Philips (Costco) Review

Name: Philips (Costco)
Brand: Costco

Prices, Sound Recordings, Models

Blake Cadwell

Amy Sarow, AuD, CCC-A

Updated Jan 24, 2024

Methodology

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Watch a video about this product.

Behind the Ear

Bluetooth

Rechargeable

PROFESSIONAL FITTING

In the Ear

Affordable

$ 1,499.99 / pair

4.2

Reviews

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Costco offers three prescription hearing brands - Jabra, Rexton, and Philips.

Costco doesn’t manufacture hearing aids themselves; instead, they purchase devices from three of the largest manufacturers and sell them through their in-store hearing clinics. You will need a Costco membership to access Costco hearing aids.

Product and Styles

Demant manufactures Philips Hearlink 9040 and uses equivalent technology to the popular private practice product called Oticon Real. Philips Hearlink 9040 is available primarily in receiver-in-canal styles.

There are pros and cons to going to Costco for your hearing aids. Some people have a great experience, while others feel the staff is under-trained for their needs.

Ultimately it’s hard to deny that Costco offers some of the best technology available at an impressive price. We recommend Costco as an option for budget seekers with a Costco nearby. If you have a complex hearing situation like asymmetrical hearing loss, past surgeries, or severe hearing loss, you’ll likely have more success with a more trained audiologist.

Philips Vs. Jabra and Rexton

We like Philips hearing aids for their innovative use of AI. The manufacturers of Philips hearing aids recorded 12M real-life sounds to train a deep-neural network onboard their devices.

The result is a more “open” sound quality that lets more natural sound in while amplifying speech.

Pros 👍

Free hearing test for members.
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Lower prices compared to similar products in clinic.
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One loss or damage replacement for free (valid for two years).
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Clean your hearing aids any time at Costco for free while you shop.

Cons 👎

Membership required.
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Costco relies mainly on hearing aid dispensers rather than audiologists.
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Requires in-person visits (not possible for some).
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Phonak, Starkey, and Widex are not available at Costco.

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Soundly Scorecard

Hearing Loss Level 🔊

Mild - Severe

Philips offers a family of fully customizable, prescription hearing aid appropriate for mild-severe hearing loss
If you have severe hearing loss, your care provider may fit you with a custom earmold to reduce feedback

Care Type 🏥

Prescription

Philips hearing aids are fit and programmed by a professional at Costco
Most wearers select a behind-the-ear hearing aid but Philips is also offered in custom-molded styles
To create your custom hearing aids, you Costco professional will take earmold impressions. They will then send those impressions to the Demant manufacturing facility where a one-of-one replica will be created for your hearing aids
After an initial fitting process, you can connect with your care provider remotely through the Philips app

Sound Quality 🔊

Strong in Background Noise

Philips behind-the-ear hearing aids come with a new operating system (released in 2023). Philips uses a deep neural network to sort background noise from speech. Many users describe Philips's sound quality as "relaxed," "natural," and "comfortable."
Philips in-the-ear hearing aids use slightly older underly technology but still do a great job managing background noise.

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Comfort 🦻

Very Comfortable For All-Day Wear

Philips behind-the-ear devices are very comfortable product with a wide-variety of possible earmolds, domes and fits.
Philips in-the-ear options sit comfortably in the ear. Some users with better hearing in lower frequencies prefer an open-fit behind-the-ear style hearing aid that allows more natural sound to pass into the ear canal.

Style 💫

Behind-The-Ear, In The Ear-Molded

Most wearers choose Philips hearing aids that sit behind the ear
Philips can be purchased in 5 sizes from invisible to half-shell
Behind-the-ear Philips hearing aids come in 6 colors including beige, black, brown, dark gray, gray, and taupe
In-the-ear Philips hearing aids come in 5 colors including, beige, brown and black.

