My thoughts about hearing aids:
1) start with an audiologist
2) High tech is good. Your audiologist can control the tech. You will have to make 2-3 return visits with a new pair to fine tune them.
3) To ME, water resistance is important. Before, I had to remove them in hot weather when I was sweating.
4) Your wife will probably tell you they are worth the high price.  If you can buy the same for less, good for you.
5) I like my phone being tied to them. Does make it tough to find the phone if you lay it down and walk away. It still rings in your ear, and you can't find the phone. Take your hearing aids out before calling your phone to listen for it ringing.