@daveshaw I have used Rexton, Phonak, Oticon, Widex and Resound. Widex has worked far better for me than the others. This is a 'sticky issue' for me because my Cochlear processor is only compatible with ReSound. Another reality for CI folks is that different brands of CIs are compatible ONLY with one specific brand of hearing aid. Not fair; but reality.

At risk of being terribly repetitive, I must say again... Everyone's hearing loss is different. There is no one 'best brand' for everyone. Glad your Phonaks work well for you. Phonak brand has always had an excellent power telecoil.

Absolutely correct about stigma, size, etc. etc. etc. Who cares if their hearing aids are visible? Unfortunately, way too many do. I wonder how much progress that has prevented in research and of course in usage.