I am new to hearing aids, too. I had a hearing test at Costco some 10 years ago and my hearing wasn't bad enough to need hearing aids. Hearing loss happens slowly over a number of years and isn't noticed. My PCP said that at my age (76) I should be tested. Hearing loss affects our ability to participate in social conversations, increasing withdrawal. AARP reports the hearing loss may contribute to dementia. https://www.aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/info-2022/hearing-loss-dementia.html

I recently had a hearing test at Costco and concluded I needed hearing aids. The technician adjusted the aids so that they performed properly to suit me. One person's hearing correction probably won't be right for the next person. She said to walk around the store and see what I thought. I was stunned to discover how much hearing I had lost. My main problem - to me - was that I didn't hear certain words properly. The volume was OK, but I didn't understand what people were saying. I noticed at a live performance that I didn't understand much of what some of the performers were saying.

I recommend getting a free hearing test at Costco. It won't hurt and you may be very surprised. As far as your insurance covering the cost, my hearing aids will cost $1600. The aids are almost invisible unless someone looks at the back of your head, but don't think that people will think you poorly of. I compare hearing aids to glasses: the both help us to continue to live a normal life.