I do sympathize with you. I keep thinking about Helen Keller's quote: "When you loose sight, you loose 'things', " When you loose hearing you loose 'people'." I can only testify to hearing loss. Don't you think that most of us are social beings, people persons? Interaction and communication are deeply interrupted or just plainly non-existent when others are talking at the same time. I have learned much from the e-weekly Hearing Health journals. In restaurants, sitting next to the wall or window helps a little. Don't sit at a table in the middle of the room which I now refuse to do. I am learning to become my own advocate If you can, sit in the middle not on the end that might help. Best to you.