You are right on target about 'having to know everything' when going to an audiologist to be able to get what you might need for your hearing loss. Audiologists should have an Assistive Device Demo Center available, either in their practice or one they can refer their 'patients' to. The high cost of hearing aids is a shock to most first time buyers, so they are hesitant to suggest assistive devices that will raise the price. Also, the technology changes rapidly, so buying something today that may be 'old stuff' in a year is also an issue. It helps so much to participate in groups like HLAA chapters that bring hard of hearing people together to discuss what works for them and also what doesn't. This is especially difficult during COVID when we cannot get together in person. There are some interesting pod casts and Zoom recordings on the HLAA website that might be helpful. And, all of them are captioned. http://www.hearingloss.org So many have said that there are no HLAA chapters in their area. Reality: There were no chapters anywhere a few decades ago. People who seek help start them. There are people who need them everywhere. It's just a matter of finding a way to get them together.