Battery 🔋

Rechargeable Or Disposable

Both in-the-ear and behind-the-ear styles come with rechargeable or disposable battery options
The rechargeable, behind-the-ear version of Philips hearing aids gets 24 hours of power on a single charge
The disposable version of Philips behind-the-ear version uses a 312 battery which (lasts 7-10 days)
In-the-ear versions of the product use either a 312 or size 10 battery

Connection 📡

Bluetooth Available

The Philips flagship behind-the-ear hearing aid allows Bluetooth streaming, music listening, and phone calls across all models. iPhone users can take calls hands-free, while Android users must keep their phones close to pick up outbound audio.
The Philips in-the-ear versions offer Bluetooth streaming or Telecoil in the three largest styles (FS, HS and ITC)

Dexterity Level 🤏

Average

Philips behind-the-ear options are reasonably easy to handle but does require the wearer to place the hearing aid behind their ear and insert the receiver into the ear (consistent across all behind-the-ear styles)
All sizes and styles within the Philips in-the-ear family require regular disposable battery changes and good dexterity. The smallest two sizes (CIC and IIC) are especially difficult to manage due to their smaller size 10 battery

Waterproof Level 💦

IP68

Philips hearing aids across styles are water resistant with an IP rating of 68
These hearing aids can withstand dust and water submersion in one meter of water for up to 30 minutes

App features 📱

Has An App, Telehealth Capable, Find My Hearing Aids

Remote care: included in the new Philips app
Customization: volume, program change, streaming sound quality (treble/bass)
Find my hearing aid: available in the app
Health tracking: not available

Note that Philips CIC and IIC sizes do not come with connection to the Philips app.

Costco Process

Costco offers a range of hearing aid brands and styles. Around 85% of customers select a hearing aid that sits behind their ear (often called receiver-in-canal or RIC). RIC hearing aids have the most advanced technology and are generally more comfortable and less expensive.

Costco also offers some in-the-ear models, which some users enjoy for ease of handling and personal preference. Most in-the-ear models require an earmold which will be taken in a Costco Store and then shipped to the manufacturer to create a one-of-one hearing aid for you.

We suggest a behind-the-ear RIC style hearing aid for most first-time hearing aid wearers.

Read our full guide to selecting a hearing aid style here.

How to Choose a Style

We suggest a behind-the-ear RIC style hearing aid for most first-time hearing aid wearers.

Read our full guide to selecting a hearing aid style here.

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Overview
‍Latest Models from Philips
Philips Technology Levels and Features
Philips Pros and Cons
Conclusion
Products
Final Thoughts

Are you considering Costco’s hearing aid options? Philips hearing aids are one popular brand in Costco's portfolio.

For background, the global health care and hearing aid company Demant manufactures Philips hearing devices and other brands like Oticon and Bernafon. Philips devices are then primarily sold through Costco in the U.S.

In this article, we’ll break down the latest models from Philips, their technology levels and features, pros and cons, prices, and how they compare to other options available at Costco.

Reviewer note:
Many of our readers also research Jabra Enhance Select and Audicus.
✅ Similar or lower price to Costco
🤲 Professional care included via Telehealth
🦻 Audiology-grade technology

An Audologist’s Review of Philips Hearing Aids

January 23, 2023

Written by

Amy Sarow, AuD, CCC-A

Reviewed by

Soundly Staff

Soundly conducts in-depth research to guide prospective hearing aid wearers. Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

Latest Models from Philips

Philips makes three different types of hearing aids: behind-the-ear (BTE), receiver-in-the-ear (RITE), and in-the-ear (ITE). In 2021, Philip released its most recent edition, the HearLink 30 series.

The BTE and RIC models work for a variety of lifestyles, as they are available in both rechargeable and disposable battery options to fit your unique needs. And in terms of aesthetics, both of these models look similar to the Oticon More. Keep in mind that the ITE hearing aids are available only in disposable batteries.

Philips Technology Levels and Features

Philips offers different technology levels from basic to premium, which are based on the user’s individual needs. These levels of technology range from 9030 to 7030 to 5030, with the highest level of technology at 9030.

What does that mean? The higher number represents a more advanced level of technology, with the 9030 level being the premium product.

