I like my hearing aids. I have purchased all but one set from Costco and have always been satisfied, at least I can hear most of what people are saying to me. I can't afford to go beyond what my insurance allowance is or I'd try the 3K version of what I have now. I just purchased Bernafon Chronos 7 with the Bluetooth Sound Gate 1.4 device. Only had then since this Thursday and so far very impressed. As far as folks looking at them, I don't care and if someone were to decide to be rude well lets just say at 61 I've been in the dirt with people before. I will not tolerate rudeness to myself, friends, or my dogs...