Unsure if Apple announced it today, or previously. But Apple hearing aids are in the works. I read this CNN article on them.  As a hearing aid wearer for almost 10 (! ten!) years, I find the article to be really misleading.

I assume the author of the article doesn't wear hearing aids (a really slim minority of Americans have/wear them). So I guess all is for-given, but I really think it's important to have real perspective on these Apple hearing aids.

Here's the email I sent to my husband with a few things edited and added...I'm always trying to help him understand my life as a hearing aid wearer.

Basically everything the author wrote (I read the CNN article) pertains to just about every modern hearing aid ever manufactured in the past 5 or so years. Even the price: $3,000 each pertains to every hearing aid out there. When the author states they sounds can go directly to the piece...via blue tooth..not new technology for hearing aids. Even the device thing pertains to most hearing aids. Not sure what the author means just you have to wear a bulky neck thingy--t's misleading/misinforming the public that Apple will be the first to be discreet and have this technology. The platform (or cell phone app) is what's new and exciting, I guess. 
But please don't think Apple hearing aids are special and we (or anybody) need to 'push' for them and I need them.
 Also, getting and buying hearing aids are not a one size fits all approach. There's a handful of manufactures...Octicon is mainly for kids and Unitron is for mild hearing loss people etc. Apple is just getting into an old market.

Some people commented on this article via Facebook (CNN posted it on their account). People from India stated that hearing aids are cheaper over there.

Welp.

Let's set the record straight on that too. A great article explaining the cost of hearing aids. 

Yes, you can make your own hearing aids at home. As the above article states, they are really simple devices. 

Yes, you can get them for cheap at Costco. 

Yes, you can take advantage of those Dr. Oz endorsed gizmos. 

BUT!

I paid $6,000/pair (ok, the state paid the majority, but I WOULD have had to pay $$$ out of my own pocket, otherwise) premium for "free" cleanings any time and day I want/need.

I get "free" basic parts (i.e domes). 

I get "free" advice.
I'm not sure about 80% of people don't need additional programming. OK?! Whatever. 

Sooooooooo...

1) Don't get a hearing aid through the mail. You really do need to be paying that high premium. I emailed my hearing aid dispenser in a panic one time...she immediately emailed me back and told me she can see me the next day ASAP. I will say my hearing aid place is on the pricier side, so my next pair will not be from them. 

2) Apple hearing aids are not that innovative as you might think. It's just Apple putting a "pretty package" on a old piece of technology...as usual.