Kirkland Signature (Costco) 9.0 Hearing Aid

The very disappointing thing is I upgraded to an iPhone 11 pro, and the phone is not compatible with easy line app. I would have thought this would be a priority, but apparently not.

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Best hearing aid I ever bought from Costco. It has significantly improved compared to all previous ones I tried or used. Until very recent time I used to use to answer phone and play music ver effectively. Unfortunately, since I upgraded to iPhone 11 I lost these 2 important functions. There is a problem with the Bluetooth connections with iPhone 11. I hope an Easy Line app update may solve this problem.

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Love the streaming feature and the hands free phone capability. The ability to adjust volume and ambient sound versus audio from the app on my iPhone works great. I drive a delivery van which is noisy so I listen to podcasts and music.

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Really expected more from these. No user tone (bass, mid or treble) controls. On bluetooth phone, my voice is not loud enough and annoying delay. Battery door very stiff and feels like you are breaking the hearing aid. Overall sound quality is tinny. User cannot tell which auto switching of noise cancellation is on, and noise cancelling wonders in and out. For an industry that charges so much, these sound worse than $30 bluetooth earbuds. Can't wait for Sony and Apple to make theirs with full user control.

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They are glitchy. Music program takes over and volume control does not work. Split volumes are neutralized by an automatic prog change and opening the app restores split. Automatic noise prog goes and comes in noise. Other than that the best aides owned in 10 years. Telephone streaming is like being in same room.

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I’ve been wearing my new KS9.0 hearing aids for a week now and have some general impressions to share and one major complaint. My old hearing aids were from Phonak, the company that makes the KS9.0s for Costco. I had them about 5-6 years. Before I bought the KS9.0s Costco tested my hearing and found that I had suffered further losses in the high frequency range since my last hearing test and adjustment of the old Phonaks, so the new HAs reflected that and part of the improvement Im hearing may simply be due to that adjustment. That said, I am loving the improved hearing with my new HAs. It is immediately apparent on putting them on in the morning. I hear my sandals squishing on the carpet as I walk. The racket made by running water into the kitchen sink is startling. Clearly I’ve been missing a lot and the KS9.0s are restoring that, which is wonderful. I’m sensing some improvement in restaurants and at the theatre but not as much as I had hoped. However, I can’t be sure whether this is a problem of the HAs or a general failure of people to articulate. So far I am relying on the built-in HA software to adjust for different hearing environments. At my two week appointment at Costco I will be asking for some of the manual controls to be added to my phone app. Battery life appears to be about the same as my old Phonaks; I wear these about 12 hours a day and the first batteries lasted 6 days. My more substantive comments have to do with the Bluetooth capabilities of the HAs. In general these are amazing. However they are imperfect and I’m hopeful that reviews like this one can help the manufacturer make further improvements. The ability to answer phone calls entirely using the HAs is wonderful and I’ve had great success doing it. I have an older car without a Bluetooth connection to the car sound system. Now, with the KS9.0s, when I hear a call coming in (via a tone in my ear), I push one of the buttons on top of the HA and receive the call. The fidelity in hearing the caller is excellent. More surprising is the apparent fidelity of my voice, as picked up by the tiny microphone in the earpiece of the KS9.0. I’ve made several calls and uniformly the person at the other end has been able to hear me without a problem, even against the background noise of the moving car. I’ve been very impressed and am ecstatic about this feature. The only downside is that there is no way to safely identify the caller before picking up, so I now answer more spam calls than I normally would have. Likewise, streaming music and podcasts directly into my HAs has been a huge boon to me. The Bluetooth streaming is flawless and the quality of sound quite good. Now for the negative. Sometimes one wants to hear streamed music through a Bluetooth speaker system, even with the in-the-ear capability of the KS9.0s. Fullness of stereo sound would be one reason. Listening to music with friends is another. Listening with noise-canceling headphones on an airplane is a third. The problem is that in this circumstance the Bluetooth connection to the KS9.0 seems to interfere with the Bluetooth connection to the remote speaker, causing frequent (in one test, 7 skips in 6 minutes) cut-outs that are reminiscent of the skipping of a scratched phonograph record (for those readers of a certain age). I’ve tried to listen to four different Bluetooth speaker systems with my KS9.0s and the skipping effect is apparent on all four. These are: Cambridge Soundworks OontZ Angle 3 Ultra; Edifier R1700BT; and the VicTsing Bluetooth FM Transmitter for Car; Bose Quiet Comfort 35 (Series I) Noise Cancelling Headphones. Each of these devices performed flawlessly when I was wearing no HAs or my old Phonak HAs; clearly it is the BT technology of the KS9.0s that is the source of the problem. In addition, needless to say, there is no problem using the KS9.0s to listen to music streamed from the same source (Spotify) through hard-wired speakers connected either to a computer or home stereo system. Unfortunately it is not simply a matter of temporarily disconnecting the KS9.0 BT in order to continue to use the HA to listen to the remote BT speaker. What happens is that after a few seconds with music coming out of the remote speaker, the HA BT reconnects and the sound is directed into the HA. Apparently the only way to smoothly stream music from the smartphone to a remote BT speaker while wearing the KS9.0 would be to completely remove the HA from the list of BT devices in the phone by hitting “forget this device” in Settings; then, after the listening experience, re-establish the BT connection to the phone. Not very convenient, plus, of course, in the meantime one has severed the ability to take calls through the HAs. There is a second, relatively minor problem having to do with how the BT hierarchy is managed by the HAs when streaming through speakers. It appears that the operative connection is always the “last to connect”. So if I am wearing my HAs and then connect a BT speaker, the music streams (with cut-outs) through the remote speaker. If I am already listening to the remote speaker and turn on and install the hearing aids, the music switches to my HAs. If I am streaming music to remote BT speakers, leaving my phone near the speakers so as not to break the connection, and temporarily leave the room (thereby breaking the BT connection to my HAs), when I return to the room my HAs sense the BT transmission and reconnect, at which point the HAs become the “last to connect” and music begins streaming through the HAs. This last effect is annoying but understandable and manageable. But the constant cut-outs while listening to music streamed through BT speakers are a problem that I hope can be addressed successfully in some kind of software update. I will be raising this issue with Costco in my two-week follow-up visit. In spite of this significant BT issue, I have to say that I am overjoyed by the advantages of the BT connectivity and even if Kirkland/Phonak cannot fix this I will not give up this feature – although I might look into a better, more expensive, product if there are HAs that don’t have this issue.

