In June 2019, Costco released the latest version of the company’s Kirkland Signature branded hearing aids in stores across the United States. The new Kirkland Signature 9.0 (KS 9) is, for the first time, being produced by Sonova, the parent company of the popular Phonak hearing aid brand.
The new Kirkland aids are a unique product made specifically for Costco that are “powered by Sonova technology”. The new KS 9 devices are said to be built on the Made for All (MFA) chipset platform, allowing for universal direct connectivity to Bluetooth devices.
Costco’s Kirkland Signature label has always been the value brand for many products found at Costco, both inside and outside the hearing aid department. Over the past several years, however, the prominence of the Kirkland brand in its hearing centers has grown significantly–making it the most dispensed brand at the hearing centers today. This is particularly significant, considering Costco is estimated to hold more than 11% market share of all hearing aids sold in the US, with continued growth rates of its hearing aid centers frequently exceeding 20% year-over-year.
In keeping with previous trends, the new KS 9’s have dropped price even further by $100/pair:
- KS 4.0: $1,999/pair (manufactured by Rexton)
- KS 5.0: $1,899/pair (manufactured by GN ReSound)
- KS 6.0: $1,799/pair (manufactured by GN ReSound)
- KS 7.0: $1,699/pair (manufactured by Rexton)
- KS 8.0: $1,599/pair (manufactured by Rexton)
- KS 9.0: $1,499/pair (manufactured by Sonova)
What’s Different About the Kirkland Signature 9 Hearing Aids?
Because they are produced by well known hearing aid brands, there is always a lot of consumer confusion when it comes to the private labeled Costco Kirkland Signature hearing aids. Such questions include:
- Does it have similar features to the manufacturer’s name brand counterpart (like the popular Phonak Marvel)?
- What types of features are left out of the Signature brand?
- Are the new hearing aid rechargeable or does it require batteries?
For an in depth look at what makes the of the Costco Kirkland Signature 9.0 hearing aid from Sonova different, check out the latest review video provided to HHTM by Dr. Cliff Olson (see text summary and video below)
Kirkland Signature 9.0 Hearing Aids – Taking a Closer Look
Notable features of the Kirkland 9.0 devices, as well as some areas where they may lack compared to other high-end hearing aids.
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Form Factor and Receiver Style: The Kirkland Signature 9.0 hearing aids maintain the familiar receiver-in-the-canal form factor, available in four different receiver power levels. This style is widely popular and can accommodate a broad range of hearing loss. These devices utilize a 312 disposable battery, ensuring convenience for users.
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Operating System and AutoSense Technology: The Signature 90 hearing aids feature an operating system similar to Phonak and Unitron devices, incorporating AutoSense technology. This intelligent system automatically detects and adapts to various listening environments, optimizing program settings for the best sound experience. It also classifies audio streams, distinguishing between music and speech when streaming from compatible smart devices.
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Programmability and Phonak-Inspired Software: Hearing care professionals can fine-tune the Signature 9.0 devices using Phonak-inspired programming software. With up to 20 frequency bands and various digital features at their disposal, professionals can customize the hearing aids to meet individual needs. This high level of programmability offers a tailored listening experience.
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Bluetooth Connectivity: One of the standout features of the Kirkland Signature 9.0 hearing aids is their Bluetooth capability. These devices are not limited to specific phone brands and can stream audio directly from iPhones, Android phones, or even flip phones. Users can enjoy seamless streaming of music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more, while phone conversations are transmitted directly to the hearing aids.
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Limitations and Missing Features: Despite their affordability and solid performance, the Kirkland Signature 9.0 hearing aids do have some limitations compared to higher-end models. Notably, they are not rechargeable and rely on disposable size 312 batteries. Additionally, these devices lack a telecoil, which can impact hearing in public venues and on the telephone. They also do not offer tinnitus features, remote programming capabilities, or integrated Roger receivers for improved hearing in noisy environments.
