Hi everyone,
I was recently diagnosed with mild to moderate “cookie bite” hearing loss and am looking for some direction. My mother has profound hearing loss that started in her late 50s (now has one CI), so this is likely genetic for me. While my new diagnosis is not completely out of left field given my family history, it was surprising to know it is happening earlier in life for me than it did for my mother (I am 38). I was also not expecting the diagnosis because my hearing test was more of a rule out situation- I made the appt 3 months earlier when having some fullness related to allergies, and kept the appt only to confirm things were still normal as they were 6 years ago when I had a hearing test for tinnitus at the time (that has mostly gone away). The reality is that I am having some mild hearing issues when I reflect on certain scenarios (particularly group settings like crowded restaurants).

Here are some questions I have for the group:
1) is genetic testing indicated, and how would it be helpful?
2) should I consider hearing aids at this point even though my experience of hearing difficulties is quite mild? Is there a benefit to adjusting to them sooner rather than later (assuming this will progress)
3) any updated recommendations for hearing aids for cookie bite hearing loss (I know this has been asked before but wondering if there are any updated opinions)
4) any recommendations for audiologists in Minnesota?

Thanks for any advice. This is all new to me and a bit overwhelming.