Best Costco Hearing Aids Review 2023: What to Know Before You Buy According to Our Experts

• Costco sells three brands of prescription hearing aids with in-person and remote support from hearing instrument specialists (state-licensed hearing professionals trained to evaluate common types of hearing loss and fit hearing aids) and one over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid.
• You can find affordable hearing aids at Costco, but the store requires an active membership for hearing aid purchases and services.
• The company has poor customer ratings online, and our Reviews Team found that customer service varies widely across store locations.

Costco has become a major retailer of hearing aids in the United States since opening its first hearing aid center in 1989. The company sells hearing aids at more than 750 locations around the world.¹ Costco is a full-service hearing health provider, with in-person hearing tests, prescription hearing devices from three major brands, hearing aid programming, and after-purchase maintenance and repairs.

If you’re looking for affordable hearing aids and wondering which budget-friendly models are among the best hearing aids at Costco, read our review for details on styles, features, and costs. Our Reviews Team visited several Costco hearing aid centers and spoke with corporate staff to help you make an informed decision when buying hearing aids.

Costco carries three prescription hearing aids in-store and one over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid model online.

Costco in-store hearing aid center

• Best Sound Processing: Philips HearLink 9040
• Best for Travel: Rexton
• Best Receiver-in-Ear: Jabra Enhance Pro 10
• Best Over-the-Counter: Lexie B2

Our Reviews Team recommends products and services we believe provide value in the lives of our readers. We’ve spent more than 5,000 hours conducting in-depth research on hearing aid devices to give you the most accurate hearing aid review. To make these selections, we:

• Consulted with audiologists and geriatric care experts
• Mystery shopped 18 brands
• Surveyed hundreds of hearing aid users
• Tested various models of hearing aids
• Interviewed experts in the field
• Read thousands of verified customer reviews

Read more about our hearing aid review methodology.

• Starting cost per pair: $1,499.99
• Style of hearing aid: behind-the-ear, receiver-in-ear, in-the-ear
• Degree of hearing loss: Mild to profound
• Battery type: Rechargeable
• Bluetooth streaming: Yes
• How to adjust: App, buttons on hearing aid, or remote control

The Philips HearLink 9040 series available at Costco uses SoundProtect and SoundMap 2 technology. This artificial intelligence (AI) technology allows for better processing of speech in noisy environments, and minimizes noise caused by handling, wind, and sudden sounds, which is why we chose Philips HearLink as the brand with the “Best Sound Processing.”

Rather than applying unchanging rules for how your hearing aids process sound, the AI in SoundMap 2 learns how to filter sound better the longer you wear your hearing aids, with continual improvement over time. According to the company’s internal research, the new generation of SoundMap 2 technology comes with 50% better sound resolution compared to previous models.

Battery and smartphone app

Our Reviews Team found Philips HearLink hearing aids to have the shortest battery life of the hearing aids we tested. At 18 hours, it might be tough to get through the day without needing to stop and charge them.

Philips HearLink hearing aids can connect to the Philips HearLink 2 app and stream Bluetooth from iOS devices version 16 and newer and Android devices version 8.0 or newer, as long as they’re compliant with Google’s Android Streaming for Hearing Aids (ASHA). You can check the Philips website to see if your smartphone or tablet is compatible with the Philips HearLink 2 app.

If you have an older smartphone or an Android device that isn’t ASHA-compliant, you can still stream Bluetooth and control your hearing aids remotely with the Philips AudioClip accessory (sold separately).

Accessories

The Philips HearLink also works with the following accessories:

• TV Adapter: for streaming sound from a TV to your hearing aids
• Remote control: for making adjustments to the volume and settings on your hearing aids without using the app or hearing aid buttons

• Starting cost per pair: $1,499.99
• Style of hearing aid: behind-the-ear, receiver-in-ear, in-the-ear
• Degree of hearing loss: Mild to profound
• Battery type: Rechargeable
• Bluetooth streaming: Yes
• How to adjust: App, buttons on hearing aid, or remote control

Rexton hearing aids are made by WS Audiology, the same company that manufactures prescription hearing aid brands Widex, Signia,  and Sony OTC hearing aids.

