Costco, a leading retail chain in the United States, is known for its warehouse club model, offering members access to bulk quantities of products at discounted rates through an annual membership fee. Besides traditional items like TVs and computers, Costco also boasts an extensive range of products, notably including hearing aids.
Operating across over 750 locations globally, Costco has become a significant presence in the hearing health sector. Hearing aids, ranking as the company’s second-highest revenue earner after wine, are a core focus of its services. Costco distinguishes itself as a comprehensive hearing health provider, providing in-person hearing tests, prescription devices from major brands, hearing aid programming, and post-purchase maintenance and repairs.
Leveraging its substantial purchasing power in the hearing aid industry, Costco significantly drives down prices. These cost savings are passed on to its members, ensuring that Costco’s hearing aids, sourced from reputable manufacturers, maintain high-quality standards.
Currently, Costco offers hearing aids from three brands: Rexton, Jabra, and Philips.
In early 2023, Costco Hearing Centers introduced the Philips HearLink 9040, described as “premium” hearing aids featuring Demant’s innovative AI speech enhancement technology. Exclusively available at Costco hearing aid centers in the US, the HearLink is priced at $1499.99. The collaboration between Philips and Demant, one of the 5 major global hearing aid manufacturers, began in 2018, reinforcing the product’s credibility. The Philips branded devices entered Costco in 2019, replacing Demant’s Bernafon line.
Strategically crafted for the baby boomer generation, the Philips HearLink hearing aids emphasize aesthetics and user-friendliness tailored to this growing market. Users benefit from seamless connectivity between their hearing aids and everyday devices like smartphones and televisions.
Costco offers the HearLink in RIC (Receiver In the Canal) and BTE (Behind The Ear) styles, though custom models are not currently available. The HearLink aligns with Philips Hearing Solutions’ commitment to delivering innovative premium solutions within the broader healthcare ecosystem. This not only captures interest but also provides substantial benefits to users, offering vital support to the community of hearing care professionals.
- How Do Costco Hearing Centers Operate?
- Philips HearLink 9040 Hearing Aid Styles
- HearLink 9040 Features
- HearLink 9040 Technology Highlights
- What Sets Philips Hearing Aids Apart?
- Costco Hearing Aids Pros vs Cons
How Do Costco Hearing Centers Operate?
The process involves a series of steps designed to cater to individual hearing needs:
- First you must sign up to become a Costco member (if not one already)
- Appointment Setup and Intake Form:
- Begin by scheduling an appointment for a comprehensive hearing test.
- Complete an intake form, looking into your medical history, encompassing medications, allergies (such as silicone or latex), health conditions, and any past ear surgeries.
- Specific questions about your hearing experiences, exposure to noises, ringing or buzzing in your ears (tinnitus), prior use of hearing aids, and consultations with a doctor about your hearing are covered in the form.
- The form also includes a hearing needs assessment, addressing your preferences, such as discreet hearing aids, adjustment methods, and interest in using hearing aids with devices like cell phones or tablets.
- Form Review at the Appointment:
- Bring the completed form to your appointment at the Hearing Aid Centre.
- The hearing test is conducted in a soundproof booth, taking approximately one hour.
- Following the test, a hearing aid professional discusses your results and explores suitable hearing aid options based on your needs.
Who Conducts the Hearing Tests?
Costco Hearing Centers are staffed by licensed hearing healthcare professionals, ensuring expert fitting and programming, which is crucial for optimal hearing aid performance.
The emphasis is on obtaining appropriate fittings from professionals using real ear measures, surpassing the importance of the device or its features.
Philips HearLink Hearing Aids
Tailored for the baby boomer generation, Philips HearLink lineup focuses on aesthetics and user-friendliness, ensuring seamless connectivity with everyday devices. Offered in RIC and BTE styles by Costco, HearLink aligns with Philips Hearing Solutions’ commitment to innovative healthcare solutions, benefiting both users and hearing care professionals.
The latest addition to Costco’s hearing aid offerings is the Philips HearLink 9040, boasting advanced features, including:
- Enhanced noise reduction and sound clarity.
- An updated smartphone app, the HearLink 2, for seamless control.
- Suitable for mild to severe-to-profound hearing losses.
- Available in behind-ear styles with various color options catering to individual preferences.
Philips HearLink 9040 Hearing Aid Styles:
miniRITE T
- Small and discreet, fitting snugly behind the ear for mild to severe hearing loss.
- Camouflages with hair color for a subtle appearance.
- Features two program buttons and a telecoil for easier use.
- Uses 312 battery
miniRITE T R (Rechargeable):
- Includes a rechargeable battery with a 3.5 hour charge time.
- Utilizes a contact-free charging system and integrated USB port.
miniBTE T
- Recommended for up to severe hearing losses.
- Offers robust support, two program buttons, a telecoil, and a secure behind-the-ear fit.
- Uses 312 battery
miniBTE T R (Rechargeable)
- Includes a rechargeable battery with a 3.5 hour charge time.
