Julie.... my husband used to say "Never mind, it wasn't important" to me all the time. I tried to tell him how hurtful it was but he kept on doing it. Finally I wrote him a long letter explaining in depth how it made me feel (like you, unimportant). He seemed to get it then and things are much better now. Also we got an I-Pad which prints out the conversation. We now have at least a 30 minute conversation at breakfast and again at dinner so it has been great.
Your post about stigma was interesting. Just this morning I was talking on the Caption phone with a health provider. At one point he said this was his first conversation with someone using a Caption phone, also his first conversation with someone who can't hear. Then he said "But you sound pretty sharp". Hmmmmm. Now what was he expecting?
As far as hearing aid ads I do wish they would not stress that they are practically invisible. It does seem to point out that hearing loss is almost something to be ashamed about. Personally the aids have never bothered me in that way.... I needed them so I got them. I felt the same way when I had to start using a cane... I needed it, so what. It's also been interesting how many people offer to help me with things when they see the cane. Sometimes I need the help ie carrying something and trying to open a door while using the cane. There are a lot of nice people out there who step up. Thanks for your post. Judy