I agree with imallears. If you have severe to profound hearing loss, a really good audiologist is an absolute must. But if you have minimal hearing loss, Costco is a lot less expensive. You might also check out some of the higher end over-the-counter hearing aids if amplification is what you need. Some have tinnitus control programs built in (at least they claim they do). Costco sounds like a good start though.

@shorty57 People are always astounded when they reach the point of needing hearing aids because they have no idea they are not covered by insurance or Medicare, and the cost is exorbitant. However, when needed, it is worth the price to remain functional in the hearing mainstream.

A couple pieces of advice for you. First, ask the audiologist who tested you for a copy of your test results. Your audiogram will have that information. You are entitled to have that information, although it is rarely offered without request.

Having that audiogram will make it possible for you to shop elsewhere for suitable hearing aids without paying to be retested. Costco does sell quality hearing aids. If they provide free testing, go for it and compare the audiogram results. As stated in other posts, the people in those big box stores likely do not have doctorate degrees in audiology. Neither do many of the other providers of hearing aid like Miracle Ear and others that are privately run. FACT: In most states licenses are required for people to sell hearing aids. However, the degrees of training/education are not restricted to those with the highest level of education that is indicated by the initials AuD after the provider's name. Many who are licensed to sell hearing aids have no college education, but likely served an internship or training of some kind, and then pass the required exam. In the rare event your hearing loss was caused by a medical issue that needed treatment, an AuD is a good place to start. Because you did that, it seems there is no indication of anything that should be medically treated.

Regardless of the level of provider, they all have 'trial periods' that give you the opportunity to try hearing aids for a limited amount of time. That trial period is extremely important. It is up to YOU to use those trial hearing aids in every possible setting where you struggle to hear. Make notes so you can explain what works and what doesn't to the provider. Most AuDs will allow you 30 - 45 days trial period. You're dealing with a medical device that is sold like a consumer product. If you decide to return those hearing aids within the trial period time, you should get your money back (except for the initial cost of testing which may or may not be covered by insurance/Medicare.) However, if you return them one day later than the allowed trial period, you'll likely be stuck paying for them. That is governed by the hearing aid manufacturers, not the audiologists. Read the fine print when you sign a contract.

Costco, offers a 6 month trial period, which is extensive and really helpful. Costco has good quality hearing aids and that many people have been satisfied by those products. Regardless of where you buy, the skill of the fitter is very important. It takes someone who understands an audiogram, realizes how hearing loss affects a person's life, and who takes time to do it right. That doesn't require a doctorate level degree.

It's important to understand that hearing instruments have some unique components that may or may not be included in a specific model. Among those optional components are telecoils, bluetooth and manual volume controls. I highly recommend that you insist that all three of those options be included in the product you want to try and perhaps buy, especially T-coil and BT. Some providers insist that "People should know what they are buying without me having to explain all the options as long as I fit the product professionally." Wrong. Reality though, is that learning what has potential to do all you want the product to do is worth the time it takes to learn. For example, telecoils use induction Technolgy to connect hearing aids directly to sound systems installed in worship centers, performing arts centers, meeting rooms, etc. The venues may or may not be compatible, but when they are it's like night and day difference to be able to hear without the interference of background noise. Bluetooth works in similar ways as it connects to your cell phone. Another type of communication access may ultimately be provided by Auracast, a bluetooth technology that does more sophisticated things. Auracast is not yet available and probably won't be for several years. BT and Auracast do add cost to hearing aids. Telecoils do not. However, manufacturers are leaving out telecoils in some products as they push the other technology. Don't listen to that argument. Regarding manual volume control....it's just kind of nice to be able to turn amplified devices down in settings where extraneous noise is bothersome.

I realize this is more information than you can digest. To put it simply: It's OK to shop around. When you try hearing aids, know how long you have to return them. Know where you want to hear and insist on the options that make it possible to shut down background noise in many situations (telecoils and Bluetooth). Last, but not least insist that the provider take time to show you how to use those options.

Your situation is very common; shock at cost, limited knowledge on options, frustration, etc. You may want to see if there is an HLAA chapter in your area where you can talk to other people who use hearing technology. At least go to the organization's website to get information. http://www.hearingloss.com is the website for the Hearing Loss Assn of America, Inc. HLAA is a consumer based organization that shares information, provides peer support and advocates for the 49 million Americans that live with hearing loss.

For moderate hearing loss, my current choice for Over The Counter (OTC) hearing aids after years of research (I'm an electrical engineer) are the Elehear AI (artificial intelligence) assisted hearing aids:
https://elehear.com/blogs/all/apple-airpods-pro-2-vs-elehear-beyond