So, if you USED to see an audi, but can no longer afford to do so, are you wearing hearing aids now? You don’t have an audiogram posted, but if your hearing has diminished even MORE over the years you’ll need to address it. As others have posted, look into lower-cost options (Costco being probably the best out there).
See if there are low-cost medical services in your area. Are you a veteran? Try to find a place that offers a discounted price but a GOOD hearing instrument.
Maybe there is a hearing clinic near you that can help with payments. I know that Medicare offers some coverage but not really enough to make a huge impact.
A few decades ago, hearing aids were NOT the best for improving speech recognition. They’d merely amplify SOUND. Technology has come a long way, and even lower-cost aids offer performance comparable to name brands like Phonak & Oticon.
Main thing is to accept that you need HELP in resolving the hearing issue or you’ll continue to focus on that, missing what’s being said. I did the SAME thing (my mom, too). We get so stressed trying to HEAR that it’s like my brain just shuts down and all I hear is a MUSH of noise.
Good luck in your endeavor. Keep us posted. Cut yourself some slack but get out there and try and find a resolution.