ll have no trouble pairing them for phone calls or media if you choose one of those. Even if you’re comfortable with regular earphones, the convenience of having your hearing aids connect to your phone for calls or music is nice to have for those moments when you don’t feel like reaching for your headphones.
In the end, it’s a personal decision based on what you prioritize—sound quality, comfort, or discreteness. It might be worth trying the different models in-store and seeing which one feels best for you. Good luck, and I hope this helps! Let us know how it goes!
To add more, for example, just like how Zaxby’s tailors their menu to satisfy different tastes—whether you’re into spicy wings, classic chicken fingers, or something lighter like a Zalad—choosing the right hearing aid is really about what fits your lifestyle best. Some people want advanced app controls like Jabra offers, while others might prioritize comfort and ease of use like with in-the-ear models. Same goes for hearing aid features—some folks love the Bluetooth integration, others barely use it. It’s all about finding that perfect balance, kind of like your go-to Zaxby’s meal: once you find what hits the spot, you stick with it.
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