Hearing loss slowly erodes your self-confidence, your relationships, and even your independence. Everyday conversations become exhausting and isolating. Yet, the traditional path to getting hearing aids is fraught with obstacles and costs that are discouraging from the start. It doesn’t have to be this way!
At CLARIA, you can buy your hearing aids online in just a few clicks and get back to a life without limits. No more long wait times, prohibitive prices, or the maze of appointments: our affordable hearing aids come in several formats to adapt to both your needs and your preferences.
But with hearing care professionals on our team, we know that hearing loss is not one-size-fits-all and that it is essential to weigh the pros and cons before choosing. We are often asked how CLARIA compares to Costco and Kaiser hearing aids—two popular but very different approaches. Let’s take a look!
Costco offers its members a selection of hearing aids from recognized brands like Jabra, Philips, and others. You can visit a Costco Hearing Center near you for an in-person consultation and long-term follow-up, but the price tag is steep: devices start at $1,600.
Kaiser, for its part, offers medical-grade solutions via its own audiology centers, often more expensive but with highly personalized support. It is a solid choice if you suffer from more severe hearing loss, for which OTC devices are not designed.
One of these three brands is likely the right one for you, and we are finally going to set things straight. Discover our CLARIA vs. Costco vs. Kaiser comparison!
Criteria
CLARIA
Costco Hearing Aids
Kaiser Hearing Aids
Price range
$98 – $698 per pair
$1,599 – $3,000+ per pair
$1,700 – $4,800+ per pair
Level of hearing loss
Mild to moderate
Mild to severe
Mild to profound
Purchase process
Online, no appointment needed
In-store hearing test and fitting
Medical referral, assessment, in-clinic fitting
Available models
In-the-ear (Atom series), behind-the-ear (Ion series)
Philips, Rexton, Jabra, in-the-ear and behind-the-ear
Phonak, Oticon, Widex, in-the-ear and behind-the-ear
Strengths
FDA-registered, discreet, rechargeable, adaptive listening modes, noise reduction, app connectivity
Rechargeable, Bluetooth, advanced noise management, in-store adjustments
Premium brands, Bluetooth, custom programming, ongoing medical follow-up
Long-term support
Lifetime remote support (phone, chat, email)
In-store follow-up, cleaning, and adjustments
In-clinic follow-up and maintenance
The CLARIA hearing aid range
CLARIA transforms the hearing aid fitting experience by shipping devices directly to your home: you save time, money, and avoid a lot of hassle. Our mission is to make hearing aids more accessible, and we are proud to have supported over a million customers already.
Our devices are designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. All are FDA-registered and fall into two series: the Atom series or the Ion series, representing in-the-ear or behind-the-ear hearing aids.
The Atom series is the most affordable, starting at $98 per pair, yet it offers plenty for those with limited hearing loss who want to keep things simple. These devices sit in the ear canal for a discreet and comfortable fit, much like your favorite earbuds.
The Ion series is more powerful, suited for more significant hearing difficulties, and is worn behind the ear. You benefit from more listening modes (from 4 to 6 depending on the device) and features like Bluetooth, streaming, background noise reduction, and a portable charging case. Prices start at $489.
All CLARIA devices are shipped directly to the customer, without the need for appointments or prior hearing tests, with a 45-day risk-free trial and lifetime support. Whether you are looking for the best hearing aids under $200 or the best hearing aid under $100, take a look at our range!
We always encourage an annual hearing check-up when possible, and we recommend consulting a healthcare professional at the slightest doubt. However, many people do not have access to a hearing care professional or simply want a direct solution for what they perceive as mild to moderate hearing loss, without having to navigate insurance, prescriptions, and the healthcare system. They want to try something at home, see if it helps, and they often discover that such a simple step can transform their daily life.
How does the Costco Hearing Center work?
Costco operates dedicated hearing centers in many of its warehouses for a more traditional, in-person experience. This approach may feel restrictive to some, but it is essential for others, particularly those who have tried OTC devices without success.
It all starts with a free hearing screening conducted by a licensed specialist. Be aware: a licensed hearing aid specialist does not have the same expertise or training as a licensed audiologist. After the tests, the customer chooses from a selection of hearing aids from established brands like Rexton, Jabra, and Philips.