Rexton BiCore hearing aids are the brand’s newest line. BiCore technology processes speech and background sounds separately, which the company says provides a more natural listening experience. This type of sound processing is standard among prescription hearing aids, but we like that the starting price of Rexton devices is about $400–$800 less than other leading brands.

We also like that a pair of BiCore C R-Li hearing aids comes with two chargers instead of one: a standard at-home charger, and a travel charger that holds three full charges before it needs to be charged again. Both chargers are able to provide a 30-minute fast charge, giving you six hours of power. Most brands we’ve looked at provide only one charger, with travel chargers sold separately, which is why we named Rexton BiCore C R-Li “Best for Travel.”

• Battery Life: The BiCore C R-Li has a standard battery life of 28 hours when not streaming and 24 hours with five hours of streaming. That’s long enough for more than a full day of use, but keep in mind that Bluetooth streaming uses a lot of energy and will affect the length of each battery charge. If you’ll be using the streaming function frequently (more than five hours), you may need to recharge your hearing aids more than once a day.
• Automatic adjustments: Rexton hearing aids automatically adjust to your sound environment. This feature comes standard in all prescription hearing aids, but it’s not something you’ll find in lower-priced OTC devices. The app also includes a feature called Rexton Assist, which helps you to fine-tune your hearing aids if they aren’t giving you a sound that’s as clear or easy to understand as you need.

• Starting cost per pair: $1,599.99
• Style of hearing aid: behind-the-ear, receiver-in-ear, in-the-ear
• Degree of hearing loss: Mild to severe
• Battery type: Rechargeable
• Bluetooth streaming: Yes
• How to adjust: App or buttons on hearing aid

The Jabra Enhance Pro 10 is sold exclusively at Costco and includes a variety of features for improved speech understanding and ease of use, as well as the longest battery life of any receiver-in-ear hearing aid from Costco, earning our distinction of the “Best Receiver-in-Ear” (RIE) hearing aid. Philips also offers a receiver-in-ear hearing aid at Costco, but its battery life is 18 hours compared to 30 hours for the Jabra Enhance Pro 10.

Features we like in the Jabra Enhance Pro 10 include automatic adjustments, rechargeable batteries, an app that we found easy to use, and a waterproof coating. While water resistance is nice, we’ve learned from hearing specialists that it’s a smart idea to remove your hearing aids before showering, swimming, or using hair products.

Bluetooth streaming, app, and battery life

You can stream audio from iOS and ASHA-compliant Android devices to the Jabra Enhance Pro 10. This hearing aid can also be used with the Jabra Enhance Pro app to make hands-free phone calls, but you’ll need an iPhone or newer iOS device to do so. Unlike Rexton and Philips devices, Jabra Enhance hearing aids aren’t compatible with Android devices for hands-free calls.

The battery in the Jabra Enhance Pro 10 will last up to 30 hours per charge. This length is about the same as most other rechargeable prescription hearing aids.

Accessories

Jabra has a variety of accessories for the Enhance Pro 10:

• Micro Mic
• Multi Mic
• Phone Clip +
• Remote Control
• Remote Control 2
• TV Streamer 2

For more information on this brand, read our Jabra Enhance hearing aids review.

• Starting cost per pair: $979
• Style of hearing aid: Receiver-in-ear
• Degree of hearing loss: Mild to moderately severe
• Battery type: Rechargeable
• Bluetooth streaming: Streams calls only
• How to adjust: App or buttons on hearing aid

Costco members get a $20 discount on the Lexie B2 Powered by Bose hearing aid, a rechargeable receiver-in-canal model with excellent ratings in our Review Team’s tests. It retails for $999, but Costco sells it for $979.

