Wizard49, Depends upon the location. Part of the "fit" is how well you (or your child) relates to the person. If the woman I see at Costco is only a tech, she's extremely good and knowledeable, keeps up to date on new tech. The hearing tests she administered appeared to be far more comprehensive than one I had earlier this year at a hearing clinic, with an audiologist. The other people in the dept. are also far more than just sales clerks, know quite a bit, although they leave the really tech questions to the audiologist--or tech if she isn't certified. She has a genuine desire to make things better, rather than to sell anything.