I know how you feel! Without my hearing aids the world is very quiet! My hearing has really gone down hill 3-4 years ago. Even with a good pair of Phonaks I struggle with any conversation with more than two people. I have 13 grandchildren and I need to remind them that grandpa has to be very close to hear them! The important thing is that they know that I love them and try to spend as much time as I can with them. That is what is important! It has been a struggle but last week I came to the conclusion that it is more of a nuisance than anything else.....need to count all my other blessings and realize that this is just a challenge to overcome. Other than the hearing loss I am thankful that I can still get around and stay very active. But I do understand the frustration! Take care.

@rosemh I wonder how long you've been feeling such frustration? And which things make for frustration. I'll mention a little about myself because it might give some perspective. My hearing loss is worse than yours as it's labeled severe to profound. (Just a few years ago I replaced my hearing aid with a CI which was a good move.) It forced me to retire from my profession, which I was very invested, in at the age of almost 60 because it involved a lot of listening. Had I not had the hearing loss I would probably still be working 20 years later! When I had to retire, I very soon linked up with HLAA which then provided a whole new world of interest, challenge, new people and satisfaction. That certainly helped to significantly lessen the feelings of frustration besides developing skills with regard to coping with hearing loss.