Regardless of your choice, you leave with a proven device. Features include rechargeability, Bluetooth streaming, and directional microphones at a rate generally lower than private clinics, but certainly not "affordable." Expect to pay between $1,599 and over $3,000.
Costco customers benefit from in-person fittings, follow-up visits, cleanings, and adjustments included in the purchase price. A 180-day return policy also applies.
But you must obviously be a Costco member to take advantage of this service and be prepared to spend time scheduling appointments and going through the traditional fitting process. For many, the cost remains a barrier.
What hearing aids does Kaiser offer?
Kaiser Permanente offers a comprehensive, medically-managed hearing care program in its audiology centers. The experience is quite similar to Costco's, but with much more intensive medical support and, as you might expect, a slightly higher price point.
It all starts with a complete hearing assessment conducted by an audiologist or hearing professional, the results of which are used to select the most suitable device. You place an order, and then an orientation appointment is scheduled about two to three weeks later—a potential source of frustration for those who just want to hear better immediately.
Kaiser provides high-end devices from major manufacturers like Phonak, Oticon, and Signia: you can choose between behind-the-ear and receiver-in-canal models. Custom-molded in-the-ear models are also available for an additional fee.
You will pay less than at an independent hearing clinic. But much more than at CLARIA: expect to pay about $850 to $2,400 per device. That’s 25 to 40% less, but still not exactly budget-friendly for those who see price as a barrier to entry.
Make no mistake: Kaiser’s program has its place, particularly for those who are already members and are reassured by this level of medical oversight. You can also offset part of the cost through your health coverage.
That said, someone facing mild to moderate hearing loss may not need such support or such advanced technology. You end up paying for features you don't really use. Let’s review the CLARIA vs. Costco vs. Kaiser comparison below to help you decide.
CLARIA vs. Costco vs. Kaiser: choosing the hearing solution that fits your lifestyle
The best way to know if Costco hearing aids, Kaiser’s offerings, or CLARIA devices are right for you is to speak one-on-one with our experts. Contact us today for personalized support and a custom recommendation.
That said, we will go over the criteria that matter most when choosing between CLARIA, Costco, and Kaiser below, starting with what many consider the main obstacle to getting hearing aids: price.
Budget
Both Kaiser and Costco offer real savings compared to independent audiology clinics, where the bill can easily climb to between $3,000 and $10,000. But neither one is truly "affordable."
At Kaiser, expect to pay about $850 to $2,400 per device ($1,700 to $4,800 per pair), depending on the level of technology and customization you need. Don't forget that a portion may be covered by your plan if you are a Kaiser member: speak to your advisor.
Costco is slightly more accessible than Kaiser, but only just. Devices start at $1,599 per pair and easily exceed $3,000 if you want a more sophisticated solution. Costco sometimes accepts HSA/FSA funds, which makes the purchase more affordable.
This is by far the biggest difference between Costco and Kaiser hearing aids and ours at CLARIA. Our devices start at $98 per pair, and even our most advanced models do not exceed $698.
This is not because our devices are less effective for mild to moderate hearing loss. Our hearing aids are over-the-counter (OTC), and while prescription devices do offer more advanced sound processing, many people with mild hearing loss do not feel they need such a level of sophistication on a daily basis. We can pass significant savings on to you, the customer, because we have no physical stores to run and no in-person hearing tests or consultations to organize. The best affordable hearing aids are just a few clicks away.
Level of hearing loss
Even if you are tempted by one of our most economical devices at CLARIA, start by assessing your level of hearing loss. Our devices are intended only for mild to moderate hearing loss.
This is perfect if you are just starting to have trouble following conversations, especially in noisy environments. But if your hearing loss is more severe, you will likely benefit more from choosing between Costco and Kaiser hearing aids.
For information, Kaiser and Costco also cater to mild hearing loss, but the cost and level of support are overkill for most people concerned. Their real added value comes into play in cases of significant hearing loss or more complex hearing profiles.
Features
Kaiser and Costco both offer high-end features: Bluetooth streaming, directional microphones, advanced noise suppression, and rechargeable batteries.
