ITC/CIC hearing aid options for severe to profound sensorineural loss

Background:
I have bilateral severe to profound sensorineural hearing loss since several years now and have been using ITC aids for the last 20 years or so.
I recently visited an audiologist at a hearing aid dispenser and was informed that only BTEs were suitable. They suggested the Siemens Nitro 301 SP. I tried them on for a few minutes, took a walk outside, listened to music on my phone with them on, but wasn’t happy with them (may be a programming issue, I don’t know.)

The thing is, I don’t want BTEs at all. I have been using ITCs for close to 20 years and would like to continue with them. I am aware the BTEs will probably be better given the extent of loss, but they have other drawbacks I would rather not compromise on - embarassment, phone+headphone usage, and the sheer fiddleyness being some of them.

Current hearing aids:
I am currently using the fully automatic Widex Senso CXP+ (volume maxed out) which have served me well for the last 8 years, but are now damaged and need all components replaced. I figure its time to get new ones. How does the Siemens Nitro 301 (ITC/CIC only) compare against this? Will it give me the same/better level of hearing as the current Senso CXP+? I did ask the audiologist this but she was unwilling to compare.

The CXPs have been doing a decent job - the issues come when using a phone (too much feedback, no T-coil, I actually remove it and answer the phone without it on!) and listening to TV/Movies (can’t follow speech clearly). Face to face conversational speech is clear enough, while group conversation may not be.

Environment:
I work in IT, with lots of phone/skype/Lync conferencing - so good phone+headphone usage is required. I go for the occasional movie/restaurant/night out but don’t party that much.

So I guess the main questions I have are:

• How does the Siemens Nitro 301 (ITC/CIC only) compare against Widex Senso CXP+? Will it give me the same level of hearing as the current Sensos?
• Other than Nitro 301, are there any other ITC/CIC brands/models that can do a good job?
• Will my hearing deteriorate further if I don't use BTEs?
• Just in case there is nothing else, what other brands/models of BTEs will work?
• Any other general advice for someone who wants to go with ITCs despite needing BTEs?

Constraints:

• I can't afford high-end ones like Nitro 701s so a price comparable to the 301s will work.
• There is no trial period where I live (India) except initially for a few minutes at the shop/clinic. No returns permitted either and of course, Insurance doesnt cover it :)

Audiogram:

Male/30.