Philips hearing aids offer features like artificial intelligence algorithms that automatically adjust sound processing based on your surroundings. New features in the Philips hearing aid line include connectivity and streaming options for both Android and iPhone, a new and improved SmartPhone app, refined noise reduction, and an option for remote care (when coordinated with a provider).

Additionally, there is a new portable charger for those on the go, which can hold a three day charge for long weekend travel.

For folks with mild to severe hearing loss, Philips also offers options with the HearLink miniRITE hearing aids which come with or without telecoil and rechargeable or 312 disposable batteries. To note, the Philips HearLink BTE PP comes only in a disposable size 13 battery.

As for color options, Philips offers six colors in shades of gray, beige, and brown that can blend well with common hair shades. The brand also offers several accessories that work with these hearing aids such as an AudioClip, a TV adapter, and a remote control.

Making daily life simpler and easier with a SmartPhone app, HearLink, is a convenient option that works like a remote control for the hearing aids.

On this app, you'll be able to adjust the volume of the hearing aids as a pair or individually, adjust the streaming sound (bass, middle, and treble), switch programs, and even find your hearing aids if they get lost.

Even more, this app will also tell the battery percentage, so you'll know if the battery is running low and needs to be charged or changed (in the case of disposable batteries).

Philips Hearing Aid Pros and Cons

The biggest pro of using Philips hearing aids is their quality—they are made from durable materials and have advanced sound processing capabilities to ensure optimal performance. With this in mind, Philips offers a wide selection of models and technology levels, so you can find one that works for you.

Now, let's review some potential disadvantages. In my experience, Demant products have been known to have connectivity issues with Android phones. However, software updates do occur periodically that can help with this and you'll want to check whether there are any current known issues when purchasing. As for voice controls and features, you will still use the microphone on your phone to pick up your voice, but the tap control is not a feature offered on these hearing aids to answer phone calls.

In my experience, other Demant products like Oticon are favored among musicians or those more sensitive to louder sounds. For those that are more budget-conscious, Philips products through Costco are a solid option.

Even better: Costco also offers a three-year warranty on the devices, plus a loss and damage policy for a one-time replacement at no additional charge for the first two years.

Keep in mind that if you're looking for tinnitus masking programs or do a fair amount of streaming with an Android phone, there may be better options out there.

What to Consider With Costco

Regardless of the hearing healthcare you choose, it’s essential to make an informed decision to choose an option that best meets your needs.

One crucial element to consider with Costco is the service you'll receive for hearing aids. At Costco, it’s likely you’ll be seen by a hearing instrument specialist rather than an audiologist. And, it’s typically not the same person with each visit.

If your hearing aids need repairs, the store does not provide loaner devices while waiting for the device to come back from services. Some people choose Costco and are perfectly happy with their selection but this brand may not be the best option if you prefer more customized care, seeing the same provider regularly, or have a more complex hearing loss. Another important point is that the Philips devices through Costco are locked, meaning that another provider outside of Costco cannot program them.

Learn more about the pros and cons of Costco hearing aids in the video below.

Prices

Philips hearing aids start at approximately $1799 per pair, depending on the technology level, and may vary slightly based on geographic location. To add, custom earmolds cost about $100 more than the standard price too.

Compared with prices at local audiology clinics, Philips hearing aids are a good value. But you’ll also need to consider the level of service and follow-up care you’ll receive (and versus what you need).

Comparison With Other Options at Costco

Compared to other options available at Costco, such as Rexton or ReSound Philips hearing aids are similarly priced.

While not always the latest technology, Costco's hearing aid offering includes options from reputable hearing aid companies, such as ReSound and Signia.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for high-quality hearing aids with a more budget-conscious price point, then Philips is a wallet-friendly option.

They offer a wide selection of models ranging from basic to premium levels, so there’s something to suit everyone’s individual needs and finances. Compared to other options available at Costco, they are priced well.

All in all, Costco is one option for effective hearing healthcare.

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Written by

Amy Sarow, AuD, CCC-A

Reviewed by

Soundly Staff

Soundly conducts in-depth research to guide prospective hearing aid wearers. Our work is funded through reader support. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

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