In general, more expensive hearing aids have technology that allows them to help the patient hear speech more easily in noisy or difficult environments. More basic, less expensive aids do not have the technology that makes this possible. This technology is expensive to develop, so aids that have it will typically be more expensive. The lifestyle of the patient will be considered in our recommendation. If they spend time in noisy places regularly then a mid-level or high-end hearing aid will meet their needs best. If they are in quiet environments the majority of the time, then a more basic aid may be sufficient for them.