I can only suggest to anybody who is suffering hearing loss to bite the bullet. Get a test and get an aid or aids.

I left it for years, got an NHS aid, which was sort of OK for some years, but eventually had another test and bought two in ear devices (admittedly at around £3000, argh!). These modern instruments are unbelievable - they usually have several programs e.g. normal, noisy environment, music, phone etc. Mine came with a remote control, and ear-to-ear communication (automatically varies volume as appropriate between l/h & r/h sides). They also remember how you use them so they can optimise performance, and even keep a log which can be read by a laptop! Mine aren't the really tiny ones which fit right in the ear canal, but they are pretty unobtrusive.

The downside is that they MUST be insured because sooner or later you'll tread on one, go swimming with 'em in, etc. Also keep on at your supplier if they don't fit exactly or otherwise give trouble. etc.

Congratulations Patrick on hearing again and I hope all goes OK.