Costco vs. Hear 4 U Audiology – What’s The Difference?
We regularly receive phone calls from patients asking what the difference is between investing in hearing care at Hear 4 U Audiology compared to traveling to Costco.
Although the differences are vast, we wanted to help by creating a simple comparison chart to help you to understand who you should choose depending on what you’re looking for.
The aim is to ensure you’re informed to make the best possible decision for yourself or a loved one depending on your unique circumstances.
The first thing that you’ll notice is the “Comprehensive Hearing Assessments.”
With Costco’s website sharing how their testing is simply to “determine if you could be helped by a hearing aid” – these tests do not go into the audiological standards of Hear 4 U’s testing.
With a multi-step advanced assessment process, we start by looking into your ears to ensure that your hearing challenges are not a result of anything else, whether a build-up of earwax or a more serious condition. You then sit in a sound booth for an extended amount of time as we carry out multiple different tests to accurately measure your precise level of hearing.
This ensures that we have an accurate audiogram to program your hearing devices and that your hearing health is the key priority.
The second big thing that you’ll notice is the repair, loss, and damage warranties –this is how long you’re covered for if your devices need repair or replacement, with Costco offering 2 years for loss & damage, and 3 years for repairs.
Hear 4 U Audiology offers a flat four years for both, ensuring that you’re protected with full peace of mind for an extended period of time.
You also have the guarantee that you’re cared for by a highly trained and experienced doctor of audiology at Hear 4 U Audiology compared to what is commonly a hearing aid dispenser through Costco (which can be learned through an online course).
However, one area that Costco has the upper hand is their prices, with hearing aids available from as low as $1,119.
Although Hear 4 U has a large selection of hearing devices with some very competitive pricing, we are not able to offer both technology and our high level of audiological service for this low fee.
However, we do offer fully managed insurance benefits that allow us to help you to maximize any hearing aid insurance benefits, and we have payment plans available allowing you to step into premium hearing care for an affordable monthly fee.
When it comes to convenience, Costco is open evenings and weekends. Although we don’t offer these extended opening hours, we do offer “Virtual Appointments” and “Live Assistance” that allow you to receive care, support, and adjustments through an innovative app, allowing you to get on-demand support from anywhere in the world.
In summary, it entirely depends what you’re looking for.
If your decision is based on price and needing a low-cost solution, then Costco may be the right option for you. However, if you’re looking for a high level of care and support with a partner that focuses on your hearing health, then Hear 4 U Audiology is the right option for you.
If you have any questions or would like anything clarified, then please call our friendly team at 305-247-8227