- Utilizes a contact-free charging system and integrated USB port.
HearingLink 9040 Features
At the heart of the Philips HearLink range lies cutting-edge hearing aid technology, meticulously crafted to provide optimal hearing support and enhance the overall user experience. The Philips HearLink 9040 builds upon its predecessor, the HearLink 9030, by incorporating advanced features such as artificial intelligence (AI) sound technology, binaural program/volume control syncing, multi-channel processing, automatic and adaptive directional microphones, feedback control, and wireless streaming compatibility for both Apple and Android devices.
While tangible elements like domes, chargers, and the aesthetic design of the hearing aids remain consistent, improvements have been made to the HearLink 9040 to enhance listening comfort, clarity, and user-friendliness through a new smartphone app.
Key Features:
- SoundMap Noise Control and Amplification: Focuses on directionality and reduces unwanted noise, particularly in social situations, prioritizing the amplification of clear speech.
- SoundMap Feedback Canceller: Ensures an almost whistle-free aid.
- Wireless Connectivity: Facilitates easy linking to smart devices.
- Binaural Coordination: Automatically replicates changes made to one aid in the other.
- Extended Dynamic Range: Enhances clarity for loud noises through an increased input signal range.
- Low-Frequency Enhancement: Transmits sounds from devices like televisions and mobile phones more clearly.
- Inclusive Color Range: Offers discreet options for personalized aesthetics.
- AI Noise Reduction Technology: Enables clear speech comprehension in noisy environments.
- SoundProtect Feature: Swiftly detects and reduces a wide range of unwanted sounds, including wind, handling noise, and transient noise.
- Philips HearLink 2 App: Combines remote control and fitting features in one convenient application.
- Long Battery Life: Achieve a full day of hearing after just 3.5 hours of charging, contributing to time and cost savings.
- Hands-Free Communication: Streams sounds directly to and from iPhones and iPads.
- HiFi Music Feature: Enriches the listening experience by amplifying music beats.
- Program Switching and Monitoring: Allows users to switch between predefined programs based on different listening situations and monitor battery levels.
- Additional App Features: Includes functionalities like finding lost hearing aids and a streaming equalizer for personalized listening.
- Remote Support: Enables remote support and counseling through live video calls with hearing care professionals.
Technology Highlights of the Philips HearLink 9040:
The Philips HearLink 9040 introduces a plethora of technological advancements and features tailored to enhance the overall experience for users of hearing aids. At the core of this innovation is the SoundMap 2 Plus, the sophisticated sound processing system serving as the brains of the hearing aids. This system incorporates key components such as Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based noise reduction, multi-channel amplification, feedback cancellation, and an environmental classification system.
New Features for the HearLink 40 Series: The latest HearLink 40 series brings forth enhanced datalogging, Notify Me voice alerts for low battery warnings, and the Sound Protect noise reduction system.
Each of these features contributes to a more personalized and efficient hearing aid experience.
Datalogging:
- Enhanced datalogging provides detailed insights into your listening environments.
- Information on noise levels, quiet periods, and conversation times is accessible to your hearing provider through fitting software and to you via the HearLink 2 app.
- The data facilitates setting and monitoring listening goals, optimizing the performance of hearing aids.
Notify Me Voice Alerts:
- Notify Me voice alerts offer spoken notifications about low battery status in nine languages.
- Users may find voice alerts more informative and user-friendly than traditional tone alerts.
Battery Options:
- Two HearLink 9040 products feature rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (miniRITE T R and miniBTE T R), while others use standard disposable batteries.
- Charging options include a desktop charger and a portable Charger Plus, both utilizing inductive charging.
- A full charge takes 3 to 3.5 hours, providing up to 24 hours of use.
STANDARD CHARGER (L) AND NEW CHARGER PLUS MNR T R (R) PORTABLE CHARGER PROVIDES THREE FULL CHARGES OF THE HEARLINK MINIRITE T R.
Bluetooth Wireless Features:
Modern hearing aids are expected to integrate wireless functionality seamlessly. The HearLink 40 series incorporates an updated Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol, enabling direct connections to both iOS (Apple) and Android-compatible devices. Noteworthy features include ear-to-ear wireless communication, audio streaming, and compatibility with smart apps and accessories. While hands-free calling is available with compatible iPhones and iPads, the hearing aids only allow for one active connection at a time.
HearLink 2 App:
The HearLink 2 app, available for free download, transforms your smartphone into a remote control for the hearing aids. The app facilitates program changes, volume adjustments, battery status checks, and even aids in locating lost hearing aids.
Additionally, the app offers remote care features, allowing users to communicate with their hearing care provider (HCP) from the comfort of their homes.
Remote Fitting Service:
Remote care through the HearLink 2 app is available for the latest generations of products (30 and 40 series) with Bluetooth connectivity.
It enables video/audio chat with your HCP for real-time adjustments to the hearing aids. While the first fitting must be in person, subsequent adjustments can be done remotely, offering convenience for those facing transportation or distance challenges.