Conclusion: While the Kirkland Signature 9.0 hearing aids may not possess all the advanced features found in premium models, they still provide excellent value for the price. Their form factor, automatic adjustments, programmability, and Bluetooth connectivity offer significant benefits to users.
It’s important to remember that optimal performance depends on the expertise of hearing care professionals who can personalize these devices according to individual needs and follow best practices.
Clifford Olson is a Doctor of Audiology and Founder of Applied Hearing Solutions in Anthem, Arizona. He served as a Marine Corps Scout Sniper during his time in the military which introduced him to the profession of Audiology. He also posts informational videos on his YouTube Channel – DrCliffAuD – to educate consumers on hearing healthcare.
I can’t believe that Costco and Phonak would eliminate the telecoil from the the KS 9.0 hearing aid. There is a major movement in the US for induction looping at many public venues . Induction loops deliver sound to hearing aids with T-coils that is unbelievably clear and crisp. As a person with profound hearing loss I have found induction looping to be the only answer to my hearing loss in public venues. What was Costco and Phonak thinking? The elimination of the t-coil makes absolutely no senses at all. When do they plan to correct this major mistake.
I hope you get a answer as replacing my hearing aids and saw your comment. I can see my hearing is ok but cannot still hear speech so out to spend more money and get something better so I can join in a conversation. Will be following your post and thx u for this knowledge
I have been shopping for hearing aids for several weeks and tried a pair of Widex Evoke Fusion 2 220’s. They one of, if not the only, products out there that has bluetooth capability and kept the telecoil. Most manufacturers seem to have dumped the telecoil to literally make room for the bluetooth. If it’s important to you to have both, that might be an option, though they are considerably more expensive than the Kirkland 9.0’s.
As of January 12, 2020 the Kirkland 9.0 are available with telecoil, for no additional fee. They are slightly larger than the units that have no T-coil but it is available if needed or wanted.
Costco is now offering the t-coil in their KS9. I just ordered a pair yesterday with this feature.
Induction looping? Not a deal breaker for me, of all the features that would weight in my decision, I.L. would not make the top ten list: I simply don’t spend that much time in “public venues”. However, I do like the fact that I can blue-tooth connect to my TV, computer, iPhone, etc. I suppose it’s all about your priorities, lifestyle and your personal hearing loss, but for many of us a quality instrument well fitted, with the CostCo warranties and service, under $1,500 is a no brainer, induction looping or not.
I have an older pair of kirklands and they need a new receiver or ear piece. NO LONGER MADE. Onlynhave parts for 5 years as I understand. Then if they need parts, junk them and spend another 2K. Not me. Bullsh-t!!!
I have to agree with you there. I drive a lot and the noise canceĺing feature kills road snd air noise dead.
Not rechargeable. FS
The telecoil was probably dropped so audiologists have a step up to compete with Costco pricing.
What’s the real life advantages of the telecoil today? How and where is it used
My existing hearing aids have telecoils, but they don’t work with most of the phones I use them with. The old-school corded phones, yes, but cell phones generally don’t work at all.
They are available as option for free if you think you need them. I have them in my Rexton and did not know I had them, so I guess I will not miss them either. I will be buying these next week….hope I like them as well as the Texton that are broken.
Anyone know if KS9 is binaural (BSTV)?
Just got a pair and for the price they are doing the job. My problem with them is they have bluetooth phone and streaming capability but its functionality is the worst bluetooth device I have ever used. If you know how hit or miss bluetooth can be that is saying something.
I have had problems with Bluetooth sound quality with the KS9 hearing
Aids. I get an anoying echo or scratching noise when streaming voices via Bluetooth.
he costco hearing center habe reduced the noise but not eliminating the interference.
Any suggestions?
