I agree. My GF has minor hearing loss and she is thankful for the level of continuing support she gets from the audiologists. You're not paying for just the device, but the cost also includes hearing analysis, checkups, periodic tune ups and other value added procedures like warranty replacement.
"real" hearing aides are more than just amplifiers now, they do complex noise cancellation, directional control, noisy/crowded room modes, and frequency shifting.
Hers are 5 or 6 years old now and don't have many of the features the newer ones have, but she is (rightfully) fearful of getting the new ones because they are rechargeable (like EVs she would rather take 30 seconds to change batteries than have to wait for a charge), rely on an "app" on an unsecure smartphone and internet connected which she really doesn't like and I, as a longtime IT pro don't blame her. These medical devices should be as standalone as possible for security against intrusion and patient data leaks.