Yeah, the price makes a huge difference. My grandmother was last quoted $10,000 for hearing aids in Australia, whereas at US $500 & no medical visits I could maybe buy one as a gift, if I could be convinced it would be moderately helpful & get semi-frequent use.

(I worry that the smartphone / bluetooth connectivity is too complicated for tech-averse elderly, and that the inline volume controls are too small for arthritic hands. But I like the idea and I love my own QC25s.)