As an over-the-counter hearing aid, the Lexie B2 doesn’t require a prescription or a hearing test for purchase, but it’s only available online. Instead of visiting a Costco hearing center for setup and adjustment, you use the Lexie app to customize settings. Fortunately, the app gives thorough instructions, so it’s easy to get started.

Bluetooth streaming, app, and battery life

The Lexie B2 has Bluetooth connectivity, but it’s limited mainly to connecting to the Lexie app to adjust the settings on your hearing aids. The B2 doesn’t stream music, television, or other audio, and it only streams phone calls on iPhone. Call streaming is incompatible with Android phones. 

The B2 has the shortest battery life of all Costco hearing aids, lasting up to 18 hours. You may have to recharge the Lexie B2 more than once a day if you frequently use the call streaming feature, as it quickly drains the battery.

According to our Reviews Team, Lexie provides one of the most functional hearing aid apps on the market. Fitting and setup instructions are thoroughly explained with animations, and it’s easy to contact the Lexie audiology team through the app for a personalized video conference. Adjusting volume, balance, and sound environment settings is intuitive. The Lexie app also hosts a video library of troubleshooting tips and a convenient portal for buying accessories. The app is available through the App Store and Google Play.

Accessories

Costco doesn’t sell Lexie hearing aid accessories, but they can be purchased through the Lexie website or app:

• Electronic hearing aid dryer
• Extra domes 
• Wax guards
• Replacement charging case and cable
• Replacement wires
• Dehumidifier capsules

For more information on this brand, read our Lexie hearing aids review.

Read on for a list of advantages and disadvantages of buying hearing aids at Costco.

If Costco hearing aids aren’t right for you, consider over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. Most cost less than Costco’s prescription models, and many brands offer financing. OTC hearing aids come in all styles, from behind-the-ear to in-the-canal, and are suitable for mild to moderately severe hearing loss.  

On the other hand, if you’re able to spend more for in-person support, you may find more value in prescription hearing aids. Any audiologist can adjust or reprogram prescription-grade hearing aids, so you’ll get the most out of them even if your hearing changes.

Reputable hearing aids not available at Costco

Our Reviews Team tests hearing aids on an ongoing basis to verify sound quality, ease of use, battery life, and more. Here are some of the best hearing aids we’ve tested that are not available at Costco:

• Phonak: A top pick among the audiologists we interviewed, the Phonak Audéo Lumity exceeds the quality of Costco hearing aids and doesn’t require a membership plan to purchase—but it does require a prescription.
• Audicus: Costco doesn’t offer financing for its hearing aids, but Audicus works with Care Credit and Allegro to split the cost of its hearing aids into manageable monthly payments.
• MDHearing: The most expensive MDHearing hearing aid, the Volt Max, retails for $700—less than half the price of the most expensive Costco hearing aid—and doesn’t skimp on features.
• Eargo: None of the hearing aids sold at Costco are as small and discreet as Eargo models, but their minuscule size comes at a higher price.

If you need your hearing aids adjusted or reprogrammed, call your local Costco hearing aid center to make an appointment. One salesperson we talked to said they recommend monthly cleanings to lengthen the life of your hearing aids. They told us that many customers make an appointment and drop off their hearing aids for cleaning while they shop.

If your hearing ability has changed or you’re having trouble with the sound quality of your devices, make an appointment for a reprogramming. This will take place in the hearing aid center’s soundproof booth and can take up to an hour.

Both cleaning and reprogramming services are provided at no cost, as long as you maintain a Costco membership.

Costco Kirkland hearing aids have traditionally been “locked,” meaning they can only be reprogrammed at Costco hearing aid centers. This is a common practice among large hearing aid manufacturers, such as Beltone, Miracle Ear, and Nu Ear. Locking devices is a way to keep sales and service within their own company.

The brands described in this article and currently sold at Costco are made specifically for Costco, so they can only be serviced at the company’s hearing aid centers. The limitation on where you can go for service is an important consideration before buying. Many people decide the lower price and convenience are worth the trade-off, but most hearing clinics don’t require you to return to them for service or have restrictions on brands they’ll service.

