Hi there, I also have the spirit 3 sp and have had it for 2/3 years. It does take time getting used to it. Initially I found it hard going at first but then it starts to make sense. :|
I think it's because it's more customisable than the other HA's in the market back then, cos I remember the audi telling me that the Spirit had 4 channels opposed to the normal 1 channel of ordinary analogue HA's to bi-channel of the first digital hearing aids.
You could go back to the audi and explain your issues and maybe they'll re-program it. It shouldn't be that distorted at all, it should be doing the opposite! - that what I found with mine. Now one of them is being retired as I'm having my CI switched on.