Whether you find yourself asking people to repeat themselves more often or constantly turning up the volume, you may be suffering from mild-to-moderate hearing loss. 

If you are struggling with mild-moderate hearing loss, you may not need to start with the traditional hearing aid route — especially if cost, access, or insurance limitations are a concern. You could be a good candidate for an OTC hearing aid, like our selection here at Audien Hearing. 

We recognize that hearing loss is not one-size-fits-all, though - which means the device you choose should be based on your specific needs. When it comes to hearing aids, Costco vs Miracle-Ear are two other really popular choices. So, which is right for you?

We’ve put together this Audien Hearing vs Costco hearing aids vs Miracle-Ear comparison to help you narrow it down. From cost to convenience, features to support, there’s a lot to consider in picking the right solution. 

But, our affordable hearing aids save you time, money, and stress while helping you hear clearly again if you’re struggling with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. We have both in-the-ear and behind-the--ear devices to help you get back to living life to the fullest. 

Get in touch today for a tailored recommendation based on your unique needs!

Feature Audien Hearing Costco Hearing Aids Miracle-Ear
Price Range $100-$700 $1,600-$3,000+ $3,000-$6,000+
Hearing Loss Level Mild to moderate Moderate to profound Moderate to profound
Purchase Process Online, no appointment needed In-store test and fitting required In-person evaluation and fitting
Models Available ITE (Atom series), BTE (Ion series) RIC & BTE (Phonak, Jabra, Rexton) CIC, RIC & BTE (MINI, ENERGY, CONNECT)
Key Features FDA-registered, discreet, 24hr battery, adjustable frequencies, Bluetooth options Rechargeable, advanced noise reduction, Bluetooth options Bluetooth streaming, app control, tinnitus features, custom molds
Ongoing Support Lifetime phone/email/chat support Follow-up visits and adjustments Lifetime in-person aftercare and warranty

Overview of Audien Hearing Aids

Our goal is to make hearing care affordable and accessible - period. We’ve developed a lineup of the best affordable hearing aids online to take the stress, frustration, and expense out of the traditional hearing aid process.

Our FDA-registered, over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are designed specifically for mild to moderate hearing loss. That means you don’t need to deal with in-person fittings or hearing tests if you just need a bit more support for your hearing loss. You can buy hearing aids online!

We have both in-ear vs behind-ear hearing aids to cater to any preferences. Our Atom Series offers in-the-ear (ITE) options if you want a discreet, easy-to-wear style with no app required. The Atom Pro 2 adds premium features like background noise cancellation and UV cleaning in a small, compact form factor with long battery life. 

But the Ion Series provides behind-the-ear (BTE) designs, like the Ion Pro. This model connects to an app to deliver hearing profiles tailored to common patterns of hearing loss. You get much more control over your hearing support, with what many of our customers say is a more comfortable fit.

The point is, we recognize that your hearing challenges are unique - and your hearing support should be, too. You can choose between simplicity or more advanced features depending on your comfort level and hearing needs.

The best part? Our hearing aids start at just $98, and are backed by world-class customer service long after the sale. So whether you need help choosing the right device or want guidance on how to make the most of it once you have it in hand, we’re here for you.

Overview of Costco Hearing Aids

Costco offers a more traditional, clinic-based approach to hearing care - which could be a good or bad thing depending on your views. Maybe you want to take time out of your day to go visit an expert in person and get ongoing professional adjustments. 

Costco’s Hearing Aid Centers provide free hearing tests, consultations, and fittings conducted by licensed hearing specialists. Prices aren’t cheap, but they are a bit more accessible than independent clinics, as you’d expect from a company focused on providing incredible value.

But here’s the thing: Costco doesn’t actually produce its own hearing aids. Rather, it resells models from brands like Rexton, Philips, and Jabra - all popular OTC solutions. 

That means you gain access to receiver-in-canal (RIC), behind-the-ear (BTE), and custom in-the-ear (ITE) styles. You’ll get one-on-one support narrowing it down to one of these types, and from there, a tailored brand/model recommendation based on your specific needs.

The latest prescription and OTC devices at Costco feature rechargeability, advanced noise reduction, and Bluetooth streaming for calls and media. Take the Jabra Enhance Pro 20, for instance. This model has adaptive directional microphones and customizable sound profiles via a smartphone app. We wrote extensively about it in our comparison of Audien vs Jabra hearing aids.