Disposable batteries at a local Costco hearing aid center

In addition to hearing aids, Costco also sells supplies, like batteries and hearing aid accessories, for each brand.

One of our testers contacted a Costco hearing aid center in Ohio to find out how to buy accessories, like TV streamers and remote controls. They said many customers buy them when purchasing their hearing aids, but you can come into the store at any time and place an order for an accessory. The store will order it and call you when it’s ready for pick up.

Prescription Costco hearing aid prices range from $1,499–$1,599 per pair. While this isn’t inexpensive, it is at the lower end of the spectrum for many prescription hearing aid brands. For example, ReSound hearing aids (made by the same manufacturer as Jabra Enhance Pro) cost $3,500–$6,500 per pair. Lexie B2, the only over-the-counter hearing aid sold at Costco, costs $979.

Factors that affect Costco hearing aid prices

Some of the more severe degrees of hearing loss require a power hearing aid and/or a custom ear mold for proper hearing correction. Custom ear molds will add to the overall cost. A Costco hearing specialist told us hearing aids with custom ear molds generally cost about $2,700 per pair.

Another factor to be aware of is price differences between the styles of hearing aids available. All three prescription brands have the option of a behind-the-ear, receiver-in-ear, and in-the ear style. A hearing center specialist told us that the final cost will depend on which style you choose, so this is something you’ll want to take into account and ask about when you’re in the final decision stage.

Unlimited adjustments and reprogramming services are included with the price of Costco hearing aids, though, and that’s not always standard with prescription hearing aids. Some hearing clinics charge extra for those services, and others only include a certain number of appointments with the hearing aid purchase price.

Finally, the generous warranty coverage Costco offers with its hearing aids adds to their value. The terms of prescription hearing aid warranties can vary widely among clinics because every hearing aid company negotiates its own contract with each clinic. Since Costco is a large retail chain with massive buying power, it’s able to provide a warranty that’s one of the best in the industry.

Having the ability to bring your hearing aids in for repair or replacement at no charge to address manufacturer’s defects, damage, or loss for the first two to three years is something that can definitely save you money. Our Reviews Team’s survey of 600 older adult hearing aid users found that among people who bought hearing aids at Costco, 55% needed repair services during the warranty period. Hearing aid repairs can be expensive, so a good warranty like the one Costco provides is something to look for when shopping.

Payment options

The Costco website lists the following options as acceptable forms of payment at U.S. Costco warehouse locations:

• All Visa cards
• The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
• Most PIN-based debit/ATM Cards
• Costco Shop Cards
• Cash
• Personal checks from current Costco members
• Business checks from current Costco Business members
• Traveler’s checks
• EBT cards
• Mobile payment (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay)

Costco doesn’t offer financing or payment plans for its hearing aids or any other products.

Can I use insurance to pay for hearing aids?

Without the option to finance hearing aids at Costco, you may be wondering about other ways to fit this expense into your budget. Unfortunately, Medicare Parts A and B don’t cover the cost of hearing aids.²

The good news is some Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Medicare Part C) and private health insurance plans do include hearing aid benefits.³ Talk to your health insurance provider to see if your plan will cover the cost of hearing exams and hearing aids.

Costco doesn’t offer financing or payment plans, but you can still cut down on the price of hearing aids from the company by using the tips below.

Costco store credit card

Use the Costco credit card to earn 4% cash back on in-store, gas, and other qualifying purchases. The company sends out the cash you’ve earned over the past year each February, and you can put that money toward your hearing aid purchase. Or simply use your Costco credit card to pay for your hearing aids and earn 4% from that purchase to use or save for later.

Other money-saving tips for hearing aid customers

Regardless of where you buy your hearing aids and whether you need prescription or OTC devices, they are an expensive purchase. Treating your hearing loss is just as important as improving your vision with glasses, but hearing aids don’t need to break your budget. Read on for ways to save money on your next pair of hearing aids.

