Both of my grandmothers had pretty severe hearing loss before they agreed to get hearing aids, but it drove us crazy they way they'd hijack an ongoing conversation with something totally unrelated. This was back in the day when it was a $6-7K investment so I can understand their resistance. But it surprised me that my mother then fought it for so long as well - until I made her realize I was already treating her as deaf, having to touch her so she'd realize I was talking to her (although she spent a while saying it was something wrong with only my voice). So I suspect it's coming for me any day now ... I dread it, but at least it's less expensive now to correct it. And I like to think they're getting better with hearing music and handling background noise.

I have long observed the worst effect of hearing loss as you age is, as your replies become less relevant (because you did not hear the question/comment properly) that people immediately assume you have dementia!
You can get hearing aids from Costco for over $2300.00 less than from all the name-brand sellers, with the same warranty, and they give the best hearing tests of all i had. Their auditory shop techs do Not work on commission, either, so you can trust their suggestions!
Note: Most military retirees can get hearing aids free through the service. Many employers will, with documentation, provide them to you as well.
Do It!

I have pretty severe hearing loss and can attest to what the article says especially the cost and aides are a significant investment. My chief problem is with groups where sound is a jumble and where I can understand no one. One to one is OK. I turn down a lot of invitations because I know it will be an embarrassment such as when I recently turned down an opportunity to speak at a high school about photography as I knew I wouldn't be able to hear students properly. I do miss out on a lot because of it and it does bring loneliness.

Cool

Good to live in this age with technology.