[greggsy]

I’m not across the scope of hearing aid technology, but what does the product at that upper tier actually look like, and how much does it cost in another country?

I’m envisioning some highly specialised and tuned implant at that price.

[bayindirh]

You generally get a custom mold for your ear canals and a specially tuned DSP for your frequency curves + BT connection to your phone for calls, at least. Your device can be retuned over and over as long as it functions, too.

What drives the prices up is a multitude of factors: High end DSPs, micro speakers which can do good sound reproduction at required frequencies, relatively low sales volume, R&D expenses and of course an insatiable appetite for profits.

These things always cost and arm and a leg in here, too.

[TrickyRick]

Not to mention that this is paid by insurance in many countries which means there is little incentive for individuals to shop around.

[bayindirh]

It might be, but in my country, you buy them for the most occasions. I'm not aware if any insurance policy pays for them, even.