[KayakerNC]

I don't know what your insurance situation looks like, but if your primary physician refers you for a hearing test to an audiologist (ENT type) the test would be covered by most insurances and Medicare.
And, the test results are yours and you can take them to ANY hearing center and ask for their recommendations and pricing.
I would highly recommend a Costco hearing center. You don't need a membership, until you decide to buy, the aid prices are a LOT lower than most places, and they will gladly let you test drive a set in the store.
My insurance BCBS now has a benefit of $2500 per pair every 2 years for the aid costs and I was only out of pocket for about $900 for my pair of Siemen Pure Aids in Nov 2012.