@barbarat

I agree with @minniemimi about perhaps switching ENTs. I also wanted to mention that hearing aids need cleaning by your Audi at least every 6 months. Those openings where the microphones are can get clogged with normal debris espically on women who use hair products. My current Audi just vacuumed out my Cros and other 2 aids and I could notice the difference. They sell vacuums on Amazon that I am considering.

I am not sure if you wear BTEs with tubing and molds .
I retube mine on a regular basis and also change the ear hooks every few months. I do this rather than having to go to my Audi when I think they need cleaning or changing. This is something your Audi should be doing on a regular basis. Also, if you wear molds, how they fit is a major priority for optimal hearing.

I question why you bought your current aids if they seemed no better than your old ones at the time. I have a very challenging hearing loss with a small area to fine tune and adjust. My old Audi ,who was the best programmer, left the ENT practice for a different area and was a superb patient women, I wanted to stay with the ENT practice and think I may have lucked out with this new Audi. She seems very energetic and proactive and even got on the phone with Phonak when I had a question about a possible new aid. I am seeing her again in 6 months because she said Phonak is coming out with something new that may be compatible with my Cros.
The Phonak Paradise is also a good update.

I would read up about Cros and BiCros receivers and some of the new aids coming out before you select a new Audi. Also get to know about Bluetooth capability and those handy speech to text apps and other assisted devices that are out there.

We have to educate ourselves and not rely solely on the Audi. I am partial to Phonak because of the power and I have trialed all the major brands. I also have been wearing aids for 40 plus years and have seen the good, the bad and the ugly in hearing loss professionals.

I think a teaching hospital is a great place to go if you have one near you. I was evaluated at one many years ago but never returned. We are overrun with Audiologists and hearing aid techs in my area in Florida and can pick from the best. Don’t be afraid to move on…it really sounds like you could be understanding a whole lot better than you are know.

Hearing loss and diet are my passions. They are related more than you think.

FL Mary