Re: Hearing aids.
Several years ago I, too, was bombarded with complaints from Marge that she had to repeat everything. Consequently, I went to my local NHS audiology department (Withington Hospital) and asked to be tested.
Unlike the OP, though, I was not met with 'shrugged shoulders'! In fact, everyone was very professional and helpful. I, too, was given free (digital) hearing aids and a plentiful supply of free batteries, and went away rejoicing... or Marge did.
Having worn them a few times, though, I found that they irritated my ears and, as a result, found myself wearing them increasingly less frequently. Eventually, they found themselves consigned to the cupboard where they still reside, almost forgotten.
Not long afterwards Marge, once again, made her displeasure known and insisted that I should try some private hearing aids. "We can afford them," she said. So off we went to the recently opened audiology department in our nearby Boots opticians, where we have always enjoyed excellent service.
Having taken the offer of a 'free trial', I decided (after suitable prompting by Marge) that I'd take up the deal. I have a pair of Phonak B90 hearing aids which benefit from being rechargeable, so no messing about with batteries; I just pop them in the charger when I go to bed.
Unfortunately, though, they still irritated my ears which I assume must be very sensitive (rather like their owner). The private audiologist suggested some different earpieces - 'C-cells' (not 'sea shells' as I initially misheard) - which are tailored to fit by making a mould from some sticky stuff that they shove in your earhole. These seem to be a little easier, most of the time, so I still wear them routinely to the joy of my long-suffering wife. The other incentive to persist comes from the £3500 I paid for them.
In all honestly, though, I am not entirely impressed with these hearing aids, especially bearing in mind their cost.
Despite the 'special features' stated in the information booklet, they still hiss in breezy conditions even though the audiologist has made several 'adjustments'. They also don't automatically pick up signals from a telephone receiver placed near the ear and, they claim, transmit the sound to
both hearing aids.
Another claim (of many) was that they can be adjusted to amplify sound from someone in front of you when needed and ignore sounds from behind, such as in a noisy restaurant or in a car. This doesn't work very well either.
In short, they are OK and do make hearing easier but, to be honest, I wouldn't buy them again (after the 5-year warranty expires).
I think, when the time comes, I'll go back to the NHS audiologist and ask to return to their units which, perhaps, might be updated by then.
If they still irritate, I'll compromise: turn them on when I need them (eg, watching the telly) and take them out when not really needed (eg, Marge nagging!).