While prices at Costco are lower than what you might pay at a private audiology office, they’re far from what most people would consider “accessible,” starting at $1,599. That said, you can use FSA/HSA funds in some cases, and you get 4% back in rewards.

But that’s another thing to consider - you do need a Costco membership for all testing, adjustments, and service appointments. If you don’t already have one, it may be hard to justify getting one just for the sake of using Costco Hearing Centers. 

Overview of Miracle-Ear Hearing Aids

There’s one more brand we have to introduce from our hearing aids: Costco vs Miracle-Ear vs Audien comparison. This company has been in business for more than 75 years and has 1,500 locations across the country.

Miracle-Ear provides personalized, service-oriented experience, beginning with a free in-person hearing test and audiologist consultation. From there you’ll get set up with premium prescription technology and ongoing support, which includes lifetime adjustments, maintenance, and repairs.

The product lineup is very diverse to meet a gamut of needs and budgets. Models include the nearly invisible Miracle-Ear MINI (CIC), the rechargeable Miracle-Ear ENERGY (RIC), the Bluetooth-enabled Miracle-Ear CONNECT, and the easy-to-use Miracle-Ear EASY (BTE).

But, the brand’s newest addition - the Miracle-Ear BLISS™ series - is quickly becoming quite popular because it gives you “low-effort listening” and better sound clarity in quiet environments. 

All Miracle-Ear models are equipped with advanced noise reduction, feedback suppression, and customizable programs tailored to your specific hearing profile. The catch? Cost. Prices tend to start at around $3,000-$4,000 per pair so you definitely won’t find the best hearing aids under $200 here, let alone the best hearing aid under $100.

You do get what you pay for, though. Miracle-Ear provides in-depth professional care and a lifetime service package. Not everyone needs this level of support, though. It can feel a bit excessive if you’re just struggling with minor to moderate hearing loss. 

 

Who Makes the Best Hearing Aids? Costco vs Miracle-Ear vs Audien Comparison

Hearing loss is a very personal thing, so choosing the right support involves considering a variety of factors to narrow it down to what makes the most sense for your needs. We’ll compare hearing aids Costco vs Miracle-Ear vs Audien Hearing below to help you choose confidently. 

Cost Comparison

The cost of hearing aids is the first and biggest barrier for a lot people, and it’s where Audien Hearing has the obvious edge over Costco hearing aids vs Miracle-Ear hearing aids. 

Our FDA-registered devices start under $100 with the Atom One, and even our most advanced model (the Ion Pro) comes in well below $700 per pair. Make no mistake, though - there’s nothing cheap about our hearing aids besides the price.

We’ve managed to keep costs low by operating as an online storefront without the expenses of having a physical location. We don’t have to accommodate in-person visits and hearing tests, so we pass those savings on to you - the customer.

Miracle-Ear takes the opposite approach as a more traditional hearing aid provider. Their devices often range from $3,000-$5,000 per pair, which can cause quite the sticker shock. 

But, remember what you’re getting for that price: lifetime service and support. It could be justifiable if you want ongoing in-person care, although it’s far more than many people can or want to spend.

Costco sits in the middle of the two brands as a more affordable alternative to traditional audiology clinics, but it’s still a significant investment. Some of this has to do with the fact that it’s reselling other brands’ devices, so there will be markup on those prices.

But it’s also the in-person care you’re getting that adds to the cost (which is somewhere between $1,500-$3,000 per pair). You’re getting a free hearing test and ongoing support to accommodate your hearing loss needs.

It’s important to understand that OTC hearing aids, like ours at Audien, are designed only for perceived mild to moderate hearing loss in adults aged 18 and up. If you’re unsure about your hearing level or suspect severe loss, a professional evaluation is strongly recommended. In these cases, it makes sense to pay a lot more for the hearing aids Costco vs Miracle-Ear have to offer. 

Technology and Features

All three brands in our Costco hearing aids vs Miracle-Ear hearing aids vs Audien hearing aids are equipped with features that make your life easier. 

That said, we focus just on the features that matter most for mild-to-moderate loss here at Audien Hearing. Our Atom Series offers adjustable frequency settings and up to 24 hours of battery life. The Ion Series adds app-based hearing profiles for tailored sound processing and doubles the battery life to 48 hours. These profiles are designed based on common audiogram patterns seen in mild to moderate loss — while not truly customized, they offer a more personalized experience than one-size-fits-all amplification.

