Hello, RW.

I will speak of my experience with HAs only, as I don't have CIs. I am in a very similar situation and have the same HAs that you described as well as severe to profound hearing loss >1kHz. Noisy environments are impossible for me as well, along with every other HA user that I know. There are some here that tell of the positive experiences with a remote microphone, but I only use a TV connector which is wonderful. If the remote mic performs like that, I would say the you should try a Roger mic. Not cheap though. Not sure if a CI would help, but my Audi didn't want to go the CI route since my hearing < 1kHz is not as affected and I would lose that. Perhaps a second Audi opinion would help your decision?

Vanity... My Audi asked what style of HA I wanted. I replied with the question: What would work best for my hearing loss? She replied "BTE/RIC", immediately. I was to the point that I couldn't function with my hearing loss and just wanted what worked. It's a game changer... except in noisy environments.

Dating... If you're truly seeking the person you say that you are, a visible CI won't matter to them anyway. Perhaps it may help to weed out the shallow ones...

JustTodd