I have a 70% hearing loss. My right ear is completely gone and my left ear is down in several frquencies. My residual hearing is quite directional.   I have lived with this for 55 years. I play guitar, banjo, Autoharp, and harmonica in a couple of bands. We use Shure in ear monitors that I can control the volume on. Unless I completely lose my hearing or have it dimished to the point of non functionality I have no plans to get hearing aids.

What I hear is what I am used to. I have no tinitus to worry about. For my needs it is quite acceptable right now. My ENT is a guitarist and we discuss music and hearing quite a bit. He tells me that my auditory nerve in my right ear is functional and undamaged. He could do a reconstruction that would "Turn ON" the ear. But I would probably suffer from un ending tinitus as a result. I would have to weigh some pluses and minuses. He suggests I leave things as they are as long as I am OK with it. The hearing aids he suggests for me that would allow me to have zero impact on my performing are in the $12,000.00 to $15,000.00 dollar range. My insurance would cover about 50% of that expense. I am told my singing and playing is OK so I don't go adventuring into trying to make things better.

My point is hearing loss is an individual thing. Not every one needs to hear better even tho' they clearly have a situation that others might see as a problem. And many things must be considered before the expense is paid.

Don