Accessories:
Various accessories are available for the Philips HearLink 40 series, enhancing the overall satisfaction of hearing aid users. These accessories include a TV adapter, a simple remote control, and an AudioClip. The TV streamer, for example, ensures a stable and direct connection with the TV, providing an exceptional audio experience.
Additional Accessories for the Philips HearLink Range:
- Audio Clip: Transforms hearing aids into a wireless headset for sound streaming from devices like stereos, computers, and smartphones. It also functions as a portable microphone.
- TV Adapter: Enables direct connection to a television or audio source using low power, ensuring an uninterrupted leisure experience.
- Philips Remote: A small remote control featuring easy-to-use volume and program buttons.
What Sets Philips Hearing Aids Apart?
Opting for Philips hearing aids offers numerous advantages, providing users with a premium auditory experience. Here are some key benefits:
Sound Quality and Clarity:
- Philips hearing aids prioritize high-quality sound with clarity.
- Advanced noise reduction and feedback cancellation technologies ensure a clear and natural listening experience.
Connectivity and Compatibility:
- Many models in the Philips HearLink Series feature Bluetooth connectivity.
- Seamless streaming of phone calls and music directly to the hearing aids.
- Compatibility with various accessories enhances the overall functionality.
Customization and Personalization:
- Philips hearing aids are highly customizable to meet individual hearing needs.
- Multiple programs and settings optimize the hearing experience in diverse environments.
Affordable with Professional Care:
- Competitive pricing for high-end hearing aids. Affordability compared to other AI-equipped hearing aids.
- Dispensed by licensed professionals using advanced equipment for accurate fittings.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Versatile Designs:
- Incorporation of advanced Demant hearing aid technology.
- Varied design options, including Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE) and Behind-The-Ear (BTE) designs.
Smart Connectivity and Intuitive App Control:
- Bluetooth wireless connectivity with hands-free functionality for iPhone® and iPad®.
- Comprehensive smartphone app (HearLink 2) offers extensive controls and remote care features.
New Enhancements in the HearLink 9040:
- Introduction of the SoundProtect feature, Notify Me voice alerts, enhanced data logging, the new HearLink 2 smartphone app, and a fresh beige color option.
Limitations:
- Limited Customization: Currently, no custom in-ear options available with Costco
- Battery Constraints and Android Limitations: No size 13 battery for RITE/BTEs.
- No hands-free calling for Android™ products without Philips AudioClip.
- Lacking Tap Controls: Absence of tap feature for call management or streaming control may be drawback for some users.
- Potential Usability Issues: Onboard controls may be confusing for some users.
- Poor App Feedback: Smartphone app has received poor ratings, although not uncommon for most hearing aid apps
- Tinnitus Features Disabled: Tinnitus features not available when purchasing within the US at Costco.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Philips Hearing Aids:
To maximize the benefits of Philips hearing aids, consider the following tips:
- Proper Fitting and Adjustment: Regular appointments with a hearing healthcare professional ensure correct fitting and adjustments tailored to individual needs.
- Maintenance and Care Tips: Follow proper care practices, including regular cleaning, safe storage, and timely battery changes.
- Utilizing Smartphone Apps and Accessories: Explore smartphone apps and accessories provided with the hearing aids for enhanced control and monitoring.
Pros and Cons of Costco Hearing Aids
Pros:
- Low or deeply discounted prices.
- Quality products with the latest technologies.
- Certified hearing healthcare professionals available.
- Free services, follow-up visits, cleanings, and adjustments.
- Variety of styles and accessories.
- Free loss and damage coverage, warranty, and 180-day trial.
Cons
- Long wait times reported by some customers.
- Some hearing aids may lack advanced features.
- Locked hearing aids restrict adjustments outside Costco.
- Limited number of repeat customers.
- Few to no audiologists on staff.
- No insurance acceptance or payment plans.
- Membership fee required for access.
- Limited availability in rural areas.
- Appointment required for hearing test.
- Limited insurance coverage.
Conclusion:
Costco’s range of hearing aids, including the latest Philips brand devices, provide a balance of quality and affordability. However, they might have drawbacks, such as extended wait times for service and a limited array of advanced features.
Understanding both the pros and cons is essential to make an informed decision based on individual needs and preferences.
Visit the company website to learn more.
About the Author
Nausheen Dawood is an experienced Audiologist and Project Manager with a professional background including primary health care, corporate social investment, and business development. Proficient in the development of academic courses, training, and lecturing, with a focus on clinical student training and supervision. Adept in freelance copywriting, particularly in audiology and health-related topics. Holds a Masters degree in Audiology (Cum Laude), with a strong foundation in clinical research, project development, and strategic planning, complemented by technical training. Specializes in content development and training tailored to diverse audiences. Demonstrates a long-term commitment to research and development, including the implementation of randomized controlled trials, projects, and clinical examinations. Known for establishing robust networks and cultivating valuable stakeholder relationships.
