My hearing has been deteriorating as I've aged (in large part due to a "reckless" youth).  At this point I have less than 40% of my hearing left.  I do wear hearing aids but they don't come close to replacing normal hearing.  My concern is being able to stay in condition yellow.  I have increase my visual scans to try to compensate for lack of hearing, however that does not help me as far as things behind me.  Anybody out there have similiar issues and have you figured out how to overcome them?

I wish you'd quit mumbling, Dave.  I can barely understand you.

On the hearing rap, my wife says I just don't listen to  her.  At least I think that's what she's saying.

Seriously, as you said, your other senses will have to be used to compensate.  We used to play a little drill when I was a kid that had its origins in spy movies of the time (bete noir, of course).  There are a lot of techniques that you can use to "see behind you" such as reflections in reflective surfaces in front of you, shadows, sudden reversal of direction of travel, subtle scanning, etc. 

See the article at http://www.moreintelligentlife.com/node/897

While it's not spot on, it's got some good advice. 

Also, if I recall, there is an add-on device for your glasses (you do have glasses, right?) that is a "rear view" mirror, much like the one on your pickup truck door (you do have a pickup truck, don't you?).  You might be able to google it. 

I'm not in hearing aids, yet.  But, I'm afraid the time will come.  I wish I could say that my problems were due to loud rock and roll music during a wasted youth, but it's much more likely forgetting to plug up when the artillery was going off. 

PS:  You heard the old joke about the guy with hearing aids? 

His doctor asked him:  "How are you getting along with your hearing aids.  You wife told me they're not working." 

The old guy replied:  "No.  They're working just fine.  I just haven't told any of my relatives, yet, so they continue to talk as though I can't hear them.  I've changed my will three times." 

What a hoot!  I found one.  See http://www.3rd-eye.com/

Someone told me the Veterans Association will give me a hearing aid.  Does anyone know about this benefit?  If they will, is it a digital or at least a good hearing aid.  Seems that the better ones are very  pricey.  I lost a lot of hearing in the USAF in the early 60's working on jet engines and now my senior years have added to the loss.

Prospector> My brother lost his hearing aboard ship with the ships guns.   The Navy works in mysterious ways.  Bro was a radioman and also during conflicts when not on the radio was assigned to a gun.  Go figure.
The VA in his retirement years provided digital hearing aids and total care and an apology.   Contact your local VA or your retirement counsler. 
You've earned the benefits and care. 
Good Luck. 

That is at the top of my list for beginning of next week.  I will post my target but you guys have to promise not to pass out laughing.  Remember this old fart is a relative newbie!!