FSA and HSA funds

If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), you can use those funds toward the purchase of hearing aids, as they are considered a medical expense.

Medicaid

Medicaid offers some hearing aid coverage in some states. The Hearing Loss Association of America has more information on Medicaid coverage for hearing aids and exams in each state.

Veterans benefits

Hearing issues—including hearing loss and tinnitus—rank as the number one service-connected disability⁴ among U.S. veterans, defined by the Department of Veterans Affairs as “an injury or illness that was incurred or aggravated during active military service.”⁵ If you’re a veteran receiving VA health care benefits, you can also get free hearing exams, hearing aids, and hearing aid supplies. Check the VA website for more information on hearing benefits.

State vocational rehabilitation programs

If you need hearing aids to get a job or to function in a role at your current job, your state’s vocational rehabilitation program may pay for them. Check out the Rehabilitation Services Administration website to contact the vocational rehab program in your state.

Hearing aid donation programs

Organizations such as Help America Hear and the Hearing Aid Project donate used and refurbished hearing aids across the country. Visit their websites to fill out an application.

Other hearing aid financial resources

This list provides links to other sources of financial aid for hearing aids:

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
• Hearing Industries Association
• Hearing Loss Association of America
• National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders

Use NCOA’s BenefitsCheckUp to find other benefits in your area you may be eligible for.

Costco provides a 180-day trial period, during which you can return the hearing aids for a full refund if they aren’t a good fit for your needs. This trial period, which equals a full six months, is longer than any other hearing aid company we’ve researched.

Most states require a minimum trial period of 30 days for hearing aids, and the majority of manufacturers provide up to 45 days.⁶

Warranty

We visited a Costco hearing center and were told by the manager that the company doesn’t share warranty terms until after customers have signed a purchase agreement. We also contacted the regional hearing aids manager and the corporate office multiple times, both of whom said they could not share warranty information.

Finally, after calling four Costco hearing aid centers, we reached a helpful salesperson who was able to give us this information on the company’s hearing aids warranty:

• Two-year loss and damage warranty with one-time replacement per ear and unlimited repairs
• Three-year warranty against manufacturer’s defects

Follow-up appointments

While the corporate office also declined to share details about the care you can expect after purchasing Costco hearing aids, the same salesperson told us that customers get unlimited repairs and cleanings at no cost.

You can contact the Costco customer service department in the following ways:

• Phone: 800-774-2678
  • 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday
  • 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, Saturday and Sunday
• Online chat
• Online store locator to find and call a Costco hearing aid center near you

From our experience searching for information on Costco hearing aids and customer policies, we found customer service varies widely depending on who you talk to. Some hearing aid centers didn’t answer the phone even after we called multiple times, while two centers had helpful, friendly salespeople who readily answered our questions.

The regional managers and corporate offices we reached out to were not helpful in sharing information about Costco hearing aids to help potential customers. This may explain why as a company, Costco does not have favorable customer reviews.

Costco Ratings

Company-wide ratings for Costco on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) is 1.2 out of 5 stars, with many negative reviews citing poor customer service. TrustPilot reviews are about the same, with 1.6 out of 5 stars. While the Costco hearing aid center has an A+ rating on BBB, it is not BBB accredited and doesn’t have any customer reviews.

Costco provides a free online hearing screening to give you an idea of your degree of hearing loss. While it can’t be used as a diagnostic tool and isn’t nearly as detailed as an in-person hearing exam (which is also free to members at any Costco hearing aid center), it’s a great starting point and took our Reviews Team only about five minutes to complete.

You’ll need a pair of wired (not Bluetooth or wireless) earbuds or earphones and a quiet place to take the screening. After answering a few questions about your hearing health, which covers conditions that may be underlying your hearing loss, you’ll listen to a series of numbers spoken over background noise, with instructions to type in the numbers as you hear them.

We like the fact that the online hearing screening combines questions about hearing health along with the hearing test. Questions about symptoms like ear pain, sudden loss of hearing, or issues with dizziness and balance can help guide users to make an appointment with their doctor to address underlying medical causes of hearing loss.