Kaiser takes the lead with its custom-molded solutions and tinnitus management features on brands like Phonak and Oticon. Again, you pay a premium price to access this prescription technology: ask yourself (or a healthcare professional) if you really need it.
At CLARIA, we pack a lot of features into an economical price point. You get the essentials: perfectly clear amplification, a comfortable fit, and great discretion. But some CLARIA devices also hold pleasant surprises.
Depending on the model, you can enjoy up to 6 distinct listening modes, Bluetooth and streaming, background noise reduction, app connectivity, and rechargeable cases offering up to 48 hours of battery life. Our Ion Pro model also features personalized hearing profiles to adapt the sound to your specific needs.
The purchase process
This is another area where CLARIA stands out from Costco and Kaiser hearing aids. You can order the best OTC hearing aids right now and receive them at home in a few days. No in-person visits, no hearing tests, no complicated procedures.
Even getting started is a breeze. Our hearing aids require no programming or professional fitting. You can wear your device right out of the box and adjust it to your preference.
Conversely, Kaiser and Costco both require you to go on-site after scheduling an appointment. You undergo a hearing test, then leave with a device, for which you may sometimes need to schedule another adjustment visit to get the most out of it.
Let’s be clear: this is not a drawback for the right person—someone suffering from severe hearing loss who has tried the OTC route without success. But if you want to start hearing better today, it’s hard to beat the simplicity of CLARIA!
Follow-up and support
Rest assured: whether you choose Costco, Kaiser, or CLARIA hearing aids, you will never be left without answers. Support is lifetime for all three. The way it is delivered, however, makes all the difference.
Kaiser offers the most comprehensive in-person follow-up, with unlimited appointments and adjustments included in the price. Costco also includes maintenance and in-store adjustments for the life of the device. In both cases, you will need to book an appointment and travel.
At CLARIA, we do things differently, with lifetime support available by phone or email. Our team intervenes quickly to resolve the rare issues that may arise with your device, and we also offer a 45-day risk-free trial period!
Which solution is right for you?
We cannot decide for you between CLARIA, Costco, and Kaiser without knowing more about your situation: hearing loss is something very personal.
What we can say, however, is this: CLARIA is the best choice for most people facing mild to moderate hearing loss, while Costco and Kaiser make the most sense in cases of severe hearing loss, or when OTC devices haven’t met your expectations.
You can discover how we compare to other options on our blog: we are committed to helping people hear better, whether with us or a competitor. Read our CLARIA vs. MD Hearing Aid, CLARIA vs. Jabra, or Nano vs. CLARIA comparisons.
But among all these options, including Oracle vs. Bossa, you will find that our solution is hard to beat when mild to moderate hearing loss is preventing you from enjoying life to the fullest. Contact us today to learn more and take the next step!
“First, the customer service at CLARIA is exceptional! Second, I love my new IONs. I wear them all day and forget they are there. They are comfortable, without any whistling feedback. I hear sounds I haven’t heard in a long time. But most of all, I don’t have to repeat 'what?' or 'huh?' all day long.” - Thomas
“They are great! They work well and are easy to use. I would recommend the Atom Pro 2 to anyone with moderate hearing loss. I ordered them online and received them about a week later.” - Ken
“Customer service (Ben) was very helpful and professional. He listened to me carefully and helped me switch to the ions. I can honestly say I hear better than with the expensive hearing aids I bought from my doctor. I am thrilled to have tried OTC devices and I am very impressed by your product. I’ve tested others, but they didn’t even come close to CLARIA.” - Ann
Final thoughts on Costco and Kaiser hearing aids
That concludes our CLARIA vs. Costco vs. Kaiser comparison. The takeaway: hearing support is not one-size-fits-all, and we invite you to speak with our experts (or your own hearing healthcare professionals) today to determine if our devices can help you!
But where Costco and Kaiser offer the traditional full-service clinic model with prescription devices, CLARIA offers you an affordable and convenient way to hear better, without the complications. Hard not to be excited about that!
Our discreet, FDA-registered devices deliver clear sound and lasting comfort for a fraction of the price, in cases of mild to moderate hearing loss. Join over a million satisfied customers and discover the difference for yourself today!
