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I thought they were expensive because you have to individually tune some sort of equalizer, depending of the damaged frequencies of the user. Also the hardware

by jokoon 9y ago

I thought they were expensive because you have to individually tune some sort of equalizer, depending of the damaged frequencies of the user. Also the hardware is not really very cheap either, you have to insert it deep into the ear, and the microphone should be sensitive enough to capture all kinds of sounds, at at all distances and air conditions, removing noise, etc. Microphones have always been expensive. It also would be running 24/7. But to be honest, price should drop indeed. But everybody knows that everything relative to health will often be overpriced if not regulated, especially if it involves any sort of technology.

emiliobumachar 9y ago
"But everybody knows that everything relative to health will often be overpriced if not regulated, especially if it involves any sort of technology." How much is a band-aid? Oh, technology. Ok, how about a digital thermometer? I think the problem is the opposite. Lots of regulation, however benefits they bring, will raise prices and discourage outsiders from offering competitors. From the article: "[A new law] includes a provision for selling hearing aids over the counter to adults with mild to moderate hearing loss in two to three years. [...] Under the new law, hearing aids are expected to cost around $300 or less per ear." This seems to imply that today, and for the next two years, you cannot legally sell a competing, cheaper aid unless you can get doctors to recommend it. Even if it's just as good, it will take a large marketing effort to show it to doctors. Now, these regulations do bring benefits. But let's not lose sight of their costs.