We also like that you don’t have to enter an email address or other personal information to get your results. The final screen gives you a rating of your degree of hearing loss, along with a link to find a hearing aid center near you.

Costco online hearing screening results

One thing that’s difficult with this hearing screening, which is made by hearX (the manufacturer of Lexie hearing aids), is that when you click on each number as it’s spoken during the test, you can’t go back and change your answer if you accidentally hit the wrong button. This could result in a false rating. You can always take the test again, though, if you feel the result is wrong.

Cost

Prescription Costco hearing aids range in price from $1,499–$1,599 per pair, but can get more expensive if you need custom ear molds. Every rechargeable hearing aid purchase includes the charger, but you’ll pay extra if you need accessories like a remote control or TV streamer.

Features

Think about the features you’ll use in a hearing aid. Do you want to stream music or phone calls to your hearing aids? You may want a model with Bluetooth capability. Do you like to exercise or work outside? A model with water resistance, such as the Jabra Enhance Pro 10, may be a good fit.

Style

If you want a discreet model that other people won’t notice, think about a behind-the-ear (BTE) or receiver-in-ear (RIE) model, which are available among all three prescription brands sold at Costco. The tiny wire that runs from the hearing aid body at the back of your ear into your ear canal is so slim that it’s almost invisible; even more so if your hair partially covers your ears.

Keep in mind that smaller hearing aids are less able to accommodate technology like rechargeable batteries, Bluetooth, and telecoil.

Battery type

Are you interested in a disposable or rechargeable hearing aid battery? Many hearing aid users we’ve interviewed like the convenience of rechargeable hearing aids. You won’t need to buy disposable batteries, which can save money over time, but you will have to go without your hearing aids for several hours while they charge. Many people get around this by charging them at night so they’re ready to go in the morning.

Buying hearing aids at Costco can be a good solution if you need prescription hearing aids. They are able to treat all degrees of hearing loss, from mild to profound, and are priced at the lower end of what you can expect to pay for prescription devices.

Even so, you need to have an active Costco membership to buy hearing aids in the store, you need to keep your membership active for as long as you have the hearing aids in order to get service for them, and Costco doesn’t offer financing or payment plans like many hearing care clinics do. We also found that customer service varies widely across hearing aid center locations, and it can be hard to get details about what’s included with your purchase until you sign a contract.

For more information on how to make a wise decision when shopping for hearing aids, read our hearing aids buyer’s guide.

Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

1. Costco. Keep Your Ears Open. Feb. 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.costco.com/connection-buying-smart-keep-your-ears-open-february-2023.html
2. Medicare.gov. Hearing Aids. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/coverage/hearing-aids
3. Medicare.gov. Medicare Advantage Plans Cover All Medicare Services. Found on the internet at https://www.medicare.gov/what-medicare-covers/what-medicare-health-plans-cover/medicare-advantage-plans-cover-all-medicare-services
4. U.S Department of Veterans Affairs. Office of Research and Development. Found on the internet at https://www.research.va.gov/topics/hearing.cfm#research4
5. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs. April 21, 2015. Found on the internet at https://www.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/benefits_chap02.asp
6. Hearing Loss Association of America. Consumer Protection Laws. May 2013. Found on the internet at https://www.hearingloss.org/wp-content/uploads/ConsumerProtectionLaws.pdf
7. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Finalizes Historic Rule Enabling Access to Over-the-COunter Hearing Aids for Millions of Americans. Aug. 16, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-finalizes-historic-rule-enabling-access-over-counter-hearing-aids-millions-americans
8. Hearing Health and Technology Matters. Sonova to End Sales of Hearing Aids at Costco as It Eyes Future of Brand. Nov. 21, 2022. Found on the internet at https://hearinghealthmatters.org/hearing-news-watch/2022/costco-stops-selling-phonak-hearing-aids/
9. NCOA Adviser Hearing Aids Survey. 328 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched March 2022.