@jssjss Very open to ways of improving my face to face conversations

@jssjss This is very typical for people who have adult onset hearing loss. It can be a major life change. It affects our ability to be spontaneous. That alone confuses people we visit with.

It's so important to be upfront about how your hearing loss is affecting you in those personal discussions. There's nothing wrong with asking your friends to meet you in a quieter environment than what has been traditional.

Do you use hearing aids? If not, getting well fitted hearing instruments may be a huge step up for you. If you have them but that's not the case, did your provider talk to you about add on technology? How to connect to it? Options in your personal technology?

Most major hearing aid brands are designed to connect to small microphones that can be hand held or set on a table during discussion. They show, so a lot of people don't use them. I learned that when I used something that 'showed' people were curious about them, asked questions, said they knew people who needed them, etc. People generally do want to be helpful when they know how. My hand held mini mic 2+ goes everywhere with me.

Besides the small microphones, there are apps that can be added to your cell phone that provide captions in conversation. Ask your provider about those.

Providers, in general, do not take enough time to educate people with adult onset hearing loss. We need to insist they help us this way. Be assertive. If possible find a support group in your area where people come together to share their experiences. The Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA) is very special. http://www.hearingloss.org has information about chapter locations, typical hearing issues, technology, etc.

It sounds as if you are willing to learn and want to remain in the hearing world. Go for it!