[bluedog103]

I've worn hearing aids for over 20 years and can tell you that the new technology is light years ahead of what I used back in the 1980s. With the digital technology came superior noise filtering, which to me is important as sound amplification.
The hearing professional you use is extremely important in the successful fitting of a hearing aid. There are many, many hearing aids stored in dresser drawers because they can actually make the hearing worse if fitted incorrectly. That's why I would only see an audiologist, not a hearing aid salesperson. The proper fitting is an involved process which for me always takes a few return trips to the audiologist. The digital hearing aids have several settings which can be programmed individually. As an amatuer musician, I have one setting programmed for no noise filtering. I like to hear exactly how my guitar or banjo sound. On one hearing aid I had a few years ago, the filtering feature actually interpreted the instrument as noise (I've heard my wife call it the same thing) and filtered out the sound coming from the axe. This was a simple fix for the audiologist and now I have that program set whenever I get new hearing aids.
The new aids have memory built in so the audiologist knows if you spend a lot of time in noisy environments, windy environments or if you don't use your hearing aid at all.
The last statement is crucial. You have to wear the hearing aid. If it doesn't help your hearing problem take it back and keep taking it back until you, not the hearing aid professional, is satisfied. Don't be afraid to be a pest. That's what they are there for. If an audiologist realizes after he or she hooks your hearing aid to a computer and checks the memory that you aren't using it, they should immediately find out why.
For me, Starkey's just seem to work better. When I've tried Phonaks they don't work and back they go. Now I don't even try them. It's just a frustrating experience. For others they might be the best choice. Different brands give different results.
Thus, to get back on track, I don't think I'd try a Songbird. You and your family know if you have a hearing problem. If you need help, I think you need a qualifed hearing professional. Even there you have a choice. I've had audiologists over the years who just can't seem to get it right. Then I look for another. When I find an audiologist who I can work with, I stay there.
Your spending alot of money, you owe it to yourself to get it done right.
Good luck.