It may be your phone. If you love the HAs, it may be a lot cheaper to get a new phone. Try the phones you are evaluating with the HAs in the store and ideally at home, the car, work, etc to make sure it’s good for you before you go thru the hassle of setting up the phone with all your apps etc and before the return period on the phone runs out. These are often short- like 7 days and MAY have a restocking fee, so trying them out as much as possible in the store before buying (listen to music, to audio, make a call, see if you can hear the notifications etc). Go when the store isn’t busy and you are MUCH more likely to get the time and help you need to evaluate the phones well. Good luck.
I just upgraded to an iphone 8 from an iphone 5 based on some internet reading. The Bluetooth standard, like all other standards, has been evolving. The iphone 5 uses Bluetooth 4.0, later 4.2 was introduced. The iphone 8 was the first to include Bluetooth 5.0, which remains the contemporary standard on all iphones as of this date (Jan 2020). I read the technical specs of the later Bluetooth vs the earlier Bluetooth, but it didn’t make any sense to me. What I can tell you is that the audio quality being streamed to my 5-year old Costco hearing aids via the Bluetooth 5.0 connection is night and day vs. the older generation Bluetooth 4.0; much, much improved.
Just a little sad I didn’t wait. I bought the 8.0 hearing aids a few months ago and asked when some of the more advanced features might be available. I was just about to give up my Galaxy S9 so I could features unique to the iPhone. Guess I’ll have to settle for 8.0 for a few years.
Costco has 180 day money back return policy for no reason. I just returned my 8s after 5mos and 2 wks for a $1599 refund and bought the 9’s for $1499 with a better warranty.
In late 2018, I purchased Kirkland Signature 8.0 hearing aids from Costco in La Mesa, California.
I wore them for over a month and was very unhappy because there was no change in reducing or eliminating background noise. These hearing aids basically were no better than my 10-year-old MicroTek hearing aids. When I tried to return them, the guy at Costco refused, saying to “wear them longer.”
I was furious about this customer service and almost complained to Costco management, but the next time I was at Costco, someone else was working at the hearing aid center and she refunded me. I also noticed this person wore hearing aids and she could related to my issue. (Interestingly, I NEVER see audiologists or hearing aid dispensers themselves wearing hearing aids; they all must have perfect hearing, yes?)
I may end up trying out the Kirkland Signature 9.0 hearing aids, but there is no way I will purchase them again from this Costco store.
I have had nothing but great service with costco. I bought Rextons 6 or seven years ago and am about to buy new here soon. I have also sent two of my friend to Costco and they bought and are also very happy.
I think you have 6 months to return them for a full refund.
In Sept. my 5 month old 8 aides were refunded & 9 aids ordered. The 9s do better than 8s did plus have bluetooth. You have 6 months to return aids to Costco. Using aids with OnePlus 5T phone is my favorite feature.
Remember if You bought them from Cosco they have a 180 day evaluation period. Go see if they will let you exchange..
Signia being a major hearing aid co I never hear you do a review
you don’t like them or are they no good
Hi John, thanks for your interest. We publish updates and releases from all major companies, including Signia
They recently released a new product family last month actually, which we reported here: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/blog/2019/signia-launches-new-xperience-hearing-aid-platform-that-adjusts-to-users-movements-using-sensors/
Here’s a review last year on Signia Pure vs. Kirkland 8: https://hearinghealthmatters.org/theaudiologycondition/2018/comparison-kirkland-signature-8-signia-pure/
what do you recommend for the best alternative to Kirkland, when background noise is the biggest issue and recharging is a priority?
I would think twice about getting a phone with rechargeable batteries. I tried that with my 1st Kirkland HA’s and found that they lasted only 8-12 hours, while my day is often 16-18 hrs. The batteries give me 5-12 days, depending on whether they’re size 12 or 13, and how often I turn off my HA’s to be able to concentrate better.
Just saying . . . 🙂
I have the Kirkland 9.0 which per the local Costco is a Phonak Brio overall a good hearing aid but the phone option is trash. I have a Samsung Galaxy S9 and the hearing aids although paired to it do not answer or hang up on the call and if you try to answer on the phone it will not answer. If you get these hearing aids do not get the phone option programmed in or you will be going back to have it removed.
