Philips HearLink 9030 vs Oticon Costco Hearing Aids Overview
For those trying to save money on quality hearing aids, Costco offers several good options from top brands Philips and Oticon. The Philips HearLink 9030 and Oticon hearing aids sold at Costco provide amplification at affordable prices without sacrificing key features.
But with different styles available, how do you choose what's right for your hearing loss and budget? This comprehensive comparison of the Philips HearLink 9030 and Oticon Costco hearing aids will help you understand the pros, cons, prices, and similarities and differences.
Costco Hearing Aid Brands: Philips and Oticon
Costco offers four major hearing aid brands: Kirkland Signature, ReSound, Philips, and Oticon. The Kirkland aids are the most affordable, but the Philips and Oticon models offer high-quality sound, connectivity, and customization at reasonable prices.
Philips Hearing Technologies is a respected brand owned by Demant, the same company behind Oticon. Both offer advanced hearing aids with wireless connectivity and app control. Oticon is known for its speed of sound processing and speech clarity, especially in noisy environments.
HearLink 9030 Hearing Aids
The Philips HearLink 9030 at Costco is a mid-level hearing aid with the following features:
- Receiver-in-canal (RIC) style
- Bluetooth connectivity to stream phone calls and media
- Rechargeable battery option lasts 24-30 hours per charge
- Philips HearLink app for discretionary adjustments
- Environmental optimization for speech in noise
- Feedback cancellation
- 3 year warranty, 6 years loss and damage coverage
Oticon Hearing Aids at Costco
There are two Oticon models sold at Costco:
- Oticon Ruby: High-end smart hearing aid with rechargeable lithium-ion battery, Bluetooth connectivity, speech focus, tinnitus relief features, and Oticon ON app for control.
- Oticon Dual: Affordable essentials model with reliable amplification, Acoustics Notch Therapy for tinnitus relief, wireless connectivity available, and good battery life.
Price Comparison: HearLink 9030 vs Oticon Ruby/Dual
One of the main reasons people choose Costco for hearing aids is the savings compared to independent audiology clinics. But there is still nearly a $1,000 price difference between certain models:
Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) Style Prices
- Philips HearLink 9030 RIC: $1499.99 per aid if bought as a pair
- Oticon Ruby RIC: $2299 per aid if bought as a pair from Costco
The rechargeable Philips HearLink 9030 brings the cost per aid under $750 each, while the Ruby is over $1,100 apiece.
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) Style Prices
- HearLink 9030 BTE: $1299.99 per aid if bought as paid
- Oticon Dual BTE: $799 per aid if bought as pair
For the basic BTE style, the Duals clock in at only $400 per ear while the HearLink 9030s are $650 each.
Comparison Chart: HearLink 9030 RIC vs Oticon Ruby RIC
As both manufacturers' premium reciever-in-canal models, the HearLink 9030 RIC and Oticon Ruby RIC offer similar core features. But there are some notable differences that set them apart:
| HearLink 9030 RIC | Oticon Ruby | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1499/aid when buying pair | $2299/aid when buying pair |
| Battery Life | 24-30 hrs per charge | Up to 30 hrs per charge |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | Yes |
| APP Control | Philips HearLink | Oticon ON |
| Feedback Cancellation | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless Accessories | Optional | TV streamer included |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
| Loss & Damage Coverage | 6 years | 3 years |
In terms of core functionality like wireless streaming, noise reduction, and customization the HearLink and Ruby models are on par. Key differences are the 3 extra years of damage coverage with HearLink 9030, but Ruby includes a TV streamer accessory for watching devices wirelessly.
HearLink 9030 vs Oticon Dual BTE
The behind-the-ear HearLink 9030 and Oticon Dual options cater more towards cost-conscious buyers needing amplification for moderate hearing loss. Without the added complexities of rechargeable batteries and wireless accessories, they offer straightforward amplification at affordable prices.
Comparison Chart: HearLink BTE vs Oticon Dual BTE
| HearLink 9030 BTE | Oticon Dual BTE | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1299/aid when buying pair | $799/aid when buying pair |
| Battery Size | 312 zinc air | 13 zinc air |
| Battery Life | 5-8 days | Up to 5 days |
| Wireless Connectivity | No | Optional upgrade |
| Mobile App | No | No |
| Feedback Cancellation | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 3 years | 3 years |
The Oticon Dual BTE offers reliable amplification $500 less per ear compared to the HearLink model. Both utilize battery power over rechargeability for longer wear time between changes. Feedback management is solid on both as well.
Which is Better: HearLink 9030 or Oticon?</h2
FAQs
Whatstyles of HearLink 9030 hearing aids does Costco sell?
Costco sells the HearLink 9030 model in both behind-the-ear (BTE) and receiver-in-canal (RIC) styles. The RIC version has a slim tube with customized eartips for maximum comfort and discretion.
Do the Oticon Ruby or Dual hearing aids connect to phones?
Yes, the Oticon Ruby aids have built-in Bluetooth connectivity that allows wireless streaming of calls and media from iOS and Android devices. The Dual model does not have Bluetooth by default but can be upgraded with a wireless accessory.
How long does the battery last on Philips HearLink 9030?
The rechargeable receiver-in-canal HearLink 9030 model can operate for 24-30 hours per charge. The BTE version uses disposable 312 zinc air batteries that provide 5-8 days of use before needing to be replaced.
What warranty is included the Costco hearing aids?
Both the Philips HearLink 9030 and Oticon Ruby/Dual hearing aids come standard with a 3 year manufacturer's warranty. The HearLink model also includes 3 additional years of coverage for accidental damage and loss.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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