Kirkland Signature 10 Hearing Aids Review – Forbes Health
Kirkland Signature 10 hearing aids are rechargeable receiver-in-canal (RIC) hearing aids that sit behind the ear, with a thin tube that goes into the ear canal to deliver sound. According to the Costco Hearing Aid Center, this style of hearing aid is best for mild to moderate hearing loss. They come in five colors (bronze, stone, beige, silver and black), and a charger case is included with the purchase.
The hearing aids have a blue marker for the left ear and a red marker for the right ear. They also have a multifunction button with an indicator light. This button functions as a power switch and volume control, and it can change programs as well, depending on the way the hearing aid is programmed, which is noted in a user’s individual instructions. Users can also accept phone calls with the button if their hearing aids are connected to a Bluetooth-enabled phone. Use the indicator light to see current battery charge levels.
The hearing aids can be charged in the included charging case, which has space for the hearing aids and uses a cord to plug into a wall outlet. Two beeps indicate when the battery is low on the hearing aids, giving the user about 60 minutes before they need to charge them. To charge the hearing aids, place them in their designated spots in the charging case. The indicator light on the case will then show the charging state of the battery. Once they’re fully charged, the indicator light turns green. It can take up to three hours to fully charge them. The hearing aids automatically turn on when they’re removed from the charging case.
Caring for the hearing aids is easy. Clean the earpiece weekly with a soft, damp cloth or a special cleaning cloth for hearing aids. Users can also clean the charging contacts on the hearing aid with a soft, damp cloth. The hearing aids are equipped with an earwax protection that should be checked regularly and exchanged if it looks dirty or the volume or sound quality is reduced (it should be replaced every four to eight weeks).
The hearing aids offer several features that aim to make it easier for the user to hear—no matter where they are.
Kirkland Signature 10 Hearing Aids are T-coil (telecoil) compatible. A T-coil is a small magnetic coil that can be found inside some hearing aids. The coil works as an antenna that picks up a compatible signal from a loop system and acts as a direct transmitter of an electromagnetic signal directly into the hearing aid, ultimately improving hearing for the wearer. Using a T-coil can reduce environmental noise (making it ideal for crowded, loud environments), improve the signal-to-noise ratio and reduce whistling from hearing aids.
These hearing aids can also connect to Bluetooth-compatible devices. Users can pair up to eight devices to the hearing aids at a time, connecting up to two of those devices at the same time.
Users can control these hearing aids using the Easy Line Remote App, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play to an iOS or Android smartphone. Download the app, then follow the instructions to pair the hearing aids to the app. Once pairing is complete, use the app to control the hearing aids, as it is meant to act as a remote control for them. The app enables users to:
- Check the battery life.
- Increase, decrease or split the volume.
- Mute the hearing aids.
- Create and access presets.
- Access Remote Support, which allows users to connect with a Costco Hearing Aid Center staff member virtually for help.
- Keep a hearing diary feedback log to track one’s experience.
- Access Improved Speech Focus, which reduces noise coming from behind and the sides of the hearing aids while enhancing speech focus in front of the hearing aids (ideal when in noisy areas).
- Create, name, update and access custom programs for specific environments.
Kirkland Signature 10 Hearing Aids also have some compatible accessories to further improve the user experience.
- Easy Line PartnerMic: This mic is worn by a speaking partner to help pick up their voice and stream it directly into the hearing aids. It works with a rechargeable battery and only needs to be paired to the hearing aids once.
- Easy Line Remote Control: This remote control allows users to adjust the volume and change programs of their hearing aids easily.
- TV Connector: This device connects the hearing aids directly to a television or audio source.
These hearing aids also come with Remote Support, which can be accessed through the Easy Line Remote app. Users can schedule an appointment time for a remote support appointment and can get help virtually rather than visiting a Costco store when they’re in need of assistance.