On Thursday, May 15 we had a wide discussion about wearable technology – looking at fitness trackers, smartwatches. hearing aids and finally the new AI glasses. Many members used hearing aids, one or two had “Protección Senior” trackers from Linea Directa: https://proteccionsenior.com and some even had smartwatches,
Here are some notes on our wide ranging discussion which included inputs from the Gemini and DeepSeek AI chat bots.
What is wearable Technology? – we asked Gemini which reported:
“Wearable technology encompasses electronic devices designed to be worn on the body, such as smartwatches and fitness trackers. These devices integrate computing with daily tasks, collecting and displaying real-time data like health and fitness metrics. They are often used to monitor vital signs, track activity, and provide feedback to the user“
We asked it what is the difference between a Fitness Tracker and a Smartwatch? “a smartwatch is a “smart” watch that also has fitness tracking capabilities, while a fitness tracker is a device that focuses primarily on fitness data and may have limited smart features“
Basically the functions overlap and most smartwatches double-up as fancy fitness trackers. Medical fitness trackers are being promoted by the American Heart foundation as shown in in this YouTube video (which features healthy, young people!) – but what are the downsides?
Chris had asked DeepSeek : I am researching wearable technology. What are the psychological downsides of fitness trackers and how accurate are their data? Do they actually improve peoples’ health and well being? How much of this is marketing hype?
Here are some of its responses:
Psychological Downsides of Fitness Trackers
Fitness trackers can have unintended negative psychological effects, including:
Obsession and Anxiety: Some users develop an unhealthy fixation on metrics (e.g., step counts, calories burned), leading to compulsive behavior or exercise addiction. This can exacerbate anxiety, particularly in individuals prone to perfectionism or eating disorders.
Guilt and Demotivation: Missing daily goals may trigger feelings of failure, reducing intrinsic motivation. A 2016 study in JAMA Internal Medicine found that some users abandoned trackers after feeling discouraged.
Reduced Enjoyment of Exercise: When exercise becomes purely data-driven, people may lose the intrinsic pleasure of movement, turning it into a chore.
Body Dysmorphia: Constant self-monitoring can heighten body image concerns, especially if users fixate on weight or calorie metrics.
Sleep Anxiety: Sleep trackers can worsen insomnia by making users hyper-aware of sleep efficiency, a phenomenon called “orthosomnia.”
As regards accuracy – they seem to be quite accurate with counting the number of steps, but on the whole don’t compare with medical grade devices for other biometrics. (Note: They may even be accused of racial discrimination! Blood oxygen monitoring (pulse oximetry) can be less accurate in individuals with darker skin. This is due to the effect of melanin in the skin, which can interfere with the light signals used by the device to measure oxygen saturation. There was a class action lawsuit against Apple because of its inaccuracy in this regard) . Doctors may also be skeptical about the data reported by these devices, as noted in this article about Long Covid sufferers: https://healthcare-in-europe.com/en/news/long-covid-hack-fitness-tracker-wearables.html
What about Smartwatches?
They tend to be expensive and are mostly dependent on the smartphone you have. This article reviews “the best” 10 smartwatches for 2025. https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/best-smartwatches-b2507409.html
One member used his quite a lot, and found it particularly useful when shopping since instead of fishing out a credit card or smartphone to pay in a supermarket he only had to wave his Applewatch over the payment sensor at the checkout. We raised the issues of hacking and data privacy as well as battery life. Apple watches last about a day before they have to be re-charged. Another member remarked that Hwawei watches keep their charge for a week. We checked up in this claim online – and indeed, Hwawei watches can last up to two weeks with power saving options enabled . Not only that, they are significantly cheaper than the “best” smartwatches described in the article linked to above.
Do smartwatches improve your quality of life? This article raises a few interesting points: https://theconversation.com/smartwatches-promise-all-kinds-of-quality-of-life-improvements-here-are-5-things-users-should-keep-in-mind-251754
This article (written by a company of watchmakers) gives you 10 reasons not to buy a smartwatch! https://universalwatchcompany.com/blogs/watches/10-reasons-not-to-buy-a-smartwatch?srsltid=AfmBOooRV-TbWQmx6kWah4km2nOi0SXZMEawMmPZHAHek3EP-LzGUKR0
Hearing aids
Chris remarked that a few years ago (actually more like 20 years ago!) you could get a NHS approved hearing aid for 50 pounds. Now they cost thousands. Why is that? Chris had asked the Gemini and Deepseek Chatbots. Both reported the cost of developing new technology and bundling the hearing aids with audiology services. However Deepseek (but not Gemini) mentioned that the hearing aid business is an Oligopoly A few major companies (e.g., Sonova (Phonak), Demant (Oticon), WS Audiology (Widex, Signia), and GN Hearing (ReSound, Jabra) dominate the industry, keeping prices high. Many audiologists have exclusive deals with these brands, limiting competition.