I have had the their Kirkland 9.0 for several months and the phone option is what I like the most. I have a Samsung Note 9, so I don,t understand Mr. Arendts post. I did have to turn off several of the alerts in the phone that I do not like hearing in my aids.
i love the Bluetooth/Phone capability for hearing a phone call, but continuously get complaints from the other party that they cannot hear me. They say it’s either garballed, sounds like I’m under water etc. This doesn’t happen every time, which is strange, but I’m on a lot of business calls and this is very annoying. The issue is if I use something other than the hearing aids for calls then I can hear very well, but the other party can hear me. Trying to see if there’s an external mic that would address this situation when needed.
I have had the their Kirkland 9.0 for several months and the phone option is what I like the most. I have a Samsung Note 9, so I don,t understand Mr. Arendts post. I did have to turn off several of the alerts in the phone that I do not like hearing in my aids.
I have a Samsung S8 active and they paired quickly and easily with the Signature 9 and stream my music, audiobooks, and phone calls right into my HAs. I just got them yesterday evening and the first thing I did when I got to my car was ask my husband to text me and call me. I answered the call on my left hearing aid on the first try and also heard the text notification. I never even dreamed it would be so easy. There may be an issue with a *phone setting* as I can’t imagine that the Samsung S9 isn’t M4 like the S8 active. I previously used a demo pair of Oticon opnS1 which are MUCH more expensive, and they had circuit noise (which the audiologist SAID he could fix) and will only stream to my phone with an additional $300 device on top of the $4200 they wanted for the HAs. Granted, these don’t have tinnitus masking features, and it is possible that I will want those at some point, but at $1500/ pr I can buy another pair later if I need them since the prices keep falling. I can just stream masking music into my ears anyway, right?
I am an 82 yr old and I wish you would not speak so darn fast on your video. As an Audiologist I’d think you would know better!
I just purchased a pair of Premium 9.0 aids and enjoy the electronics that seem to be working properly. I am having a problem though, the sound quality is lacking, at least with the initial programming. I hear “Liquid Ss” from whomever is speaking including face to face, radio or TV. For the price of the aids I say they are good although the “S” problem is becoming rather annoying. I’m going to contact Costco and see if this is a known problem or if it can be re-programmed away. We’ll see.
The ‘s’ problem is one I’ve had with past hearing aids. For me it always went away once my brain got used to it and learned to filter it. Hope you have the same experienssssse.
Two years ago a doctor friend in Sydney told me that Costco was the best place for Quality Hearing Aids. The thought of buying hearing aids from a Super Market did not convince me. Plus I had spent $5000 of a Widex Hearing Aid that was useless but had to wait out five years to get my HCF Rebate. So Last November I bit the Bullet and became a Costco member and had a free Hearing test. Was truly impressed with the high-tech Audiology Clinic, with testing equipment I have not seen before with other audiologists and more than anything was impressed with the Audiologist Kim Pham herself. Top Professional. She was amazing and she cleaned my Widex hearing aids and made it sound a ton better. Next She discussed various options available to me considering I had vey severe hearing loss in my right ear Compounded with Severe Tinnitus and Ottosclerosis. She suggested I try out the Kirklands Signature 9.0. Fitted me with one and programmed it and also set up the Easy Line App on my Samsung 7. She asked me to walk out into the Noisy Costco Section and call my Wife on the Mobile. OMG the experience was out of this world. For the first time in 5 years I was able to talk in a noisy environment, thanks to the Blue Tooth Facility. I had No hesitation and Ordered one one the spot and Picked up my hearing aids on 20th Dec 2019. My Priceless Christmas Present for sure. For a whole year or more I have not watched TV as I could hear the sound but could not understand what was being said. I was Back in the Clinic getting paperwork done when the Phone in my Pant Pockets Rang and I heard the ring tone in my hearing aid and Kim told me you done even have to touch the phone to receive the call. Just press the button on your hearing aids. I did and said How Cool is this ? Also walking around at Westfield I use my phone app to the cut out the sound and mute it almost so I can wander around window shopping minus the noise or play music of my choice. From that Day I have not stopped talking about The Kirkland Signature 9.0. I am a hard man to please and so my recommendations were well accepted by family and friends and my GP has suggested this to many of her patients who were having problems with their expensive hearing aids. Three Cheers to Costco and Three Cheers to PHONAK. However There is one Problem I am facing, Say I am busy watching a TV show and a family member or friend walks in and speaks to me. I hear ZILCH as Blue Tooth is on and I have to either mute the TV or Turn Blue tooth off. I would love to see a Simple button that I can press on my hearing aids to cut blue tooth off. Plus you are watching TV using Blue tooth and your Mob Phone rings there is a conflict as the hearing aid is connected to TV and Mob Phone using Blue tooth. I am sure the next Gen Kirklands 10.0 will address this ISSUE.
