Should You Buy Hearing Aids From Costco Or South Sound Audiology?

Only a professional audiologist can treat your hearing loss accurately and support you on your hearing journey long-term.

With Costco just a 10-minute drive away from my office here in Lacey, I regularly receive phone calls asking me the difference between the hearing aids I supply my patients and the hearing aids available at Costco.

So … do you choose to buy your hearing aids from Costco or South Sound Audiology?

I’ve put together my thoughts on how to answer this question, giving both the positives and negatives of each. My first thought, however, is that at South Sound Audiology you will not just be another sale. We see you as an individual with unique hearing needs, and our goal is to provide personalized care to help you navigate your hearing journey.

 

8 Differences Between Costco And South Sound Audiology

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1. Convenience Store vs. Hearing Clinic In Lacey, Washington
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It can be very convenient to walk into a Costco and pick out a hearing aid based on a free hearing test. But the hearing test doesn’t cover everything a test done by an audiologist would do, which means your exact type of hearing loss based on tone, pitch, and background noise won’t be treated with a properly adjusted hearing aid.

A Costco hearing test also won’t find the cause of your hearing loss, possibly missing a crucial, even life-saving, medical issue an audiologist would have found. In contrast, South Sound Audiology provides comprehensive hearing evaluations that identify the root cause of your hearing loss, ensuring you get the most appropriate and effective treatment.

2. Experienced and Highly Qualified Audiologists
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A qualified audiologist has many years of education, while a hearing dispenser only has to pass a state test after three months of study. While Costco does employ some audiologists, they usually aren’t the person you see for your hearing assessment.

South Sound Audiology can also treat hearing-related symptoms, such as tinnitus and balance issues, and advise on a cochlear implant should the need arise. Moreover, we ensure that you always have access to a highly experienced audiologist who is committed to your hearing health.

3. Comprehensive Hearing Test
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You have to be a Costco member to have your hearing tested.

A hearing test at Costco is fairly basic, while a hearing test at South Sound Audiology covers both the physical and medical checks necessary to ensure and treat good hearing health. It’s quick, and you get your hearing test results immediately.

If your hearing loss is found to be caused by a medical issue, I’ll clean out your ears or refer you to an ENT doctor to ensure you get the medical care you need ASAP. A hearing test at Costco won’t cover this.

4. The Investment
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Costco hearing aid prices start at $1,599.99, with custom earmolds costing extra. This price doesn’t include the cost of ongoing checkups through the next five years, though.

Costco only works with four major hearing aid suppliers, while I can offer a choice from all the major brands, ensuring you get the perfect hearing aid for your lifestyle and hearing needs.

Also, Costco often locks its hearing aids so that no other provider can adjust the settings.

At South Sound Audiology, my prices don’t start at Costco’s price because I can’t possibly hand someone a pair of hearing aids and tell them to go figure out the rest on their own. It’s simply bad hearing care practice.

My prices cover a full hearing package that lasts for three to five years or until your next upgrade. This package includes regular checkups, adjustments, and personalized care, which are essential for optimal hearing aid performance and user satisfaction.

5. Maintenance: Cleaning, Warranties, and Repairs
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Both Costco and South Sound Audiology have good loss and damage warranties.

Costco includes loss and damage coverage, and their warranty periods vary by model. However, you have to mail or bring your hearing aid to Costco whenever a repair is needed, whereas I can do most repairs in-office.

South Sound Audiology has a quick turnaround time on repairs, but we also have a loaner program if you will be without your device for an extended period of time. Costco doesn’t loan hearing aids.

Semiannual cleaning and checks are included in my hearing packages. Costco offers none.

6. Customer Convenience and Remote Service Visits
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I have a hearing health hotline available for all patients, a home delivery service for all supplies, remote care protocols to provide counseling and adjustments, and masked curbside appointments. I can also remotely adjust any hearing aids that allow for it.

Costco only offers remote services on select hearing aids. At South Sound Audiology, our focus on patient convenience ensures you receive consistent, high-quality care, regardless of your location or situation.

7. Long-Term Care and Partnership
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I care about our hearing care partnership, not a financial transaction, and I’ll do as many hearing aid fittings and programming adjustments as you need to be comfortable and hearing well.

Follow-up care with South Sound Audiology is ongoing and includes support and encouragement as you adjust to your device and as your hearing care needs change, along with cleanings and free batteries. This long-term partnership ensures that your hearing health remains our top priority as we continually strive to improve your hearing experience.

8. Local Ownership and Community Connection
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Only a local audiologist will care about your community’s hearing needs. We serve Lacey and the Greater Olympia area and are always raising greater awareness of hearing loss, tinnitus, and balance issues through activities such as our “clean and check” and Lacey Rotary Club events.

There’s no comparison between an audiologist who knows your name and is happy to see you versus a Costco employee. As a locally owned practice, South Sound Audiology is committed to serving our community with exceptional hearing care and contributing to local events and activities.

Schedule A Hearing Consultation With A Professional In Lacey

If you or a loved one is experiencing a hearing loss, the first step is to book a hearing assessment with an audiologist. This will ensure you have your hearing loss diagnosed and treated professionally.

Only a professional audiologist can treat your hearing loss accurately and support you on your hearing journey long-term. I use state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and the most innovative digital hearing aid technology available to do just this.

Book your hearing consultation today by filling out this online form. Or call me with any questions: (360) 464-9780.

 hearing consultation

Remember, at South Sound Audiology, we are always ready and eager to provide the care you need and answer any questions you may have about your hearing health.

I look forward to supporting you on your hearing journey.

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Julie VanAusdal

Since 2006, Ms. VanAusdal has operated South Sound Audiology, applying 20 years of education, experience, and expertise to provide hearing solutions to pediatric and adult patients in the greater Olympia community. She is passionate about restoring the relationships and opportunities her patients lost because of hearing challenges. Her greatest motivation is seeing her patients enjoy a more active, rewarding, and independent lifestyle due to better hearing. Her commitment to our community shines through in her patient-centered approach to her audiology practice.

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