Hello Tarheel.

Welcome to this discussion group on Mayo Clinic Connect. You are typical, as far as hearing loss is concerned as most everyone in their 70s has some degree of hearing loss. Choosing to follow through and get hearing aids makes you 'unique'. Seriously, it's unfortunate that so many who could benefit from hearing aids, do not have them. You'll find that a well fit set of hearing aids will eliminate some of that stress you mention. I'm your age, but have been using hearing aids for many years. Long enough to know how much they have improved over the last few decades. I agree with arrowshooter on checking out the HLAA website. The organization has done outstanding work to make hearing loss an issue of concern in many ways. http://www.hearingloss.org

Further, I would suggest you not make 'invisible or small' your descriptive choice. Get a pair of hearing aids that allow you to control them. A manual volume control is a must. They should include both bluetooth technology (BT), and active telecoil technology. Insist that the provider demonstrate what a telecoil can do, and don't let her tell you that it's 'old technology'. It is technology that can connect you to many things that BT cannot connect to. You want both. (Note: A telecoil adds about $25 to the cost of a hearing aid while BT adds hundreds.) Ask her to include a neckloop with your purchase. You'll be able to connect to audio devices you use regularly. Your computer, iPhone, radio, etc. BT can also do that, but the telecoil will also connect at many public venues where you want to hear to participate. Depending on where you live, you may or may not have many venues that have installed hearing loops that connect with those telecoils. It's an ongoing project. More information at http://www.hearingloop.org Hearing loops tend to be in locations where there are hard of hearing people actively advocating for them.

There are many good brands of hearing aids, but each person's hearing loss is unique, so testing and fitting are very important. If you are fit with something you don't feel is helping you enough, ask to try something different. You are entitled to a trial period. Be sure you understand how long that trial period is so you can return the hearing aids if you need to. Use that trial time in every possible setting. Also, be sure to ask for a copy of your audiogram. That is your information. Should you want or need to go to a different provider you would already have your test results. I prefer behind the ear hearing aids because they are easier to manipulate and more comfortable to wear. They are also capable of including more of the technology options you will want to have.

Hearing aids cost way too much and are rarely covered by insurance. Consequently, it pays to do some research before you make your purchase. Good that you are doing that. With proper testing, proper fitting and your desire to hear better, that stress monster will dissipate. So will the typical fatigue hard of hearing people experience when they struggle to participate in conversation; especially in noisy social settings. Good luck to you.