Costco vs ZOUNDS

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.

Zounds Hearing was founded in Chandler, Arizona, by Sam Thomasson. Backed by Acoustic Technologies Inc., Zounds developed its own semiconductor chips and low-power algorithms to deliver high-quality sound while keeping devices affordable. Their hearing aids were built for people with mild to severe hearing loss and came with features like intuitive noise cancellation, feedback suppression, and customizable listening modes. Each device included a 30-day free trial and a three-year protection plan. Customers could test a model at home and return it for a full refund if it didn’t meet their needs. Pricing for most models ranged from $499 to $999 per aid, with premium models like the Vizara priced at $1,499. Financing options were also available. Zounds maintained a hands-on customer experience, offering free hearing tests at their centers and personalized consultations to match users with the right device. Though the company is no longer in business, they were known for delivering strong value, comfort, and clarity to users across various lifestyles.