Hi Sueinmn. Glad to know you're moving forward on this. For you, it's always good to have a baseline audiogram for future reference. Glad you got your guy to move on this too. While I believe that doctors of audiology, AuD level practitioners, are the gold standard for hearing care, I know that many people with hearing loss get good help and service elsewhere.

The AuD folks are always going to recommend the latest technology. It's like buying a computer or a car. The latest stuff is the best, etc. Even when it isn't. Some of the new BlueTooth technology is complicated to use just like computers are. Since HL is more common among the older population, a lot of the good stuff in those fancy devices goes unused. And, few of the providers take the time needed to teach the ropes on how to use it. The good old fashioned telecoil is so easy to understand and use, but many refer to it as 'old technology' and few explain how it works or even tell their patients that it's in their hearing instruments. They push the BT instead.

Back to your question about Costco. Know that Costco sells brand name hearing aids, including Phonak. They may be a step behind in models since those change constantly. The fitter at Costco is likely not an audiologist, BUT if you have a recent audiogram from a trusted source, you have a very good chance to get a good fit at Costco. They can plug in your audiogram results to get the information they need to provide a good fit.

I love that Costco allows such a lengthy trial period. I'm pretty sure other providers can extend it IF they are willing to. Few do though. It might be worth a try.

One concern I have relates to domes vs ear molds. Do the hearing aids your husband is using have ear molds? You mention them being uncomfortable. Molds have to be fit properly, and take a bit of skill from the provider to cast them and fit them. Domes are just stuck in the ear of the user. They come in different sizes, but I have seen many people wearing hearing aids with the domes NOT inserted well into the ear canal. Molds don't pop out, but they can hurt if they don't fit right. Again, this takes skill of the provider and patience of the patient.

My husband has found the Costco hearing aids to be good. He's fascinated by being able to stream on his cell phone, or hear the TV in a noisy place. He's willing to experiment with them. I'm not much help to him because my hearing aids and CI processor are so different since my HL is profound. He bought the top of the line Costco HAs for $1400/pair. No regrets. If his hearing loss gets worse over time, he may need something else.

Glad you're making progress. Safe travels to you too.