Hearing aid question

US Based; I’ve worn hearing aids for 40+ years, tried a few brands as well as different Audiologist. Never tried Costco, hearing aids are personal item much like most of you didn’t go to BestBuy to buy your audio equipment, I’m not sure I would do the same for hearing aids. You can request to adjust hearing aid to have different modes and I always have a mode to turn off all filters this way the hearing aid is strictly making all noises louder and not modifying/filtering the sound in any fashion. 
 

my favorite brand for quality of build and durability is Starkey.

I too have lost high-end hearing and have been using hearing aids for about a year. I’ve spent much of that time testing listening to music with and without hearing aids using all sorts of different music. I have come to the conclusion my system and virtually all the different music I listen to sounds much better, warmer and more cohesive than when listening with the aids (which do have a music setting that has been set by an audiologist). Listening with the aids can in some cases emphasize cymbals, snares etc. but the sound is constricted, the soundstage diminished, and overall wearing so I’m not able to listen for extended periods. Just my experience but I’ve opted to listen without aids and hoping my brain makes adjustments for my new levels of hearing. So far, so good!

After 30 years of playing in bands and going to 100 db concerts, my upper end frequencies were shot. It got to the point where conversations were muffled, and music sounded like I was listening under water. I finally broke down and begun using hearing aids. My main advice to you is to do a lot of research. Don't let people tell you that you cannot significantly improved your hearing with hearing aids. Adding EQ will do nothing if the upper end is lost. Only quality hearing aids will help you. Like anything, you get what you pay for. I chose Oticon. They are one of the industry best. Oticon offers a special program called MY MUSIC. Your audiologist programs it to your specifications. I also invested in custom ear molds, which help tremendously. Talk to a good audiologist. Don't settle for Costco (or any big box store) for such an important medical device. 

@rcm1203

If you buy them, please let me know your impressions. I plan to buy them as a birthday present for myself 😎 in early July. Wife can’t say no if it’s for my birthday… right?
 

For those on the thread, I recommend you take the time to read the Grand Piano Passions review. 

A couple other thoughts. IMHO don’t knock Costco unless you tried them. Their testing equipment is outstanding and brand availability and pricing is unmatched. I ended up buying from an audiologist, but Costco was very good.
Also there are music audiologists, if you are lucky enough to have any in your area (I don’t). They tune your hearing aids or IEMs to music harmonics vs voice.