Mom is 90 and has had hearing issues since I was a kid. She had some inner ear work on the bones (?), I don't know exactly what was done and it was a long time ago. Anyway about 15-20yrs ago she ended up with a set of Phonek hearing aids. The ones that sit behind ear and have a small wire with a silicone type cone in the ear. To be as old as they are they have served her well until recently. The batteries won't stay charged for more than a few hours if that. She pretty much has stopped wearing them, which isn't good.

I took here to a Belltonic place by her house and after a thorough examination they hit with a $5k - $7k option. That is just not doable. There is a Phonek office near by I plan on taking her to for comparison but from what I can tell the prices will probably be around the same.

Local Costco is at least 2+ weeks out on appointments. Local Sam's Club only does Wednesday every week and is booked out also. But they tell me their prices are $1500-$3K. And suppose to be same as the $5-7k version from the "name" brand local hearing aid businesses.

Or do I need to take here to an ENT or other specialist doctor? I don't see where insurance will pay for hearing aids. She has the typical Medicare and a private supplement with Omaha.

One other thing. I might try as a substitute for now until we get into somewhere something off Amazon. But all these look like just amplifiers not actual hearing aids despite being advertised as such. If they could help her with tv for now it would be worth $100 to buy a set.

Thanks

She does not use a smart phone so no need for Bluetooth tech just basic hearing aid.

I don't know the details, but I know my sister and BIL were very pleased in their dealings with Costco regarding their hearing aids.

As I recall, Costco's recommendation was a less expensive German made aid that surpassed their expectations. And the continued service was great.

ETA, the brand they got was Jabra. My BIL got his more recently for $1600 for the pair and that included the exam.

In the mean time, you can get one of there....Walkers Ultra Ear BTE Hearing Enhancer Sound Amplifier.

https://www.amazon.com/Walkers...hancer/dp/B001FT927C

I took my mom to a hearing specialist in her local medical group. He recommended a local college (Grand Valley Community Hearing) and she was able to go through the process of getting hearing aids w/ a student who was under the oversight of a specialist.

Mom got her hearing aids through that program for around $2700 + a few this and that.

It's very important for your mom at her age to have and use hearing aids at her age as they the can regress and become anti social which can lead to other problems. I hope you can find a solution for her soon, particularly if she's living alone.
My mom had the early signs of dementia, (which is not always apparent) and hearing/ communicating is a big thing at that point.

When the rechargeable batteries for my Widex hearing aids stopped taking a charge, I just went back to disposable batteries.
They're the same size.

Can you do that?
It's a lot cheaper than new hearing aids, and it's not a big deal changing batteries once a week.

I really don't know who makes the best but after doing some looking and checking, I went with Costco and got the Rexton brand. They are rechargeable and have a phone app so easy to adjust. And they take care of them no problem, I am no longer a member of Costco, I joined just to get the aids but anytime I am in their town I will stop in and and they will replace the ear pieces. I am sure if I went to a medical ear doctor I would get a better aid for 2 or 3 times the money, but these are fine for my first set. They were around $1600 with a charger and a portable charger.

Per Google search:

What are the top five rated hearing aids?

Our picks for the best hearing aids

Jabra Enhance: Best Overall.
Audien: Most Affordable.
Eargo: Best Invisible.
Audicus: Best Bluetooth.
ELEHEAR: Best for Tinnitus.
MDHearing: Best Under $500.
Lexie: Best for Beginners.
Phonak: Best Prescription.

AI Overview
Rexton Reach and Jabra Enhance Pro are both hearing aid options available at Costco, but they differ in their technology, sound quality, and features.

Rexton Reach is generally considered more advanced, with better noise management and potentially smoother, clearer sound, while Jabra Enhance Pro offers a more assertive and bright sound profile.

Rexton Reach (aka Signia IX):

Advanced technology:
Features Multi-Voice Focus Technology for clear conversations in noisy environments, and the newest models have dual processor technology.

Sound quality:
Many users prefer the Rexton Reach's smoother, natural sound, especially with the TV interface.
Battery and charging:

Offers longer battery life (up to 39 hours) and rechargeable convenience with a portable charger.

