Starkey Halo 2 vs Costco KS6

To Be Organized
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#1

After years of not wearing my old Widex Passion hearing aid, I decided to look into the world of hearing aids once again. I visited an audiologist after hearing about the Halo 2 and its BT capabilities with the iPhone. Once all discounts are taken off (including insurance), my cost would be approx. $4,000 CDN out of pocket for a pair. This would be for the top of the line one (the 24 channels one).

As I was doing my research, I came across Costco’s KS6. I know this HA is similar to the ReSound Linx with some very minor differences and that it is one generation behind the most recent release. And I also know this one has 17 channels (vs the Halo 2’s top of the line 24 channels). For this one, once all my discounts/insurance are applied, I’m looking at just under $200 out of pocket.

My question is, what am I missing out on by choosing the KS6 over of the Halo 2? Anything justifying the $3800 difference? If the difference is significant, I’m okay with paying more, but if it is nothing noticeable, that’s a pretty significant cost difference to justify…

And one more minor question, is there any significant advantage to having the Halo app vs the KS6 app?

Any help/advice/suggestion would be greatly appreciated as I can’t really find any info comparing those two.

#2

There is no practical difference between 17 and 24 channels. Costco now offers the Linx2 for about $1000 more. All it really provides is Spatial locating feature. You may or may not want/need that feature. Linx and Linx2 are the same hardware platform with software being the updated difference. Either can provide direct connection to recent (seriec5 +) iphones.

Costco has in-store demos of all their aids. You could try both and decide.

#3

Some features of the Halo 2 that you might find useful include the size 13 battery for longer streaming time, built-in t-coil, and tinnitus functionality with app control. The TruLink app also supports alerts from the Apple notification center service. Additionally, Halo 2 has specific processing features to better handle music, if that’s important to you.

#4

Maybe this info is somewhere but I seem unable to find it… I read somewhere that the Halo 2 has 20 “memories” for the various places you go to. Does the KS6 HAs have the same?

#5

Yes, the Kirkland Signature Choice app allows you to add up to 20 favorite places.

#6

Do you happen to know if they are available in Canada?
Are they called ReSound Cala or Sola??
Do these have the bigger battery?

#7

Sorry, don’t know about Canada. Best bet is to call the Costco Hearing Center near you.