R2D2: I was able to hear storms before with hearing aids and wondered the same thing you did. Now, I know exactly why, as they sound so extremely close especially right overhead like you said. I love storms even more now! I have always loved storms even as a child, but now I look forward to the eveing/night storms. Don't like it when it storms during the day cuz then I freak about driving in heavy rain. 
BTW I can't believe how violent storms sound either. I was able to hear storms with hearing aids but used to wonder why people got scared of them. Now, storms sound very close, especially when right overhead. Its certainly put me more in awe of nature.
