the problem of getting more qualified personnel will not be resolved anytime soon. the money is not going to be there. especially with new legislation, (relatively new), in that hearing aid / devices will now start being available over the counter. self testing software et al.
will WIRELESS EAR BUD distributors start making these new devices? Will they offer them at reasonable prices or will they take the hint from the HA MARKET AND CHARGE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS, because that is the going rate?
if phonak sells devices for $5k, why should Bose sell them for under $1k?
bottom line is hearing aid manufacturers took advantage of us because of the MEDICAL CLASSIFICATION. They charged way over the actual cost to get 1000x profit because in their words, of how expensive it is to get medical / fda approvals and R&D costs.
if Bose and BEATS can start making and selling hearing aids, will they claim r&d COSTs are driving the costs highers? How come those R&D costs arent there for wireless ear buds?
Capitalism/free market/human nature…
and that nature is not to make money, but for us sheeple to mindlessly keep paying MEDICAL RATES FOR OVER PRICED STUFF…
*side note, I just had a heart attack about 4 months ago. got the bill, (thank you health insurance… ).
but, my insurance paid (without questioning) the hospital bill, which included $3500 for Rx while I was there. This wasnt for the new medications, or drugs used during the surgeries or anything else, EXCEPT FOR MY NORMAL ROUTINE MEDICATIONS. all the stuff I take at home every day, like my high blood pressure meds, my omeprezole for my GERD, etc.
my copays for those drugs average $30/month. all are generics. but, the hospital gets to charge more becuase… THEY ARE A HOSPITAL… $3500 for three days of RX that cost a regular consumer (without insurance, might pay $100 for a months supply.
now that my insurance paid $3500 for those 3 days, I hit a limit in my insurance coverage. which means I will need to meet/exceed $5000 out of pocket expense for Rx by the end of the year, before my insurance will continue to pay for my Rx.
the industry folk will refer to this as a DOUGHNUT HOLE in insurance coverage, ie a GAP in coverage.
I would normally never reach this DOUGHNUT HOLE as I dont use expensive Rx… but, be careful, if you all go to a hospital… SURPRISE!!!
ANYWAYS, rant over. move on…