“F.D.A.-regulated P.S.A.P.s (personal sound amplification products) might represent a simpler, cheaper solution.”

An estimated one zillion older people have a problem like mine.

First: We notice age-related hearing loss. A much-anticipated report on hearing health from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine last month put the prevalence at more than 45 percent of those aged 70 to 74, and more than 80 percent among those over 85.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/19/health/hearing-aid-alternatives.html?_r=0