Costco vs MDHearing

Costco, founded in 1983 and headquartered in Issaquah, Washington, is a global membership-based retailer known for offering a wide range of high-quality goods and services, including hearing aids. Through their in-store Hearing Aid Centers, Costco provides access to devices from trusted brands like Philips, Jabra Enhance, and Rexton. These centers offer comprehensive services such as hearing evaluations, personalized fittings, and unlimited follow-up care, all included in the price of the device. Customers benefit from competitive pricing, a 180-day return policy, and the ability to choose from multiple brand options in one location. Unlike many traditional providers, Costco’s specialists work on salary rather than commission, ensuring more personalized and pressure-free guidance. While the company does not always employ audiologists and services can vary by location, their nationwide presence and strong customer satisfaction ratings make them a popular option. Costco does not hold a dedicated Better Business Bureau profile for their hearing aid services, but their reputation across consumer forums and review sites suggests a consistent focus on value and accessibility. For those interested in balancing quality and affordability, Costco Hearing Aids may be worth a closer look.

MDHearing is a hearing aid provider based in Chicago, Illinois, and was founded in 2009 by a board-certified ear, nose, and throat doctor. They specialize in over-the-counter (OTC), FDA-registered hearing aids for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. Rather than relying on in-person clinic visits, they offer a fully remote model, combining online hearing tests, mail-order delivery, and optional virtual support from licensed professionals. Their current lineup includes six rechargeable models, with both behind-the-ear (BTE) and completely-in-the-canal (CIC) options. Select models support app-based self-fitting and remote adjustments, while others focus on ease of use with manual controls. Users can also opt into their VIP Care service for added guidance and extended warranty coverage. They are accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and hold an A rating, suggesting they generally resolve complaints and honor their policies. Customer reviews praise their affordability, ease of setup, and responsive support, though some users have noted delays with returns and issues with comfort on certain models. Overall, they aim to make hearing care more accessible without compromising essential features. To learn more about their products and how they stack up against competitors, read our full MDHearing review.