That goes right back to the importance of being an informed buyer/consumer. Do some research on hearing aids. Talk to people who use them successfully. Use HLAA as a resource if possible. This is a unique area as we consider hearing instruments to be medical devices. They are, but since they are rarely insured so they are more like a 'consumer product'. You don't go out and buy a car, a TV or a refrigerator without knowing what options are available. Your lifestyle matters. If you don't enjoy social events, movies, plays, etc. you may not need all the options. On the other hand, if the reason you don't enjoy those things is because of your hearing loss, the options may be the incentive you need to get back in the swing. As I've said before: The telecoil is extremely important to me, and still would be if I didn't use it outside of my own home. home I use it on my laptop, and to listen to music on a variety of audio devices. I use it with my cell phone. Elsewhere I use it at our performing arts center, and in church. I turn to BlueTooth when we are out for dinner or in cocktail party settings. A hearing aid without a telecoil is like a car without air conditioning....you don't need it all the time, but when you do you are sure glad you have it! BT takes things a step further, but it does not replace the value of the telecoil. Lastly, it's up to the hard of hearing population to educate their communities about the value of hearing loops in public venues. They don't get there without that education. It's time we all stopped accepting that hearing loss is simply ignored when it comes to access. Communication access is a right but we have to claim it.