Costco is different everywhere. They train their hearing instrument specialists. I have asked those specialists at two different Costco locations about this. The answer I got was that Costco employees can 'move up' into jobs that require advanced training. Those people must get higher wages if they qualify and get that training. I assume that would relate to both the optical department and the hearing aid department. Since the pharmacy deals with drugs, I'm pretty sure they have to have credentials prior to being hired.

I also learned that those in the hearing aid department at Costco are not selling on commission. They receive a set salary. Reality: the person fitting hearing aids there may have been the person handing out samples a few years back.

Other reality: Testing hearing, understanding those tests, and also understanding the complex technology that goes into hearing aids, requires intellect and skill.

Some, but probably very few, hearing aid fitters at Costco have master's or doctorate degrees in the field of audiology. Again, not sure, but I think some of Costco's trainers probably do have them, and quite possibly a few Costcos have the benefit of having those doctorate degree audiologists on their staff as providers when they are not training others.

It's a whole different world right now in the hearing aid industry. Soon there will be 'over the counter' hearing aids that do not require testing or fitting if a purchaser is willing to go that route at their own expense.

Costco sells brand name hearing aids like ReSound and Phonak. They also have their own Kirkland brand. The top of the line Kirkland has everything on it the others have. A pair sells for $1400. Whether you pay more or less, it's the skill of the person fitting the hearing aids that can make a difference. I'm not familiar with the Phillips brand, but most likely it is made by one of the major manufacturers.

Most private practice audiologists allow a 30 day trial period; 60 days at most. Costco allows 180 days. For many people that can be huge as it gives them more opportunity to try hearing aids in different settings before deciding whether they work well or not. Obviously, if they don't work well, return them. If the provider will extend the trial period after reprogramming them or fitting you with a different set, keep trying, but know that once that trial period is over, they will not refund your money. Act like a customer even though this is a medical device. Only you know if it's working for you.

Another piece of this puzzle on how Costco can sell brand name hearing aids for such discounted prices is research & development. Those aids may cost less than half of what you might pay elsewhere, but are they as up to date in development as those more expensive hearing aids? Ask that question. It may not matter, but it's good to know. Also ask if the hearing aids can be adjusted by a provider other than Costco. Some of them are 'locked' so that's not possible.

The hearing aid industry is confusing. Why are they so costly? The answer given most often is because of the cost of research and development. As consumers of these products we don't know, but we do have the right to shop around.

Once your hearing loss is determined not to be from a medical condition that has been treated, it's certainly OK to shop around. You have a right to request the audiogram results done by the medical practitioners whether they be ENT MDs or AuD audiologists. It's yours. When you have that information you can compare it with tests done elsewhere. Elsewhere may not even have to test you as they can fit you according to that audiogram if it was done recently.

Lots to think about. Sometimes the way a provider treats you can be a deciding factor rather than cost. You want to work with someone who takes the time to help you learn and adjust. Someone who is willing to try different things if you feel you are not getting sufficient help from the product. It may be worth it to pay more if you get more in the way of counseling, etc. That is a personal decision.

Your personal experiences help others. Are you willing to share them?