Bluetooth connectivity:
Compatible with both iPhone and Android smartphones through MFi and ASHA protocols, and future-proof with Bluetooth LE Audio.

Accessories:
Includes a remote control, smart transmitter for TV sound, and a smart mic for noisy environments.


Jabra Enhance Pro (aka ReSound):

Technology:
Uses ReSound technology, known for its clear sound and strong Bluetooth connectivity.
Sound quality:
Some users find the sound more assertive or bright than Rexton.

Battery and charging:
Offers a good battery life with both rechargeable and disposable battery models.

Bluetooth connectivity:
Features Bluetooth streaming for iOS and Android, and Auracast broadcast capabilities.

Features:
Includes an app for customization and real-time adjustments, and is compatible with various ear types.

Which is better?

The "better" hearing aid depends on individual needs and preferences:

For those who prioritize sound clarity and naturalness in noisy environments, and prefer a more relaxed sound profile, the Rexton Reach may be a better choice. Some audiologists and hearing aid users on Reddit have noted the Rexton's superior noise management and smoother sound.

For those who prefer a more assertive or bright sound, or who value a wider range of customization options, the Jabra Enhance Pro may be a better fit. Some users on Reddit have found the Jabra to be a good option, especially for those with smaller ears.

Ultimately, it's recommended to try both hearing aids if possible to see which one best suits your individual hearing needs and preferences.

In summary:
Costco Hearing Aids Review 2025: Brands, Models and
Prices at ...

Rexton Reach offers more advanced technology and potentially smoother sound, while Jabra Enhance Pro offers a more assertive sound profile and wider customization options. Both are good options, but the best choice depends on individual preferences and hearing needs.

Take Mom to a Doctor of Audiology, an AuD.
They are much better than a Hearing Aid peddler

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Hamden106,

My wife made out very well at Costco, $1499 vs. the $5k from her previous audio long place.

I’m due to replace mine. I’m going to Costco first.

Last time I went to the in house audiologist at the ENT and a different audiologist before settling on Costco. The tests and results were the same. The price was very different. The stand alone audiologist wanted $5k+. Insurance would cover up to $2500. Costco was just over $1500. It was all out of pocket but even with my dubious math skills I know that $1500<$2500+. Costco had a better return policy and longer warranty as well. Costco has a limited selection and what they have may not be what your mom needs.

If any of you are vets, I have heard good things about VA aids.

quote:

Originally posted by Hamden106:
Take Mom to a Doctor of Audiology, an AuD.
They are much better that a Hearing Aid peddler

I agree, my hearing test was only $50 and done by a doctor.

I got the Jabra Enhanced Pro at Costco and they work for me.

I’d say overall for price/quality, Costco is the place to go. I chose not to use them but I also paid quite a bit more for mine since I wanted the best I could get.

quote:

Audien: Most Affordable.

Mine from Costco were great but the dog or cat got hold of them somehow, I found a few pieces of them.

Anyway, I fell for the Audien ads and bought their most expensive pair. They are garbage, they have five different sound settings and five volume levels and they all sucked. I could hear a fly fart 50 feet away but couldn't hear someone talking to me two feet away


Back to Costco I go

Thanks. Looks like Costco is still the place. Unfortunately it'll be a few weeks since they are booked out 3 weeks on appointments.

quote:

Originally posted by Hamden106:
Take Mom to a Doctor of Audiology, an AuD.
They are much better than a Hearing Aid peddler

This. Though tbh the audiologist is selling hearing aids, too.

A good hearing test is needed in order to select the right aids and to properly program them to the user's unique needs. They also need to be properly fitted to work well. My mother in law had bad results for a year because she skipped the first followup and didn't have the correct fit.

Modern aids are way more than an amplifier.

I recently got hearing aids for the first time. Oticon Intent. My audiologist worked with me to create a custom music program for when I perform. It's like having my young hearing again. The default program works wonders for conversation in a noisy environment like a restaurant or party, but is pretty bad for listening to music. There are other programs for other situations. All easily adjusted with a tap or with an app on my phone.

Apparently there are some Medicare Part B or Advantage plans that have some coverage. Mostly though, no insurance for seniors cover hearing aids.