Agree that a private audiologist can give you a very comprehensive hearing test, have a range of hearing aid brands to choose from, and can use Real Ear Measurement to assure that your hearing aids are actually performing their best to improve your hearing. Not every audiologist or practice use this best practice measurement so be sure to ask if it is provided before you commit to working with an audiologist. Also inquire about a range of possible hearing aid brands so there are options for you to try. Costco usually has Hearing Instrument Specialists. They can be very knowledgeable but not always...just as there are differences between audiologists. Costco doesn't always have the highest level of hearing aids with features you may need. The more severe severe your hearing loss, the more you need a real audiologist. You can shop around as suggested above. You can also search on Youtube for Dr Cliff, and Mathew Alsop as very experienced audiologists who review hearing aids and best practices in audiology. Assistive devices can be an incrediuble help, as can the options on smart phone, and your audiologist can help you coordinate those. There are online support groups and HLAA at hearingloss.org has resources to check out too.