Yeah, that description is accurate to my observation. I have only one acceptable setting on my HA's, the other just has too much circuit noise. I see that setting is a standby setting.
So the decision to go with molds rather than dome was good, because feedback is so irritating. I can't hear birds without them, though.
Then, I see that my audiogram is a smooth bite, so my theory that my ex's drag racing is a factor really isn't that important. Since I have good skills lipreading, maybe I always had it, my father had a hearing loss, but back in the 70's nothing could be done about it. I see there is a genetic component to it, too.
I am very pleased with my ReSound Zigas.
ReSound Ziga - Behind-the-Ear (BTE) models Zg71-DVI
I have telephone problems, so my cellphone is a US Cellular Bliss, which has a wide range of amplification. I did have an Axle, but it was just too difficult to understand. I hardly ever use any other phone.
I got a "Personal PA" from church, which really helps me with wandering mind problems, just don't have to concentrate so hard to pay attention.
My son has Asperger's traits, and ALWAYS talks quietly, and rarely rephrases when I ask him "What", so HA's are my best way of coping with his idiosyncrasies.