Maybe try changing the Wi-Fi band (“Wi-Fi Hotspot” -> “Speed and compatibility” menu)? Check also if you get the same slow internet with USB tethering.
That’s one of the annoying parts of the stock OS (unless you can ignore the search bar), it’s an unremovable part of the default Pixel launcher. To get rid of it you’d have to install a 3rd-party launcher, or just install GrapheneOS 👀
Have you tried contacting the manufacturer of your hearing aids? It’s worth a shot and you don’t have much to lose, + they’re probably not even aware that there’s an issue with them.
But yeah, a case is definitely the first must-buy (went case-free for years, changed my mind recently as I dropped my P7a on concrete for the third time 🙃). No MagSafe ring for mine, but I got a Ringke Onyx case. It’s pretty cheap, looks great and even makes your phone much more pleasant to hold.
There’s also group C which I was part of, you just say that you just pooped or scratch your butt whenever they ask you to load/unload and they’ll immediately offer to do that for you instead.