although I consider I hear well for my age, after being given a rather thorough inspection, I was advised I have substantial hearing loss. I have known for a very long time that one loses reception of higher frequencies as time passes, but apart from some soaps on tv, where they talk in stage whispers at times, and also have background music a lot of the time, I didn't think I had a real problem. Apparently with the loss of high frequency reception, I lose some consonant sounds, which accounts for the apparent mumbling. With a 60 day trial period. I should be able to tell if the hearing aids are able to help me with this. I can't think of a reason not to give it a try