Other features you’ll find across our catalog include app background noise cancellation, Bluetooth/streaming capabilities, and portable charging cases (some with UV cleaning). It’s easy to narrow down our models based on how much hearing support you need, too, with 1-6 hearing modes across different models. 

Costco stocks high-end hearing aids from brands like Rexton, Philips, and Jabra - so you can rest assured you’re getting the latest and greatest when you visit their Hearing Centers. 

These models come with all sorts of sophisticated features, like Bluetooth streaming, adaptive directional microphones, and rechargeable batteries. The technology behind the devices is very strong, albeit a little excessive for those with mild loss.

Miracle-Ear brings high-tech solutions to your lifestyle as well, with proprietary features like their new BLISS™ line designed for “low-effort listening.” Models include CIC, RIC, and BTE designs with Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable options, and robust noise reduction.

Again, though - a lot of what you’re paying for is advanced technology that those with severe hearing loss need. While these features can be incredibly helpful for those with complex hearing needs, some users with simpler cases of mild hearing loss may find that a more streamlined OTC option is all they need. 

Convenience and Accessibility

Some people make their decision based on cost. Others prioritize convenience. You get both at Audien Hearing, as we let you skip the doctor’s office and order a device online right now. You’ll get a tried-and-true hearing device at your door in days. That said, if you have any concerns about your hearing loss—or notice sudden changes, discomfort, or other symptoms—we always encourage seeing a licensed medical professional for a full evaluation. Setup is simple, too. No programming or fitting required. Just follow the instructions and set up your hearing profiles to get back to living life without limits. Our 45-day risk-free trial and lifetime support ensure you’re never left on your own, either. 

You could make the case for Costco and Miracle-Ear both being convenient in the sense that there may be a location for each in your city - but either way, you’ll have to schedule an in-person appointment for the hearing aids Costco vs Miracle-Ear have to offer.

Ongoing Support and Maintenance

You gain access to lifetime support with Audien vs Costco hearing aids vs Miracle-Ear. The question comes down to how much you have to pay for it. 

Costco provides free adjustments and cleanings for the life of the hearing aids, but only in-store. Miracle-Ear includes a lifetime of in-person service and repairs, which is part of their higher price point. 

Both require you to travel to a center whenever service is needed, though. You can get in touch with our world-class customer service team via phone, email, and chat for as long as you own your device, free of charge. 

Which Brand Fits Your Lifestyle?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when choosing between the hearing aids Costco vs Miracle-Ear vs Audien have to offer. It all comes down to what matters most to you - and the level of hearing loss you’re experiencing. 

You can’t go wrong with Costco hearing aids vs Miracle-Ear hearing aids for more severe loss, but expect to pay a hefty price with either option. On the other hand, Audien Hearing brings you a more accessible solution if you’re just struggling with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Our discreet designs, budget-friendly pricing, and lifetime support meet most people’s needs without unnecessary appointments or added costs. 

But with a 45-day risk-free trial, why take our word for it when you could hear the difference firsthand? Order yours now, or get in touch with our team for one-on-one support and we’ll connect you with the perfect solution. Join millions of satisfied customers today!

 

“I have tried several other brands, but always seemed to find something I didn’t care for. I’ve had my 1st pair of Pro for almost three years, and they work best for me!” - William

“First time having hearing aids after years of struggling. I have researched several brands and decided to go with Audien. I purchased the Atom Pro 2 and have been extremely happy with them. The support staff has been amazing to work with.” - Theresa

“I've tried several different brands of hearing aids over the years, but these are by far the best I've ever used. They work so well and are so easy to wear.” - Timothy

Closing Thoughts on Costco Hearing Aids vs Miracle-Ear

We hope you feel more confident in which brand best suits your needs after reading about the hearing aids Costco vs Miracle-Ear have to offer, and how they stack up to our devices here at Audien Hearing.

We’re passionate about helping more and more people hear clearly once again, so you’ll find more resources on Oracle hearing aids, Bossa hearing aids, Audien vs MD hearing aids, and Nano vs Audien hearing aids in our blog.

Otherwise, it’s time to take the first step toward better hearing with Audien’s discreet, affordable solutions backed by lifetime support - because reconnecting with the world around you shouldn’t have to wait!