Given the variety of plans and coverage options Aetna offers, the answer can vary, making personalized guidance essential.
“What’s the difference between buying hearing aids from AVI New England and buying them from Costco?”
Well, there are many important differences to take into consideration. From level of service to warranty to the different technology options, let’s explore the key differences to help you make an informed decision on the best choice for you.
Our objective is to be as transparent, fair, and unbiased as possible, as both options differ greatly, and some people may naturally prefer one option over the other.
Before we jump into the comparison, there is one key thing to understand: There’s a big difference between hearing aids and hearing care.
Hearing Aids vs. Hearing Care
There remains a narrative that the solution to hearing loss is simply a hearing aid. But in a lot of cases, ongoing care is necessary. Many individuals need a combination of great hearing technology and a great hearing care professional to receive long-term results.
There’s no shortage of places to buy a set of hearing aids these days. Especially if you’ve never worn hearing aids before, you should seek out a trusted expert who can help you on your journey to get the best performance from your hearing aids.
This is where there is a significant difference between working with a retailer like Costco versus working with a trusted independent hearing clinic like AVI New England.
Costco is widely recognized for having competitive pricing and accessibility. Their streamlined process allows customers to try out hearing aids quickly, often at lower upfront costs compared to specialized clinics. However, the focus tends to be on transactional efficiency rather than comprehensive, personalized care.
Let’s explore the differences between the two in more detail.
Accessibility and Initial Savings
Costco has built a reputation for passing trade prices on to their customers, and their hearing devices are naturally competitive. Their streamlined process allows customers to try out hearing aids quickly, often at lower costs compared to specialized clinics like AVI New England. However, the focus here tends to be on transactional efficiency rather than comprehensive, personalized care.
A key thing to understand is that this is not an apples-to-apples comparison. If your only motivation is the price, then Costco may be the right option for you. If you value the expertise of a hearing care professional and ongoing care, which will naturally result in a better outcome, then we’re your best option. Our team at AVI New England provides a holistic approach that considers the broader impact of hearing health on overall well-being.
Long-Term Support
While Costco provides initial fittings and basic maintenance, their model often falls short when it comes to ongoing care. At the likes of Costco, they’ll be on hand to support you if you have any questions/queries but typically in a less proactive way.
Here at AVI New England, we distinguish ourselves through a commitment to personalized care. Each patient undergoes a comprehensive hearing assessment to ensure the best possible hearing aid selection and fit. Follow-up appointments are important, allowing for ongoing adjustments and support that adapts to your changing hearing needs. We understand that better hearing is a journey, not a destination. This means that regular appointments, adjustments, and support are key to achieving better hearing.
We have heard from several Costco customers who transitioned to AVI New England, and their stories underscore the impact of personalized care and trusting relationships built on ongoing support.
Warranty
Another difference is the warranty that you receive. Your warranty gives you peace of mind that if your devices are lost, broken, or damaged, your replacement or repair will be covered by the manufacturer.
At AVI New England, we offer 3 years of service which includes unlimited appointments as needed. If you are doing well and do not need us often, we will still schedule you for regular check-ups every 3 months to make sure your hearing aids are cleaned properly, and you do not have any wax buildup in your ears or aids.
With Costco, you’re typically covered for three years for Repair Warranty and two years for Loss & Damage Replacement Insurance. If you have a challenge, you can submit a warranty claim yourself, and you may be without any replacement devices in the interim.
Hoping to Hear Better?
Whether you decide to start your journey with AVI New England or with Costco, taking the first step toward getting help is the most important part of addressing your hearing challenges.
Hearing loss is complicated, and treatment isn’t one size fits all. Your challenges and requirements are unique to you, and only you can know what to do next.
Our hope is that this article has helped you to understand the key differences and make the best decision for you or a loved one.
If you have any questions or if we can help in any way, you can contact us by clicking here or by calling our office at (475) 227-0842. We look forward to hearing from you!