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Member 13 September 2019

This is very well articulated and parallels my own experience with the KS-9s.  When you next visit Costco, may I suggest you take a printout of your text and urge your specialist to label it "To KS-9 Product Manager" and pass it up the foodchain.  The product manager is THE person who can make it happen or not, and management will love your store personnel for taking the initiative.

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Im very pleased with my purchase .I had hearing aides that cost 3 times more than not nearly as effective

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I was told by the Costco technician that the Easy Line Remote SW would operate with my Android LG K425. When purchased the KS9 the SW worked ok but not now. When I used the SW compatibility checker it stated my cell was not compatible. I purchased the KS9 with the expectation I could use the SW to eliminate noise in a restaurant. The only option I have now is to turn down the amplification. If you want to use this SW be sure to check if you cell model is compatible.

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Received the Kirkland 9.0 hearing aids over a week ago and am very pleased with the product. They replaced 10 year old Starkey product and the features and enhancements are significant. The Bluetooth capability works very well both from my iPhone as well has my smart TV. Sound quality is excellent for my particular hearing loss. I would highly recommend this product based on a very competitive price point for the features provided.

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I've had these for nearly a week and they definitely out do the previous KS 8.0. Love the streaming capability and making calls on them. The quality of the sounds outside of bluetooth are great. Also nice to know of the IP68 water resistance. Highly recommended.

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Not satisfied - they are IOC aids & fit not that good

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I hear a faint sound of static in quiet environments. Also, these absolutely do not have good sound quality for listening to music. Imagine very poor quality speakers. Overall, a big improvement, and I've only had for a few days.

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My issue is bluetooth related. When streaming they are very finicky and completely non acceptable. I'm hoping for software updates to fix this. Further, when talking on the phone I've had issues where my voice drops out or buzzes and pops, I do not trust them four important calls. Yesterday, I was streaming to a Bose bluetooth speaker and the hearing aids kept causing it to disconnect, finally I unpaired the aids and had to keep canceling continued pairing requests to finally make it work. I really wasn't these to work as advertised, they are new, I hope Phonak can quickly won software fixes. I went back to Costco and they called Phonak and found out they're hearing these complaints frequently and working on fixes.

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So far I am pleased. Still getting used to them, ears tickle and hurt a little. Phone is real good. Normal conversations seem good, waiting for those situations w/ a lot of background noise.

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Member 07 August 2019

Does the iphone/android app allows you to change in between programs other than managing volume? If not then, does these hearing aid allows you to switch in between programs? Which programs did you get configured if it allows?

-Sam

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Fabulous. Had Bluetooth issue at first with iPhone. Since resolved. These are my best HA’s to date (5 total) and the least expensive.

