There is an HLAA chapter in the Twin Cities. It would be worth your time to connect with them as they would have information about providers, accessible venues, products, etc. Email: president@hlaatc.org

They hold regular meetings, many of which are on Zoom videoconferencing. Some are in person. They are communication accessible because all meetings provide live captioning, and assistive technology that will work with your hearing aids.

HLAA, which is a consumer organization provides a super place to ask questions about products and providers. HLAA doesn't endorse or promote either, but members do share their experiences; both positive and negative. People will steer you in the right direction for positive professional support.

The large majority of answers I've gotten over the 40+ years I've needed support have come from HLAA. The organization's national website is: http://www.hearingloss.org

HLAA stands for The Hearing Loss Association of America, Inc. HLAA advocates for communication access in public places, promotes research in medicine and technology and provides a lot of peer support to people who become members. Membership is not required to benefit from HLAA. Membership simply provides support for the organization and the advocacy it does for all of us who have hearing loss.

FYI, background noise is the single most common complaint and issue for people with hearing loss. It takes courage to keep going and doing all the things you love to do. It's possible though if you are willing to learn about assistive technology, coping skills, and can find people who know what you are dealing with who are willing to be share experiences. Having your experiences and feelings validated by others is healing.

Do you know about HLAA?