Costco-Siemens-Rixton-Kirkland Signature

[dondeziner]

Hey HiFreqLoss,
I also have hi freq. loss but not as bad as some others I have seen. I have opted to trial a pair of Phonak IIIs because it is actually cheaper than going to Costco becauase the way my insurance is set up. I did try the Costco version and the Bernafon Verite for a short period until I found out about the insurance. My Phonek Smart IIIs only have 6 channels and they are woking perfectly for me. I had the same speech issues that you mention. I would have to constantly ask people to repeat themselves. I still do on occasion but very rarely. Early on you still have to focus on what is being said. My opinion is not to worry about whether to get the ones that have 12 or sixteen channels. Either one will do fine. I thought the Verite had a slight "edge" over the Kirkland and offered other features. If money is an issue, and features like bluetooth are not needed, go with the Kirklands. Otherwise I would recommend the Verite. What's nice about Coscto is there trial period. Remember that you have to take awhile and let your brain adjust. Once you have them, you wish you would have bought them a lot sooner. Take them out and it sems like someone stuffed your ears with cotton. Good luck and no matter which ones you choose, you'll be amazed.

[HiFreqLoss]

Hi Chuckster and Dondeziner,

Thanks for your replies. Sounds like you both prefered the Verite over the Cobalt or Kirkland HAs. The Verites appear to have an unusually high form factor (more roundish) than the more longish Cobalt or Kirkland HAs. Did you find them harder to wear and more conspicuous? Especially with glasses since I wear glasses 24/7.

Bottom line though is speech recognition and more natural sounding. I don't need bluetooth. Thanks,
HiFreqLoss

[hockeyjenn]

Hi Rkd

The Cobalt 16 deffinately has abit more fiiting room as far as fitting hearin loss, the KS gems are meant for mild to moderate hearing loss. As far as prices US versus Canada, I talked to a lady who worked in a Costco in Haiwii in a hearing centre. We worked out the price difference on the Cobalt to only be about $250 cheaper there than in Canada. So not too much difference.

[dondeziner]

Hello HiFreqLoss,

I wear glasses and didn't have a problem at all with the Verite. They are very small and I personally think the design is pretty cool looking. When I had them on, you had to look very hard to see them. I am on week one with Phonak Smart III's and might do a trial with the Verite's and see how they perform. I have tinnitus and that definitely has an impact on speech recognition. The ringing sound is always there no matter what! I too am only intersted in improving my ability to help me from asking people to repeat themselves. Once you decide, no matter what pair, you will see significant improvement. People at Phonak said there is real no big advantage getting the most expensive units if you don't need all of the bells and whistles.
I would love to drive a ZR1 Corvette but find that the C6 does just fine. Like I had mentioned, if money is no object, trial the most expensive. The Verite is ranked very high with it's technology when compared to other HAs. Don't think that just because Costco carries them they are second rate. All of these smaller HAs are very discrete. Once you start wearing them you forget you even have them on (provided the receiver or dome is fitted properly).
If you don't like the Verite's shape, I would definitely try the Kirkland. I might even trial that one compared to the Verite. Not sure yet. Members give both units high marks.

[HiFreqLoss]

Originally Posted by dondeziner

Hello HiFreqLoss,

I wear glasses and didn't have a problem at all with the Verite. They are very small and I personally think the design is pretty cool looking. When I had them on, you had to look very hard to see them. I am on week one with Phonak Smart III's and might do a trial with the Verite's and see how they perform. I have tinnitus and that definitely has an impact on speech recognition. The ringing sound is always there no matter what! I too am only intersted in improving my ability to help me from asking people to repeat themselves. Once you decide, no matter what pair, you will see significant improvement. People at Phonak said there is real no big advantage getting the most expensive units if you don't need all of the bells and whistles.
I would love to drive a ZR1 Corvette but find that the C6 does just fine. Like I had mentioned, if money is no object, trial the most expensive. The Verite is ranked very high with it's technology when compared to other HAs. Don't think that just because Costco carries them they are second rate. All of these smaller HAs are very discrete. Once you start wearing them you forget you even have them on (provided the receiver or dome is fitted properly).
If you don't like the Verite's shape, I would definitely try the Kirkland. I might even trial that one compared to the Verite. Not sure yet. Members give both units high marks.

That's really helpful info since I have an appointment at Costco. If I'm reading the posts on these forums correctly, I think the Cobalts are made by Siemens and Siemens seem to have more complaints of feedback issues. I'll be sure to try the Verites and the Kirklands if my fitter allows it.

Thanks,
HiFreqLoss

[jay_man2]

Originally Posted by HiFreqLoss

That's really helpful info since I have an appointment at Costco. If I'm reading the posts on these forums correctly, I think the Cobalts are made by Siemens and Siemens seem to have more complaints of feedback issues. I'll be sure to try the Verites and the Kirklands if my fitter allows it.

Thanks,
HiFreqLoss

Rexton is a Siemens brand and they make the Cobalt 16 and Gem 12. The Kirkland Signature Premiums are Gem 12 aids. The Cobalt and Gem are similar to the Siemens Pure line of aids.

[HiFreqLoss]

Originally Posted by jay_man2

Rexton is a Siemens brand and they make the Cobalt 16 and Gem 12. The Kirkland Signature Premiums are Gem 12 aids. The Cobalt and Gem are similar to the Siemens Pure line of aids.

That's really helpful info. Thanks for taking the time.
HiFreqLoss

[pfva]

It is my understanding that these are the same aids as one of the Rexton Gem models made by Seimens. I have moderate hearing loss and they work very well for me. Before making the purchase, I struggled with thinking that I should get a more expensive set of aids. I am glad that I went with the Kirkland model. Two minor regrets: (1) I bought the remote. It is unnecessary since you can more conveniently change the program with a button on either aid (Costco told me I did not need it but I thought I knew better). (2) I did not know you could get an extra retainer that holds the dome in place securely. I had some trouble with having the domes pop out until I found out about these retainers. I wish I had not waited a year before asking Costco if there was anything that could be done to avoid the "pop-out". BTW they do not make the aids more visible.

Cosco also provided free loss/damage insurance and a free dryer. I have been very satisfied with their service.

[aspencreek]

The pop out retainer came a little late for me as I lost two and I also have a problem with the domes coming off and lodging in my ear. Insurance covered one but since they were in the same ear they did not cover the second loss. ( I now have a problem with the retainer poping out) My grandkids tell me I have a string coming out of my ear, I kind of wish I went for a more expensive aid but in the end it is the fitter that is the most important. All Costco hearing centers are not created equal.

[HiFreqLoss]

I ended up going with the Costco BTE Rexton Cobalt 12s at the Costco's hearing specialist's recommendation. They seem to be working fine so far though I never did try other different brands.

Regarding the domes coming off in the ear, the specialist said they will replace them about every 2 to 3 months at no cost to prevent that.

HighFreq