I've had extreme hearing loss for a number of years and have used hearing aids for quite some time. Using my aids during normal day to day activities they are nearly useless because they amplify everything, all background noise is amplified as well as voices. But in the woods where it is quiet, they work very well. I don't know about the regular game ears but my hearing aids are top of the line digital and I can't imagine a game ear being any better than what I have. My suggestion is to use them as much as possible just to get used to them as they can be a very good thing!