However, there was now some competition form Over the Counter competition.
When asked to give details about hearing aids in Spain, DeepSeek gave a comprehensive roundup:
Hearing Aids in Spain: Costs, Subsidies & Affordable Options (2024)
Why Are Hearing Aids Expensive in Spain?
Market Dominance: The same big brands (Phonak, Oticon, Widex, Signia) control pricing, with average costs of €1,000–€4,000 per ear.
Limited Insurance Coverage: Unlike Northern Europe, Spain’s public healthcare (Sistema Nacional de Salud, SNS) does not cover hearing aids for adults (only for children under 18).
Audiologist Bundling: Most hearing aids are sold through private clinics, which include fitting fees in the price.
VAT (IVA): Hearing aids are taxed at 10% (reduced from 21% as they’re considered medical devices).
Are There Subsidies or Financial Help in Spain?
Public Healthcare (SNS): Only covers children and severe disability cases (adults must pay full price).
Regional Programs: Some autonomous communities (like Catalonia, Andalusia) offer limited subsidies (€200–€600) for low-income seniors.
Private Insurance: Companies like Sanitas, Adeslas, or DKV may cover €300–€1,500 (check your policy).
Pensioner Discounts: Some clinics offer 10–20% off for retirees.
Affordable Hearing Aid Options in Spain
A. Best Budget Hearing Aids (€500–€1,500)
Amplifon €800–€2,500 Bundled with fitting Nationwide clinics
Audífonos GAES €900–€3,000 Free hearing test 400+ locations
Oticon Own €1,200+ Self-fitting via app Online/audiologists
Costco Kirkland ~€1,400 Rebranded Jabra/Phonak Costco Madrid (Tres Cantos)
B. Cheaper Alternatives (€200–€700)
Amazon ES: Basic amplifiers (not real hearing aids) for €50–€200 (avoid low-quality brands).
HearingDirect Spain: Entry-level digital hearing aids (€300–€600).
Refurbished Models: Some clinics sell used devices at 30–50% off.
C. PSAPs (Not for Hearing Loss, But Cheap)
Bequiet / Britzgo: €100–€300 (sound amplifiers, not medical devices).
How to Save Money on Hearing Aids in Spain?
✅ Check regional subsidies (e.g., IMSERSO for seniors).
✅ Ask for discounts (many clinics offer promotions).
✅ Buy online (Oticon Own, HearingDirect) to avoid audiologist markups.
✅ Consider Costco Spain (Kirkland aids are high-quality and cheaper).
✅ Look for payment plans (GAES, Amplifon offer instalments).
Where to Buy Hearing Aids in Spain?
Major Chains:
GAES (largest chain, 400+ centers)
Amplifon (200+ locations)
Alain Afflelou (budget options)
Online Stores:
Audífonos Online España (self-fitting models)
Amazon ES (for PSAPs only)
Verdict: Are Hearing Aids Overpriced in Spain?
Yes, due to lack of public coverage and audiologist bundling.
But prices are slightly lower than Germany/France (avg. €1,500 vs. €2,000+).
Best budget option? Try Costco’s Kirkland aids or Oticon Own if you can self-fit.
This raised a discussion about whether you need an audiologist’s prescription?: Probably yes, but they usually give free hearing tests as part for their promotions, and the NHS also gives prescriptions.
Do you actually need a hearing aid? – Age-related hearing loss may be related to lack of listening rather than lack of hearing. Still there’s no getting away from the fact that our senses decline as we age, and audiologists test for diverse aspects of hearing. One member suggested that vitamin supplements could reduce hearing loss. (Chris subsequently read research indicating that loneliness is a contributory factor!)
This article raises the possibility that your smartphone could be used to help combat hearing loss: How to Use Your Smartphone to Cope With Hearing Loss . Indeed – if all the necessary clever electronics is already in your smartphone, surely a hearing aid could be reduced to a much simpler (and hence cheaper) device? Most people in the world could not possibly afford the thousands demanded by the Oligopoly – a cheaper, quality alternative must be on its way.
Finally we looked at the latest thing in wearable technology – the AI glasses and Android XR from Google and Samsung which were launched in this TED talk in April 2025. The “Killer App” for JCC members was the ability of the AI glasses to remember where you had left your keys!
Chris Betterton-Jones – Knowledge junkie