I am so sorry to hear about all your frustrations. I relate to them, but I was much younger when I was going through them. I'm thankful for all I've learned from other people with hearing loss. I'm sad that the healthcare pros who work with people who need hearing help are lax in providing them with information that can help more than simply fitting a pair of hearing aids! Some are wonderful at counseling, but many simply won't take the time. Here's where my beef lies:
1. Hearing assistive technology that goes beyond hearing aids is extremely important.
2. That technology does not automatically come with those expensive hearing aids.
3. A component called a 'telecoil' that is included in some hearing aids can connect its user to public address systems in worship centers, performing arts facilities, meeting rooms, etc. It can also connect you to your computer, to other personal audio devices, etc. BUT, the providers/sellers of hearing aids don't take time to tell people about this option. Further, they don't activate it in the hearing instruments they sell unless asked to do so. It has to be activated.
4. Unfortunately, many public venues do not have the 'connecting link' that works with those telecoils. WE HAVE TO ADVOCATE FOR THOSE SOUND SYSTEMS. THEY ARE A RIGHT UNDER THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT. But they don't have to be provided unless they are requested.
5. People with hearing loss can't advocate or educate on things they don't know about.
6. The push right now is for BlueTooth. BT costs a lot to add to hearing instruments. Telecoils cost no more than $15 and are usually there but not turned on. Go figure. We need both.
7. Seriously, nearly everyone with progressive sensorineural hearing loss can benefit from the available technology. The secret is bringing the sound from a PA system directly to the ear without background noise. BT and telecoils both do that, but BT is focused on cell phones, TVs, etc. It doesn't work in those larger places.
8. Check the HLAA website when you have time to learn. There is so much information there. It's there because 'we the people with hearing loss' have put it there.

I encourage anyone who is struggling with life due to hearing loss to go to a cochlear implant center to learn if a cochlear implant can help you. CIs are covered by Medicare. They have come so far in the past decade it's unbelievable. I use both a CI and a hearing aid. It has been a very positive and remarkable journey. I feel blessed.

The best teachers are those who know from personal experience Are you open to learning?