Costco runs hearing aid centers in many of its warehouse locations, selling hearing aids directly to members
Costco's hearing aid centers operate inside Costco warehouses and are staffed by licensed hearing aid specialists or audiologists (depending on state law). You do not need to be a member to have your hearing tested, but you do need an active Costco membership to purchase hearing aids through them. The centers sell their own house brand of hearing aids as well as some name-brand models, and prices tend to be lower than independent hearing aid retailers because Costco operates on a membership model with lower profit margins.
The hearing aid specialists at Costco can perform basic hearing tests, discuss your hearing loss, and fit you with devices on the same visit if you decide to move forward. Costco also offers a trial period — typically 90 days — during which you can return the hearing aids for a full refund if they do not work for you. This trial period is longer than what many independent retailers offer.
Key Takeaways
- You need a Costco membership to buy hearing aids, but not to have your hearing tested at a Costco hearing aid center.
- Costco hearing aid centers employ licensed specialists or audiologists who can test your hearing and fit devices the same day.
- Costco sells its own house-brand hearing aids and some name-brand models at prices that are often lower than independent retailers.
- Most Costco hearing aid centers offer a 90-day trial period, during which you can return the devices for a full refund.
- Not all Costco locations have hearing aid centers, so you will need to check whether your local warehouse has one.
What to bring to your first Costco hearing aid appointment
Bring your Costco membership card if you already have one. If you do not have a membership, you can still have your hearing tested, but you will need to join Costco before you can purchase hearing aids. Bring any recent hearing test results or medical records related to your hearing if you have them — these help the specialist understand your history and whether anything has changed.
You do not need a referral from a doctor to visit a Costco hearing aid center, though some people choose to get one anyway. If you have insurance that covers hearing aids, bring your insurance card and policy documents so the center can check what your plan covers. Costco hearing aid centers do not always bill insurance directly, so understanding your coverage beforehand helps you know what you will pay out of pocket.
How the hearing test and fitting process works
The hearing specialist will start by asking about your hearing concerns — whether you have trouble hearing conversations, the television, or specific environments like restaurants. They will then perform a hearing test, usually in a soundproof booth, where you listen to tones at different volumes and pitches and signal when you hear them. This test takes 20 to 30 minutes and produces an audiogram, a chart showing your hearing ability across different frequencies.
After the test, the specialist will review the results with you and discuss what type of hearing aid might work best for your situation. Costco hearing aids come in different styles — behind-the-ear, in-the-ear, and completely-in-the-canal — and the specialist will help you choose based on your hearing loss, lifestyle, and preferences. If you decide to move forward, the specialist will fit the devices, program them to match your hearing test results, and show you how to insert, remove, and care for them.
Costco hearing aid models and pricing
Costco's house-brand hearing aids are manufactured by Phonak and Signia, two major hearing aid makers, and are sold under the Costco brand. These models are typically priced between $1,000 and $3,000 per pair, depending on the style and features. Costco also carries some name-brand models like Phonak and Signia under their own labels, which are often priced lower than the same models sold through independent retailers.
The exact models and prices available vary by location and change over time. Costco does not publish a hearing aid price list online, so you will need to visit your local center or call to ask what models are currently in stock and what they cost. Many Costco hearing aid centers offer financing options for members, allowing you to spread the cost over several months.
The 90-day trial period and return policy
When you purchase hearing aids from Costco, you have 90 days to try them. If you are not satisfied with how they work, you can return them for a full refund. During the trial period, you can return to the center as many times as you need for adjustments and reprogramming at no extra cost. This trial period gives you time to get used to wearing hearing aids and to have the specialist fine-tune them based on your real-world experience.
To return the hearing aids, bring them back to the Costco hearing aid center where you purchased them, along with all the original packaging and accessories. Costco will process the refund to your original payment method. If you purchased the hearing aids more than 90 days ago, Costco's standard return policy for other products does not explore to hearing aids — the 90-day trial is the window for returns.
Ongoing care and maintenance at Costco
After your trial period ends, Costco hearing aid centers continue to offer adjustments and repairs for the hearing aids you purchased from them. You can return to the center for reprogramming if your hearing changes, to replace batteries or ear molds, or to troubleshoot problems. Many Costco locations offer these services at no charge for members, though some may charge a small fee for certain repairs or replacements.
Costco hearing aids typically come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers defects for a set period — usually one to three years depending on the model. If your hearing aids stop working during the warranty period, Costco can send them back to the manufacturer for repair or replacement. Ask the specialist about the specific warranty on the model you choose and what it covers.
Finding a Costco hearing aid center near you
Not every Costco warehouse has a hearing aid center. To find one near you, visit Costco's website and use their warehouse locator tool, then call the location to confirm it has a hearing aid center and ask about hours. Some Costco hearing aid centers operate on a different schedule than the warehouse itself, so calling ahead ensures someone will be there when you arrive.
If your nearest Costco does not have a hearing aid center, you can ask whether they can refer you to one at a nearby location or whether they offer any remote hearing services. Some Costco members choose to travel to a warehouse with a hearing aid center if the price difference justifies the trip, especially if they live in a rural area with few other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Costco membership to get my hearing tested?
No. You can have your hearing tested at a Costco hearing aid center without a membership. However, you do need an active membership to purchase hearing aids from Costco.
Can I use my hearing insurance at Costco?
Some Costco hearing aid centers bill insurance directly, while others require you to pay out of pocket and submit a claim yourself. Call your local center and your insurance company before your appointment to understand how billing will work and what your out-of-pocket cost will be.
What happens if I lose or damage my hearing aids during the 90-day trial?
Accidental damage or loss during the trial period may not be covered by the return policy. Ask the specialist about the trial terms and what happens if the devices are damaged before you leave the center.
Can I get my Costco hearing aids repaired at another hearing aid store?
Some independent hearing aid retailers can repair Costco hearing aids, but Costco recommends returning to a Costco hearing aid center for service. Repairs done elsewhere may not be covered by Costco's warranty.
How often do I need to replace my hearing aids?
Hearing aids typically last three to seven years depending on the model, how often you wear them, and how well you maintain them. The specialist can discuss the expected lifespan of the model you choose and what maintenance will help extend it.