Muttley: I can only imagine the frustration you must be feeling and I'm absolutely positive that Arran didn't realize the extent of your disability so let's put our heads together here, not just for yourself but for others who are considering venturing into the field of busking.
To you though this message applies. ..... It sounds to me and probably to anyone else reading this thread that life has been pretty unfair to you in the past few years. Given that, it is absolutely imperative that you adapt. Your vocal volume has diminished and your hands are not what they used to be. You deserve to be amplified. If what you are doing is not working, change what you are doing.
In the meantime, if you read this thread then you will find that I offered some tips on this subject back when I was brand new to Mudcat. (Not very long ago)
Seems to me that there were some others on that thread who have a wealth of knowledge on this subject.