Feeling hopeless. Is this the best I can get with hearing aids?

Yeah that’s not good, but could well be an easy to fix, what models are you using? But go back to your clinic and tell them your issues, as mentioned it’s a bit of trial and error to get them dialed in to a point your happy with them.

your aids are only as good as your audiologist, and it takes patience and willingness to keep getting them dialed in. Unfortunately really noisy bars, clubs or large gatherings are always going to be hard to impossible. I try to go out with smaller groups and I have to sit in a spot that I think i will hear better, like with your back to a wall. I almost always ask if music can be turned down in restaurants. When I was younger and went to clubs it turns out I was often going home with ringing in my ears, which probably got me to where I am today! Fun while it lasted..

Could you say a little more about auditory training and how it improves listening skills? Like teshhwhsi, I also struggle with noisy environments and similarly, my social life is rubbish.
Teshhwhisi, I’ve also had my hearing aids for around 3 years and despite many adjustments, my hearing aids dont seem to work well. I have Phonak Spheres

Hearing aid adjustments are important along with finding a good Audi. With that said the most you’re going to get from an Audi (private practice) might be three visits/adjustments over a given hearing aid issue. After that you’ll be told - ”sorry but we’ve done all we could” to try to improve things and there’s little else we can do, other than try a different aid. I’ve met some hearing aid dealers that felt one aid adjustment should be adequate when I was testing an aid, which is totally off base. Then again at some point you can’t squeeze water out of a rock and after two or three adjustments, your Audi will want to move on. Knowing he or she can’t get the hearing results the aid user might want. Problem could be the aid itself, the level of hearing loss and how skilled your Audi might be. That’s why its really important to try to get as many adjustments in during a hearing aid trial period. In that you have a little more skin in the game for more adjustments, since the hearing aid dealer wants a sale along with hoping your satistifed with the end results.

To add a little to this thread you need to be a big part of the fittings. This starts when you are out and about. Start taking notes of the good things and bad things about your hearing. Be sure to include the environment you are in at the time. This will help your fitter help you. Something else you can do is read more in this forum about your hearing and your aids. Learn the slang about how to talk to your fitter explaining things.

Good luck with this. Hang in there.

Auditory tracing was at one time an essential part of fitting hearing aids. And especially cochlear Implants. Now technology is all we mostly get from hearing aid professionals. But studies show auditory training used consistently can make a significant difference. I’ve read as much as a 40 percent improvement, but that is likely only for in person training. My friend Christine has an online class. See more at this link

Auditory Training and Tips for Success.pdf21

Google Drive file.

Here is more information on auditory training
Commonly Used Tools and Programs

• Digital Tools: BrainHQ provides neuroscience-based exercises. Cochlear’s rehabilitation resources offer syllable counting and word stress lessons.
• Structured Programs: LACETM (Listening and Communication Enhancement) and the Buffalo Model (BMAT) are recognized, therapist-guided, or computerized programs.
• Alternative Methods: Musical ear training, such as focusing on specific instruments or pitches, can improve auditory processing. [11, 2, 31, 4, 5]

Tips for Success

• Consistency: Practice 20-30 minutes, a few times a week.
• Daily Integration: Use daily, routine listening situations for training.
• Support: Use a “listening coach” (friend/family member) to practice in real-world scenarios.
• Technology: Utilize Bluetooth streaming and, if necessary, FM systems to aid listening. [11, 2, 3, 41, 5]

For more information, see this guide to auditory skills training and this overview of options for adults with hearing loss. [1, 21]

The only thing that helped me was having friends who eventually now wear hearing aids. They used to express frustration with me that made me so self conscience that I started guessing what they were saying. BUT NOW! They are in the same boat.

I am on my 4th set of hearing aids and I now wear Earlens. They are very expensive though and you have to see an ENT and an Audiologist. They are the best hearing aids I have ever worn. If you have the means and they are available in your area, I would encourage you to schedule demonstration appt. Six months before I heard about Earlens I had just purchased new Widex Moment 440 hearing aids for $7000. They were suppose to be the best available and they were good but when I compared them to the Earlens hearing aids, Earlens just blew them away! I still have the Widex and have uaed them on occasion when I forgot to charge my Earlens. In fact, I’m trying to sell my Widex because they were only used for 6months, have so much life left and I don’t need them. But back to Earlens, I love them!

I have severe to profound hearing loss nad have had many adjustments but now that I am retired I don’t need to hear in a work situation. It is really hard to determine if the audiologist or technician has adjusted the hearing aid to it’s best capacity. I usually get several adjustments with each new haring aid and then stop. It could be that I should keep trying but I never really know. It is a struggle to hear in noisy environments. I either avoid the group setting, go off to the side if it is a party and try to talk away from the crowd or use the partner mic if I am out with one person. I have been inviting people over more rather than going out. There are diy people who probably get the best adjustment on their hearing aids if you want to try that route.

I totally understand how frustrating it can be — my grandma had a similar experience. She used to avoid group conversations because she was always asking people to repeat themselves and didn’t want to bother anyone. Over time, she started keeping to herself, which was really hard to see.

That experience is actually one of the reasons we developed the HearLink Kit23. It’s a simple system with a small wireless microphone and bone conduction headphones that stream voices directly to the listener. For people struggling in noisy environments, it can make group conversations much easier and more enjoyable, helping them feel included again.