To be honest, the masks are creating a nightmare for people with hearing loss. I've never felt so alone in a crowd. I find myself avoiding social interactions when I'm shopping, etc. Masks not only hide the lips and facial expressions we speechreaders depend on, they also muffle sound. People with mild/moderate hearing loss probably do much better than those of us with severe/profound loss. I'm so ready for masks to go away!

Regarding Costco. They sell good quality hearing aids. Do remember that a hearing aid is only as good as the person who fits it properly to an individual's audiogram. Success will depend on the technician's ability to do that. I usually recommend that anyone who is seeking hearing help, get tested by a clinical audiologist. Request a copy of your audiogram and other tests, then take time to shop around. You have a right to that information, but they don't generally offer it to you.

That trial period, in any case, is extremely important to use. Try those new hearing aids in every possible situation that is part of your life. That includes in social settings, relaxing at home, attending the performing arts, in worship centers, etc. If you are not satisfied with the hearing instruments, return them before the trial period lapses.

Be sure to insist on hearing aids with telecoils. Bluetooth is good too, but the telecoils connect you to 'communication access' as defined by the American's with Disabiities Act. I also recommend insisting on manual volume control features in the hearing aids. YOU want to control the volume. Ask questions to make sure the technician you are working with knows 'their stuff'.

The sad part of the 'getting help for hearing loss' story is the extreme high cost of hearing instruments. Costco resolves that for many people, as will the upcoming 'over the counter' hearing aids that will soon be legal to sell. Still, the gold standard in hearing services will likely remain services from clinical audiologists who have doctorate degrees in the field.

A lot has changed over the 5 decades that I've used hearing aids; Prior to the late 80s, audiologists did not fit hearing aids in most states. They did the testing and prescribed them. They were fit by licensed technicians who were not audiologists. Then the profession decided to require an AuD (doctorate level degree) for audiologists, and changed the process by adding fitting to their role. It's interesting that in most states, today, those technicians actually take the same licensure exam to fit and sell hearing aids as the audiologists do Just a little bit more of the history of this field. 🙂

You are wise to get the hearing help you need. I look forward to hearing more about how this goes for you.