Costco

I live in suburbia — home to barbecues and book clubs, malls and multiplexes, country clubs, cul-de-sacs and Costcos the size of Connecticut. The occupants of those precincts will be out in force this Saturday, as SUVs all over town disgorge 50-plus types eager to communally celebrate our national…

It's a frustrating dilemma: Why have digital improvements helped us get a cheaper smartphone, TV or computer, but the same kind of technological advancements have only caused the price tab of hearing aids to soar - and for a population who can least afford it?