An audiologist tests the 5 best-selling hearing aids in Ireland. Price vs performance: the truth comes out
After 30 years as a clinical audiologist — in the public system, at Hidden Hearing and in private clinics — I had fitted thousands of people.
But I had never really compared what patients actually get for their money in each price bracket.
When I saw the purchase invoices proving that hearing aids sold for €2,800 cost only about €90 to make, I wanted to take a closer look.
I contacted 50 former patients and tested every available alternative for six months. The results explain why thousands of older people in Ireland get stuck between impossible options.
Here's what really happens in each price bracket, and why there's finally a better alternative.
The €2,800 question: where does your money really go?
When you buy hearing aids from traditional providers, you're not paying for the technology. You're paying for the whole system behind it:
Marketing. Sales. Profit margins.
I tested every alternative with 50 former patients
After understanding these margins, I contacted 50 former patients who had left without treatment because they couldn't afford it. Together, we tested every available alternative over six months.
Here's what we found, from worst to best option:
These aren't hearing aids, they're amplifiers that can damage your hearing:
- No frequency-based adjustment
- Amplify ALL sounds, even harmful ones
- No professional tuning
- 78% reported painful whistling
"Completely useless. Everything was louder, but not clearer. Unbearable whistling." Martin, 73
Verdict: Dangerous and ineffective. Audiologists advise against these products.
The PRSI Treatment Benefit and public audiology help, but with real limits:
- The PRSI grant covers up to €500 per hearing aid (once every 4 years) — often only enough for a basic model
- For higher-performance models, the out-of-pocket cost often climbs to €800–€1,500 per ear
- Long waits for HSE appointments, tests and renewals
"The grant only covered the basic model. I had to pay the rest out of my own pocket." Joe, 71
Verdict: Partly subsidised, but high out-of-pocket for anything advanced, with lots of waiting and paperwork.
- Aggressive sales tactics, called out by hundreds of customers
- Proprietary models that tie you to their service for years
- Pressure tactics: "They rang me three times a day until I bought"
- High margins despite components similar to cheaper alternatives
"Good tech, but the sales process was overwhelming. I regretted it straight away." Frances, 68
Verdict: High price, questionable sales tactics.
The most advanced technology, but with a markup of over 1,000%:
- Excellent 20-channel processing
- Full Bluetooth connectivity
- Advanced noise reduction
- Lifetime service (though patients report cancelled appointments)
"Fantastic tech. But €2,800? My car cost less." Eamon, 69
Verdict: Excellent devices, but the 1,000%+ markup is hard to justify.
This direct-to-consumer model surprised me. The technical data:
- The same 16-channel digital processing as Phonak/Oticon
- Adaptive noise reduction, clear sound even in noisy environments
- Rechargeable (30+ hours from a 2-hour charge)
- Home delivery, no clinic visits, no waiting
- Customer service included, no appointment needed
But here's the key point: they sell direct. No shop. No commission. No overheads.
When Claria sells at €149, the company makes a modest profit through direct sales. When Amplifon sells at €2,200, the markup is over 1,000%.
The same technology. A different business model.
"I notice no difference from my friend's €2,500 Phonak. Mine even sound better." Liam, 70
Verdict: Professional technology at a fair price. This is what hearing care should cost.
€300 €149 · 45-day trial · 1-year warranty
My conclusion after 30 years in the field
The premium brands offer brilliant tech at over €2,800. The public system and grant only give access to basic models, and you wait months for appointments — for devices that often end up in a drawer. The Amazon products are simply dangerous.
Claria™ has solved what really matters — giving people quality hearing aids they'll actually wear, at a price they can afford.
At €149 and with a 45-day home trial, you have nothing to lose.
⚡ Update since the article was published:
Claria™ has attracted huge interest and, for a limited time, is offering a promotional price for Hearing Week.
Every order includes: a 45-day risk-free home trial, a 1-year warranty and free insured delivery. If you don't hear more clearly within 45 days, you send it back at no cost.
Take advantage of this limited-time offer and try Claria™ at the promotional price: 45-day home trial, 1-year warranty and free insured delivery included.
Check availability45-day risk-free trial · 1-year warranty · Free delivery
THIS IS AN ADVERTISEMENT AND NOT A NEWS ARTICLE, BLOG OR CONSUMER PROTECTION REPORT. THE OPERATOR OF THIS SITE RECEIVES COMPENSATION FROM THE SALE OF HEARING AIDS.
2 weeks with Claria — incredible value for money! I returned my €2,200 Amplifon aids and got a full refund. These work just as well! Already told 3 friends. Ms Walsh is right about the margins. If only I'd found them sooner!
My son sent me this article yesterday, after I missed an important call again. I've just ordered the Claria™ with the discount. I'm retired and the €149 price helps a lot. Fingers crossed! I'll report back in a few weeks.
I can finally watch TV without subtitles! My wife doesn't have to repeat herself anymore. I should have done this years ago instead of waiting on the public list. Worth every cent! 👍