I am an “OVER THE MOON KIRKLAND SIGNATURE 9.0 USER”
Je suis un néophyte en matière technologique et je ne me sert plus d’un cellulaire depuis 10 ans. La seule chose que m,’intéresse est de bien entendre dans les endroits publiques , quand j’ai une conversation en privé , mon téléphone fixe et la tv, rien de compliqué . J,ai actuellement ,depuis 2 ans ,un appareil Phonak audeo V50 -312 une vraie déception . J’aimerais avoir un 8.0 ou un 9.0 le prix des deux sont attrayants mais je ne sais pas quoi choisir . Votre opinion serait la bienvenue .
merci
Robert
Hi,
I purchased Kirkland 9.0 Hearing aids approximately 1 month ago from a wonderful gal named Nicole out of the Davie Florida Costco. She did all of my testing and programmed my hearing aids and put the app on my i-phone. All I can say is wow. I can hear. It is making talking to people and understanding them so much better and also when watching t.v. or movies. I don’ have to keep on asking people to repeat themselves all of the time. The cost was very reasonable and so far so good. I do however have some questions that I am hoping that I can get answered. I noticed that when I talk/text the wording in my text is way off from when I used to do it without the hearing aids. (But when I do it in reminders, it comes out exactly the way I say it.) Is there something that can be adjusted in the phone to fix this. Also, I have ring video camera’s. I did all of the adjustments so that I don’t hear them ringing in my hearing aid every time they go off which was a major pain. Nicole told me how to fix this. But what I do find is that every time the ring goes off, rather than hear the sound of it, my hearing aid stops working for that moment and then comes right back. Is there anything that can be done about that as well? I did figure out one thing that I would like to share that you might or might not know at this point. When I use the waze GPS, I was only able to hear it in my hearing aid. But if you flip the page to where you see all of the settings, just click the blue tooth setting off and you will be able to hear it out of your phone. Well that is it for now. Enjoy being able to hear better and have a great weekend.
May I ask what is the app called? I just got a pair.
I don’t know if I am in the right company here, but I just returned a pair of KS 9.0 HAs.
I got them a couple of weeks ago. The testing and fitting experience was fantastic. No issues there. They programmed them to rectify 80% of my hearing loss. I went home and tested them in front of my television. First, without the HAs in, I adjusted theTV volume to the lowest level I could hear and understand. Then I turned the volume down and put on my new HAs. NOTHING. Nada. No difference at all. I couldn’t hear well enough nor could I understand the words. I tried a few more times over the next few days…nothing worked.
So, I waited till my first appointment, which was today, and returned them. The audiologist said we could tinker with the settings and programming, etc. But I was reluctant because if 80% rectification did not do zilch, another 10% or 15% will not do much more. I didn’t want to pay $1500 for a 15% to 20% range, assuming that would have worked.
