I don't think the fact your hearing loss is caused by Meniere's (as mine is) affects the type of hearing aid you get. I tried several in the audiologist's office and for me Widex was the clearest. Then when the hearing in my left ear went almost completely I qualified for a cochlear implant which was put in three weeks ago and is now activated. Meniere's hearing loss often fluctuates and so otc hearing aids aren't really an option. I see the audiologist more than most people because my hearing (now right ear only) does fluctuate so much. One thing to think about is that if you are contemplating CI surgery in the future Resound hearing aids work seamlessly with Cochlear America's CIs and I believe Phonak with Advanced Bionics. No idea about Med-El. It wouldn't necessarily have changed my mind about which HAs I got, but I might have paid more attention to the Phonak and Resound brands when choosing.