What continues to amaze me is that my bare-bones flip phone can send and receive audio, send and receive texts, be used as a digital camera for both still and moving pictures, has volume control, has a number of screensavers available, can access the Internet, and send and receive email. It probably has other features I have not figured out yet, like separate ringtones for everyone on my contact list, and instant messaging, all for the low, low price of $35.00 a month.
Even the most basic of hearing-aids, which I need badly, cost 15x that amount, and does little more than amplification, volume control, and noise-cancellation if you’re lucky.
My medical insurance does not cover this, and there is no way I can afford it, so I continue being a nearly deaf musician.
At least I am in good company...Beethoven was deaf too!
I'm a lifetime chip-maker. I don't know how they can justify those outrageous prices. I don't know how they can maintain them either.
I do suspect something illegal.
I just ordered some new "domes" for my girlfriend's hearing aids (not a musician but went to too many rock concerts in her youth and was right up front near the huge amplifiers) and they included a flyer for the same type of hearing aids that cost her that 15X you are talking about, except theirs are only $249. . . made, of course, where the one's you and she pay 15X for are probably also made, in China. Specs seem to be the same. Look exactly alike and the "domes" are factory originals for the 15X ones. I suspect the hearing aids are factory originals too. She got her hearing aids at Costco on my membership. Work great. Digital, with Bluetooth connectivity (easy iPhone and Android settings and control) to cellular phones and other devices. Go figure.
Yeah, but does your flip phone do “foveation”?
We must all need foveation. Whatever that is.
Your hearing aid is a certified medical device, you would not believe the added work and administration needed to get something certified. This easily can take a $10 device in terms of parts and make it a $500 device..... You phone doesn’t have to jump these hurdles