Now the question is did I do the right thing?
Maybe I should wait till either CostCo acquires newer technology (KS 9s are NOT state of the art) OR wait until my hearing loss gets worse enough that I might hear a difference with HAs.
Go back and try another new set of K9 or try the next better Kirkwood model
Do not deny yourself
I am going today to Costco for the hearing test. Last week when I made the appointment the lady told me a lot of the features of the Kirkland. After doing some reviews of the 9.0 I was disappointed to read the rechargeable feature is not included like The lady at Costco had told me it was. It seems to have everything else I wanted but the rechargeable feature with the T-coil and Bluetooth options was a big selling point to me at that price for both ears. Now I don’t know IF I should go in for the test. I know I don’t want to be changing batteries all the time but I also know I don’t want to pay twice the amount for two of another brand. I just wish I had known from the start they were not rechargeable as the lady told me.
My wife has the rechargeable feature on her very expensive brand and I feel they are more hassle than batteries because:
1) The charging unit has to be plugged in and given permanent space on a desk or bedside table.
2) The charging unit is another thing that has to be packed when traveling.
3) The charging unit has no gauge for how charged the aids are so are you leaving for the day 1/2 charged? Fully charged?
4) You can carry extra batteries. The charging unit must be tethered to a wall plug.
I really think the batteries are easier and more reliable.
Does anyone know if the current KS9s address Tinnitus? The video states this isn’t included.
No, the KS9’s are a defeatured version of the Phonak Audeo Marvel. They do not help with Tinnitus nor do they feature a telecoil. Nonetheless they are a great hearing aid for the price.
When I’ve experienced that, it was because the clip dome and/or the underlying wax filter was blocked. I cleaned and replaced them (see your manual) with the supplies they gave me when I bought the hearing aids. I usually have to do this every few months.
At my Costco, they have a receptionist on the desk who will do that for me – without me having to make an appointment with the audiologist-m. So, just drop in whenever you get a chance.
Hope that helps.
No it doesn’t
I don’t know if you currently have hearing aids, but I first got Kirkland 7’s 3 years ago, and my tinnitus was dramatically reduced with just regular Kirkland hearing aids. If you don’t have hearing aids, but have tinnitus, I highly recommend trying the Kirkland. I’m upgrading to the 9.0s this week.
My Costco hearing aids have been working great, then all of a sudden, the volume seems like it’s been cut in half. Did they get un-programmed somehow? I sounds like I’m in a tunnel sometimes and that the earphones are more like ear plugs. I’ve tried to get in to Costco, but trying to make an appointment at a time when I’m not working has been difficult: they are always booked/ filled up. Can I re-program them myself or check to see if there is some other issue: is there a trouble shooting portion in the manual? I have changed out the earwax filter and plug, so I know that’s not the problem…
I have a kirkland signature 9.0 hearing aids..
When can I use kirkland signature 9.0 for Samsung S20 Smart Phone?
Je veux savoir si des KS9 avec bobine T serait supérieur a mes Phonak v-50 Audéo 312T. Je n’utilise aucun appareil portable et je veux entendre chez moi au resto et dans mon aoto..
merci
I’ve had two pairs of Kirkland hearing aids from Costco. Both the pairs I’ve owed were rechargeable but would also use regular batteries. I am very disappointed to learn that the new models are not rechargeable. I wear my hearing aids all day then leave them in the charger overnight. Very convenient rather than having to replace them every couple of weeks. If I go on a trip I will use regular batteries rather than have to pack the charger.
Used batteries are a huge source of toxic pollution in landfills so all those tiny batteries should be turned into an e-waste facility rather than put in the trash. Of course most people will not bother to do that so Kirkland (and therefore Costco) is really encouraging pollution.
The KS9T also work with the My Phonak App which lets you create your own programs for different environments and they are also able to be programmed remotely. I just purchased mine two days ago and they work fine with tha telecoil and programs generated on my phone with the My Phonak App.