Replacing 4 Year Old Aids - Horns of a Dilemma

Hearing Aids
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I’ve been in HAs since 2017. Current model is about 4 years old, (Unitron B9). 68 years old.

Just recently had my hearing retested and it has gotten a bit worse. Summary from audiologist test is “Mild to moderate sloping sensorineural hearing loss bilaterally”. I can scan and upload the report if necessary, but I understand it is a pretty typical scenario.

Here is my dilemma. The independent dispenser I have been using for years has had some personal setbacks that have affected his business. That and some health problems make me concerned about getting replacements from him as I am not sure he will be around a whole lot longer (he is 70). He has been good to me, but after reading what the best practices are, I find that he has not been testing me as comprehensively as he should. He simply uses the tones in a booth.

His prices have been better than a true audiologist, but more expensive than Costco.

On the other hand, I know that a true audiologist would be more like a gold standard of care, but the raw fact is that I can’t afford the 6-7k for units from him.

Which brings me to Costco, which I can afford, but I know it is more of a crap shoot as far as fitting quality, and frankly, their choices (branding and what the HAs really are under the brand name) is a bit confusing.

I did have testing done with my current provider as well as Costco and the results are fairly consistent.

So, my question boils down to if it was you, what would you do in the same circumstances? I know I will need new aids in the near future, but it is going to boil down to staying with the same provider (affordability is still iffy, and I question the comprehensiveness of his testing) and take my chances he will be there, or go with Costco.

What are the pros and cons?

Choices, choices.

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Unitron is a Phonak mfg. aid, Costco has the Sennheiser (same as the Luminity 90) aid made be Phonak same company.
That one is not the latest model from Phonak but a very good Hearing aid.
All the other aids they sell are top of the line rebranded from major company’s .

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I’d go to Costco on the basis oft their pricing and return policy. If your hearing loss really is as vanilla as you say (and mild to moderate) it’s a paint-by-the-numbers proposition for the fitter.

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I didn’t know Sennheiser is the same as Phonak Lumity 90!!!

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I second going to Costco. Seeing anybody new is a crapshoot. Costco is affordable, has some quality standards and offers great long term support and return period. I’m not saying everybody should go to Costco but it doesn’t sound like you have any special needs so I would definitely give them a try. Any of their aids could likely serve you well.

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Here is a copy of my latest hearing test done by the audiologist if it helps.

2025 Hearing Test.pdf (171.5 KB)

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Costco. Its time for a new adventure.
I’ve done Costco, then audi for a couple of times and now back to Costco.

I would have your preferred Costco fitter set up the new Jabra 30s (or whatever) for you to demo around in the store first. Then decide.

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Thanks! Yes, any aid should do just fine.

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I would try the Sennheiser because as noted It is a Sonova product and the specs are almost identical to the Phonak Lumity90 and the Costco KS10 so it is more likely to sound like your Unitron. In any event, in the US, Costco has a six month no questions asked return period so you can try other aids if it doesn’t work out or even another Sennheiser if there is a new model during that time.

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Sennheiser should be just fine but I’ve seen nothing that suggests that Unitrons sound much like Phonaks. Similar hardware but different approach with software is my understanding. I’d go with tech’s recommendation as that is likely to be the aid they’ve had the most success with.

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@wgragg1
I’ve used hearing aids for about 20 years.

If I was looking for a vendor today I would be going to COSTCO.

My experience?

  • first audi was wonderful
  • second firm was ok; however, one partner was much more patient and helpful and skilled. but she left
  • third audi did some things well; but he couldn’t setup the hearing aids he provided.
    Point is, it’s a $rap shoot picking audis; at least that’s my experience.

I try and find the best. But at times I haven’t even found adequate. That’s near Toronto.

I’d try COSTCO. Their cost is significantly cheaper. You essentially have guaranteed refund for 6 months. I wish they sold using the model names we can recognize.

I hope this helps.

DaveL
Toronto

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Costco Costco Costco, it’s a no brainer, just for the price alone, you be the judge on the on the quality of fitting, most don’t have any problems at all, the service and warranty is fantastic, and remember Costco only sell premium latest models (except Sennheiser which is older tech)

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If cost is a severe problem, then eBay older equipment and self program. But you’re not gonna get the same level equipment as a new costco HA.

WH

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I recently got Phonak Spheres from the VA after using Philips 9040s from Costco for two years. The Philips were my first HAs so I wasn’t sure of what to expect, or require. The Philips helped my hearing but the first wires were too short so my HAs fell off when I stooped and was more active, and the HAs were uncomfortable after wearing them all day so I should have asked for more comfortable domes. I now find that my Phonaks stay on and are much more comfortable than my Philips. If I were you, I would go to Costco and be much more demanding than I was. You are a better judge of what to require, and Costco’s policies allow you to go back until you get it. Incidentally, my VA audiologist said he has had really good experience with Oticon so I would consider the Philips 9050.

