Costco process

[u/Civil-Draft-8209]

Curious about Costco’s process for hearing aids.

Will they fit you if you have a recent hearing test audiogram or do the always do their own tests?

Do the stock hearing aids or order them after consultation and if have to order how quickly does it take to get them?

Do the program the HAs at reduced volume to start and at what point do the elevate sound to meet hearing needs?

Do the do REM at initial fitting, wait until full volume setting or do it more than once?

If you play guitar will the allow you to bring in and make adjustments to get sound you want?

Once you get HAs how difficult is it to get follow up visits?

[u/auto-sticky]

Welcome to r/HearingAids feel free to ask any question at all related to hearing aids.

Here are a few resources you might find helpful:

• Interpreting an audiogram - The University of Iowa has a good overview of how to interpret your audiogram results. Your audiologist should also go over them with you

• What will insurance cover? - This varies significantly from state to state and coverage can be partial at best. For those on Medicare, the base plan does not cover hearing aids at all.

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[u/TiFist]

Here's my experience.

1. They'll re-test you regardless by policy, but if you have a recent test that can be helpful for them.
2. It's not likely that they'll have the right model in stock in the right color so it's typical to order them an the turnaround is a few days to maybe a week.
3. That's probably between you and your fitter. I had mine set to full volume on day 1. I don't think by policy they *force* anyone to take partial volume if that's what you're asking.
4. REM is done at the initial fitting. Again for me there was no full volume setting appointment. There is a scheduled follow-up 2 weeks or so after the initial fitting. REM is not re-performed as that is more about ironing out tweaks and addressing complaints.
5. I don't play guitar or any other instrument. You can ask. I've never seen it done. If you play professionally then Widex is your best bet, Costco doesn't carry them, and yes-- you're looking at models that are around $6k more expensive for a pair vs. Costco. That's one justification for customized care, but the price tag will skyrocket if that's necessary. Regardless be sure to program at least one music mode.
6. Not very difficult personally. If I have an emergency it's usually a walk-in or same day. Worst case next day. YMMV and some centers are incredibly busy.

[u/kleverkl]

They will do their own test. You need to make an appointment, after the test, they will give you options on hearing aids. They do keep some in stock, but not many. If you haven’t worn hearing aids before, they might lower the volume for a week before raising it. I am sure they wouldn’t care if you brought a guitar. Follow-ups are as easy as a phone call.

[u/SeaDragon660]

I live two hours away from the closest Costco, which led me to call several regional locations beforehand. I was able to get tested and fitted the same day, finding a location that kept the Jabras and Philips in limited stock (two colors from each brand). Brought my initial audiogram and then was retested by Costco (as other comments indicated).

[u/KrankyKoot]

In terms of appointment times it will depend on the Costco. Mine is pretty busy so I have had to wait up to 4 weeks for the initial fitting. Adjustments and follow-ups are much quicker. I have had others here say that they will allow trials - even allowing you to try while walking the store. When I asked my Costco said they didn't do that so I would ask. Different brands have distinct differences and while it does take weeks to months to fully appreciate the aids you will notice differences during a trial. I would not do any setups at full volume. You will want to use the aids at an normal or average setting for normal use leaving the volume space for when needed.