Costco vs. Audicles Hearing Services – What’s The Difference

Costco vs. Audicles Hearing Services – What’s The Difference?

by | May 28, 2023 | Hearing Aids, Patient Resources

With three Costco stores in San Antonio, we are occasionally asked what the difference is between working with a private practice like ours and simply purchasing hearing devices from Costco.

That’s why we created this article to help you understand the differences and choose which option is right for you based on your unique circumstances.

Our Fundamental Approach

But before we share the big differences, there is a fundamental mismatch. That is that we don’t just “sell” hearing aids; we instead focus on delivering the highest level of hearing care.

You could compare it to dentistry—you could buy a teeth-whitening kit with some basic support, or you could work with a team of dentists who are passionate about getting the best possible result for you.

This makes the comparison slightly difficult.

Comparing Audicles Hearing Services to Costco

However, to give you a side-by-side comparison of the differences, we have developed this chart that shares the benefits of working with Audicles Hearing Services compared to Costco.

We hope it’s helpful.

The first big difference is the repair warranty and loss and damage warranty.

Audicles Vs Costco Comparison

Understanding Warranty Differences

Warranties are the protection that you receive when you invest in your hearing devices, with Costco offering two years for “Loss & Damage” and three years for “Repairs,” compared to Audicles that provides four years for both (on all premium technology).

By partnering with Audicles, you also qualify for our Guaranteed Promise of Service—this ensures you access to our 10-step promise, which includes complimentary batteries for life, 30-day risk-free guarantee, and instant financing options (plus much more).

Comparing Prices

However, one of the key reasons that many people go to Costco is for low prices.

With good technology from $1,119, it’s the right option for many people who are limited by their budgets.

Yet Audicles also has great price options available and is proud to offer Better Hearing 4 Life, which allows you to step into better hearing for $99/month without any finance checks, credit, or large out-of-pocket expenses.

Both offer strong options.

Payment Plans and Insurance Benefits

Audicles also has payment plans available and offers Fully Managed Insurance Benefits, which means that we’ll be able to contact your insurance company on your behalf and maximize your benefits, reducing or removing your out-of-pocket expense.

Trading In and Upgrading

Another big difference is the trade-in value.

Audicles will offer you $1000 off when you upgrade your hearing technology (within 48 months), whereas with Costco, you have to start again and reinvest in full.

Virtual and On-Demand Support

Audicles also offers Virtual Appointments and Remote Support On Demand, which means that we’re able to support patients remotely, adjust their devices, and provide on-demand support through a tap of a button from anywhere in the world. Costco does not offer these options.

This means that you don’t have to travel for non-essential appointments and can receive advanced hearing care from the comfort of your own home.

The Importance of Professional Care

Professional hearing care involves a whole lot more than simply fitting and selling hearing aids. It’s about understanding the unique requirements and lifestyle needs of each patient and tailoring a solution that provides the highest possible improvement to the patient’s quality of life. A key part of this involves continuous care, making adjustments and amendments as a person’s hearing needs evolve over time.

An In-Depth Audiological Evaluation

Another aspect that sets Audicles apart from Costco is our comprehensive audiological evaluations. Unlike free hearing tests, these evaluations delve into all aspects of a person’s hearing health. This ensures that any potential hearing loss is not a symptom of a more serious underlying health issue. Also, our team of audiologists has the expertise to identify when a medical referral is necessary.

Our Customer Satisfaction Ratings

Customer satisfaction is paramount at Audicles. We continuously strive to offer the best in service and care. While Costco has its own customer satisfaction ratings, it’s important to note that Audicles consistently receives high marks from our patients, currently sitting at a 4.7 out of 5 on Google. This satisfaction stems from our personalized approach and dedication to improving each patient’s hearing health.

Make the Right Choice for You

In summary, the most important thing to us is that you address your hearing challenges, wherever you decide to do that.

We hope that this article helps highlight some of the key differences between working with a private group of audiologists like us compared to Costco.

If you have any questions or need any further clarification, we’re here to help. You can call us at 210-820-0525.

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Dr. Tracy Board Doctor of Audiology

Dr. Board began her career in audiology after completing her undergraduate degree at The University of Texas at Austin and the doctoral program at The University of Texas at Dallas. She has been fortunate to work in a plethora of healthcare and educational settings. As a result, she has perfected the art of effective adult and pediatric treatment. When she is not at the clinic, Dr. Board works directly with her state and national organizations to not only improve the quality of audiological healthcare in Texas, but also to advocate for her patients.