What?

I need new hearing aids.  I've had the same pair for about 6 years, and they are losing strength.  They've been kind of crappy for some time, what with them being stuffed in warm, moist, sometimes waxy ears 'n such.  Not the best environment for mini computers.  I've held off getting new ones because a) partial coverage only comes every 5 years from hubby's insurance, and b) I've been waiting to lose weight.  Believe it or not, when one loses weight, one does so in one's ears as well, leaving once fitted hearing aids somewhat loose, and sounding "tinny".  With the pregnancy weight finally gone, (THAT'S RIGHT!  ALL GONE!), and the TV loud enough to hear next door, I checked in with the specialist to see what's new in hearing.  Since I'm insistent on having the type that are completely hidden within my ear canals, the past six years of technology advancement have mainly brought me much of the same, with the option to upgrade for an extra $1100 to what amounts to better clarity.  The specialist suggested that I consider this as I am young, working, and probably need to be at the top of my game.  Although what I do on a daily basis certainly qualifies as working, I'm not sure it's the kind of work that requires the best hearing possible.  High quality nagging, whining, and shrieking don't sound like they'd be worth the money.  With the dying hearing aids that I am presently wearing, I hear all those things better than I want to.  Overall, my kids are actually loud enough for me to hear them unaided.  I'm now considering a downgrade.