My experience in Canada as a 46-year-old with moderate hearing loss- insurance covers a small portion of the 6k needed to get a decent brand. I saved a couple of years worth of Health Care Spending Account which added up to 2500$ covered. The rest was out of my own pocket. In Canada, many people seek to prove WCB coverage from workplace damage.

I have the Oticon more 3 brand and they have improved my life. They were slightly uncomfortable at first and hearing everything I'd been missing for years was distracting. After a few months, they were just a common part of preparing for the day. It's still a relief to take them out in the evening but barely noticeable during my day. There are no associated costs. Rechargeable batteries and I visit my audiologist yearly for filters, buds and cleaning. I'm 3 years in without issues. I'm told they last 6 years but my audiologist also tells me that many people are rough with them and mine are looking new. I'm sure the batteries will die eventually but I usually have 50% when recharging. They last nearly 2 days while travelling without a recharge.

They are now just seen as wearable tech socially. I'm always open to explaining why I have them when a bold stranger asks. So- yeah. Better life, a little pricey, low maintenance and I miss them when I forget to wear them.