[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.