I know I'm not hearing so well these days, but I loathe the thought of getting a hearing aid. I feel it's going to make me look

At the risk of missing out on scintillating conversation, you know you have to get a hearing aid. Luckily, there are hearing devices today that can be concealed in the ear canal. They include the "in-the-canal" (ITC) and the "completely-in-canal" (CIC) hearing aids. The latter can barely be seen, so it may be what you're looking for. Speak to your physician about it, and read up on hearing aids by checking out www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/hearing/hearingaid.asp. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders also runs an information clearinghouse that you can access by calling (800) 241-1044.