Results of Actual Hearing Test and Next Steps

First thanks to all for weighing in on this topic.  I found all perspectives helpful.  @mark200mph pretty much nailed my situation exactly.

• I'm 67
• My wife says I can't hear her sometimes; I hear her just fine one on one; but with a lot of background noise her voice is can be muddled.  She reserves the right to speak to me under any conditions 😂 and truthfully as long as she's there I'm happy.
• My assessment was mild to moderate; didn't see a rating at 12K Hz.  Audiologist said I'm borderline on benefits of hearing aid; probably don't need one yet.  But I made an appointment to demo since I have the time.
• I got my ears cleaned professionally; that really does help across the full spectrum. Going to do so yearly now.  Clear line of sight to ear drums.
• I thought I heard music just fine; so the EQ tuning is just "fine tuning" I feel I still hear a full spectrum of sound at 70-80 dB.  I can go louder when I prefer, my listening room is away from other living areas.
• I really protect my hearing; have done so for a while, but wish I had done so in my 20s (as well as a few other things). I'm using the new Sennheiser plugs at movies and concerts to reduce sound by 10-15 dB without loss of detail.
• Many of my friends are experiencing the same conditions. At least they are still around to complain about it (They have a long list).
• Both ears are about the same; my left is just slightly better at highs, but not by much
• Thanks again to all; I'd say admonish the young to protect their hearing, but they won't listen.

I've been wearing hearing aids for the past couple of decades. I've been wearing eyeglasses for longer than that.

I would no more listen to music without my hearing aids than I would read a book or watch a movie without my glasses.

I'd suggest giving them a try; most places have a refund policy if you don't like them.... 

One point of consideration is that it is apparently harder to adapt to hearing aids the older you are. Best not to leave it too long. I have relatives who waited till their late 70s and could not adapt, even though their hearing was quite bad.

Sorry about your hearing issue.  My hearing is very compromised, right ear major loss of high frequencies, left ear lower frequencies.  I researched the 7 best top of the line hearing aids plus sought out recommendations from a dozen hearing specialists.  Each had their favorites for various reasons.  The majority agreed that Widex 440 Sheers were best for music given their dedicated program.  After trying several brands, I purchased Widex's top of the line.  I noticed the difference immediately.  I mentioned my hearing issue to a manufacturer friend. He told me about a transaction with an elderly man wearing hearing aids who auditioned a low end, middle, and a very high end piece of equipment, purchasing the latter.  When asked about why that piece, his response was "I heard the difference".  While I notice my hearing deficiency, I can still hear the difference and enjoy the music.  Hearing loss sucks, but it does not have to be the end of enjoying music. 

I have 2 LOKI Mini's @ $149 ea.   FANTASTIC eq's...bought the Loki Max @ $1500....It's already on the way back...The Mini's are more "Musical"  Spend $149 and fix your problem.