On the other hand, insurances generally only cover about $500 of what can be a $4,500 pair of hearing aids. It's worth the money, but that doesn't help if you don't have that kind of money! That goes a long way towards explaining why only 20% of people who need hearing aids actually have them.
Happily, there is a lot of interest in effective, more affordable devices. However, it's definitely a "let the buyer beware" marketplace out there since they are being sold as assistive products and not pure medical devices. Also, be aware that if you have severe hearing loss (as opposed to mild or moderate) these are not going to help you.
This article provides some information on three different models of Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAP's) which a group of audiologists (hearing specialists) at Johns Hopkins have tested and found to be recommendable. They do point out that so far they've only tested them in 29 people, so mileage may vary.
All three of the recommended devices are around $350, and all three are monaural which is to say that they go in one ear. The Soundhawk and the CS50+ both look a bit like a Bluetooth in-ear headset. The Bean T-Coil looks more like a small conventional in-ear hearing aid. I gather that you get used to amplifying sound in one ear quickly enough.
It certainly seems that these are all effective, comfortable devices that can help you hear better for a much more affordable price!
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