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I would agree. Try Costco. The success you will have will depend largely on the technicians and audiologists at your Costco. If you live in an urban area and have access to more than one Costco, pay attention to the feedback from others about their experience at the local Costco and choose the one with the best reported experiences. I have not been very happy with my Costco audis but I seem to be in a minority. Even so, I am basically satisfied with the HAs I have (Jabra 20s) and the setup.

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The 'price" of HAs is more than just what one shells out at the moment of purchase. It’s true that Costco has great prices on very good aids, up front. However, I think anyone has to consider:
–HA’s aren’t like eyeglasses, where you get them and you’re done
–HA’s require adjustments over time, especially in the initial months
–some people live far away from any costco
–HA’s require maintenance, including cleaning. although I recommend getting a Jedi-vac or something similar so that cleanings can be done at home
–etc etc.
Costco tends to do a good job! But if you have to drive several hours to reach one, and there’s a more local provider, you have to take this into account. And then there’s the most crucial thing: if you have a provider who’s really good at configuring your HAs, it’s priceless. Finding one of these at Costco may be hit or miss, and anyway, there’s a lot of movement in terms of techs at Costco. And there may be a month’s wait or more to get into see one if you have any issues with your HA’s. So research this last in particular and take it into consideration. You WILL have issues with your HA’s; especially new hearing aids. In regards to this last, a local provider who is familiar with your needs and who can provide fast service is a great boon.

But it all depends, doesn’t it! If you live near a Costco, why not save bucks up front on your aids? I’m lucky and perhaps rare in having expert providers who know me that I can get in to see very quickly if needs be.
Many here, including some who perform DIY adjustments, love Costco. If you’re able to learn to how adjust your aids yourself–not as easy as promised!–and are willing to invest in the tech required for that, then indeed less expensive quality aids are a “no brainer”. So ask yourself “am I willing to be my own audi?”. There’s a real learning curve involved in that, that will take some months to begin to complete. There’s a reason that providers don’t get accredited after a few days of instruction.
Others here will vehemently object to this last statement. that said, I see the advantages of being able to fine tune one’s own aids over time at home and not have to rely on Costco techs that are ever changing and that have no familiarity with one’s own needs and preferences. If you can be your own audi, with good results, go for it! Again, there’s more to this than might appear at first glance.

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Na I disagree with some points you’ve made, I think the negatives you’ve pointed out could be found in any local clinic as well, no one is perfect, Costco and your local clinic have everything bundled into the price you pay, now I know this is a very subjective experience within the industry, but it’s industry wide, certainly not just a Costco thing.

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Fortunately, this is not my first set of HAs and I live within 10 minutes of a Costco, should I go that route. I know that they are going to require adjustment. That is a given, so your point there is well taken. Getting timely adjustment appointments will be important and is a consideration.

All of this is part of the dilemma. Do I go back to the provider I really like (who isn’t an actual audiologist), and has been very good to me, knowing that he may not be in business much longer. (He has been doing this for decades) Or do I go a cheaper route and take a chance at Costco? A true audiologist is out of the question for me price wise.

Fortunately, it isn’t a decision I need to make this second. I have time to wait and consider.

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Maybe ask him what happens when he closes up shop? Does he have someone in mind to pass along the business? Are they any good?

My current dentist is in his 70s and shows no sign of slowing up. We’ve been seeing him about 35 years. He sold his practice years ago and we’ve followed him to a new-to-us practice when we weren’t impressed with the kid that bought the old practice and expected us to just keep coming. (He went broke and sold it to a chain!) I know that some day things will change, and driving an hour to see him won’t be necessary(we’ve moved away), and I’ll lean on his advice/network knowledge on picking out a new dentist if I can.

All that to say, lay your cards out and see the response. You may be surprised.

WH

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As I stated, it all depends on any individual’s situation. the OP is perfectly happy with his current provider. He’s been seeing that provider for decades. He likes familiarity. Costco techs come and go, and anyway, one takes the next appt. with whomever because they’re very busy and appt’s can be hard to come by.
Tenkan is an expert DIYer, and also extremely knowledgeable about HAs. I always respect his opinions. But as a self-programmer, he may underestimate the advantages of being able to work. with a dedicated tech/audi who knows your needs, within a fast timeline when things aren’t working. I can’t fix or adjust my HAs myself. I’ll have them for 7 or 8 years, at least. Pro rating over that time period means, for me, the advantages of a local provider outweigh the up front cost savings from Costco. I don’t always want to be explaining myself to yet another random tech at costco, and then having to wonder about what he or she has done to my aids after I leave. And then meet with yet another tech the next time to try to fix what the previous tech had done etc. etc.