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How Can I not review the Provider....they're Kirkland Brand? :D SO in all fairness, I just ordered them today....But I was able to try them for 90 minutes inside the store due to the Audiologist having a full hearing test to do on someone else. I was able to download the Android app and give it a long run through....So quickly, Here's what I found... It's basically FULL bluetooth...Yeaaa!! I, bye the way am returning the Brio III from Costco...from the same MFG...but they feel and sounded years ...not weeks...apart. So, I could stream Spotify, Google Music, and IHeart Radio. So the weird thing I found was that IHeart Radio wouldn't stream unless I started the Easy Line Remote app...which I downloaded. Once I started easy app, IHeart would stream normally...very weird on that one. If I restarted the phone, I had to restart the Easy Line app for IHeart...but not anything else. The sound quality of the KS9's was excellent. Much better than the phonak Brio III's with Intermediary device, that I returned. I did not experience any feedback. There also seemed to be less static than the Brio's. The KS9's were not as tinny sounding. Better depth for sure, especially with music playing. The full use of bluetooth saves the day. No device in between, no sound cutting out, no Auto reset of the Phonak app volume when playing different sound sources on my phone....SO MUCH BETTER!...can't wait to get my actual pair in a week or so. Phone call capability, was ok...It crackled a bit and the person on the other end said it was not particularly good with some crackles as well. Since the mic is on the hearing aid, I'm surprised it worked at all ...so, this is something to be aware of. For me, I didn't care on this particular feature..but I know it's critical for lots of people. We'll see how my actual pair are when I get em. The battery realistic life may be down as low as 5 days, depending on how much phone use you do, which I'm told has the highest battery draw. Your mileage may vary.... So overall...I am saving $1500.00 VS the Phonak's I returned and get much better sounding devices, with wayyyy better features....and the 3 year Costco warranty and Loss Warranty, which is lose each 1 once in 3 years and get a replacement for each...probably a refurb. Good Luck out there!!

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I am coming from a Phonak Audeo V90 which I like very much. Its weakness was understanding speech in noisy restaurants. It's strength was natural sounds and an excellent music program. I tried Oticon OPN and OPN S, both in the highest feature models. I actually liked the OPN better because the OPN S seemed to provide too much speech information, which was sometimes confusing when surrounded by conversations. Based on my love of the V90 Phonaks I couldn't wait to try the Kirkland KS 9.0. I have been wearing them only two days (barely enough to get used to them) but am convinced that these are not only enormous value but actually are fantastic aids. Feedback, a big deal with Oticon, which they addressed in their lastest aids is non existent in the KS 9.0. Even cupping your hand over the aids (which I do to check that they are working) does not produce feedback. How this is achieved remains a mystery. Another upside is that these are quiet aids. Somehow background noise is magically surpressed. So far the only downside is the Bluetooth to iPhone operation during calls. There seems to be a reliability issue. While I could hear the party I was talking to, my voice was frequently dropped to the other party. Reparing did not fix this. I am fairly sure that this can be fixed with a software revison since several of my trials with other brand's Bluetooth connection worked well. A nice feature is that the KS 9.0 uses the microphones in the aids for outgoing speech. When it worked I was told my speech was natural. The Easy Link app works well with the Bluetooth connection and is a great way to switch programs and adjust volume when desired. The Automatic Program works really well, so I asked that the manual programs be adjusted to provide something different (like more noise suppression). I will learn more as time goes on and no doubt will request adjustments. However, while I could not justify spending $5-6k on replacements for the V90 Phonaks (that are good aids), spending $1,500 was a no brainer. Please note that these comments are very subjective and based on limited experience, particularly with the KS 9.0 aids. The bottom line: Everyone looking to upgrade needs to give these a try.

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Great hearing aids! Only 1499.99 when other places want $6000.

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Bad in restaurants

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Member 18 July 2019

How can this be a valid review? The K9s are just now rolling out to COSTCO's site. It would seem to be impossible for someone to have had them fitted, purchased, and tried out in a restaurant setting by July 16th.

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Abram Bailey, AuD 18 July 2019 Replied to Member

[Comment removed]

Mdbo's 2XL 18 July 2019 Replied to Abram Bailey, AuD

Since the 16th of July I've had a pair of KS-9s without any optional manual programs.    Went to a moderately noisy restaurant today, July 18th 2019, and was able to discern the speech of both people I was with.  The people I was with were both female, and that voice range is the most difficult for me to comprehend.  So far the KS-9 all auto option is working well for me.

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Member 08 August 2019 Replied to Member

Got my KS9.0 aids last Friday Aug 2 and went to a very very noisy restaurant Sunday afternoon. With the "Automatic" program I couldn't understand my wife, son or the waiter so I selected the "Speech in loud noise" program and the noise was cut at least in half. I could then understand what everyone was saying with no problem. I have had these aids for almost a week now and they are wonderful, much better than my Rexton Trax 42 that I got over 4yrs ago. The only problem is with outgoing phone calls when I am in a noisy place like the gym. The Easy Line Remote software could use some work. During this less than a week I have had to delete the program and reinstall 3 times because it hung up and wouldn't quit. It's also a real pain to unpair and pair to another bluetooth device like my Mac and then unpair from the Mac and repair to my iPhone 6+. Over all these are fantastic aids in all situations that I have been in during the past week including loud noise in the noisy restaurant and the gym. When streaming music it's great being able to move the slider between hearing almost nothing but music or moving the slider to the left to hear more of someone talking, etc.

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David W 18 July 2019

😂 looks like a computer generated bot

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