I was trying to remember but, based on the fact that my first audiologist told me that three years was the normal lifespan for my $5,000 hearing aids, I think I've worn them for 5-6 year since I'm on my second set. I have to keep the TV remote close to me because wifey still tries to talk to me with the TV on. That's just one example but it seems to me that, despite the background noise, I have to focus my attention on where I want to hear and it's impossible when she speaks while my attention is focused on TV. I also have found that I subconsciously read lips so I need to see the person's face which I won't be looking at if I'm looking at TV.

kinda weird but too true. also very problemmatical is spouse voice significantly diminished + more inarticulate with age-related chronic disease ... it is a major endeavor simply to understand passing comments or even pointed statements (he also has difficulty writing!)