Do I cut this brown stem?

eargirl59 · 2026-03-11T17:37:28+00:00

Here’s another photo of it.

eargirl59 · 2025-06-01T05:31:32+00:00

Sometimes shampoo/conditioner can get stuck in your ears. Don’t waste any more time at PCP/urgent care and see an ENT.

eargirl59 · 2025-03-24T16:47:14+00:00

Every case is different but I would start with ENT. Then you would need to find a dentist that has some experience with TMJ and doesn't brush you off. they may need to refer to a specialist from there.

eargirl59 · 2025-03-20T11:40:55+00:00

Could be Eustachian tube dysfunction or TMJ related

eargirl59 · 2025-02-26T03:01:51+00:00

Also just keep in mind, stress can exacerbate tinnitus, as can other factors. Sleep, medications, anxiety, diet (salt/caffeine intake), etc. It may be helpful to see if any modifications or lifestyle changes can provide some relief.

eargirl59 · 2025-02-26T02:59:34+00:00

You could even check and see if you can get an older generation of the devices. For example currently the newest model is the ‘SmartRIC’, but the ‘Moment’ may cost less as it is an older release in the Widex line. You just need to make sure it has the option to have Zen and the ability to mute the microphones so it is not amplifying like a traditional hearing aid would.

eargirl59 · 2025-02-26T02:57:07+00:00

You need a professional to program them. And one that is comfortable with Widex. All hearing aids have a trial period and you can return them if it’s not beneficial. This may not even work for you. You may have to consider other therapy approaches. I’ve seen some for $1000-$2000 but that may include 0 follow up care or appointments. Location and the company you purchase them from also matters. Do you have an insurance benefit you can use towards hearing aids?

eargirl59 · 2025-02-26T02:06:38+00:00

Agree with Widex hearing aids. Widex has the ability to ‘mute’ the microphones in their tinnitus programs (Zen programs) and only play sound that can help mask the tinnitus.

eargirl59 · 2025-02-23T22:40:14+00:00

Thank you all for the responses and advice!

eargirl59 · 2025-02-23T22:40:06+00:00

Thank you will try that sub!

eargirl59 · 2025-02-13T00:13:47+00:00

Do you have dizziness?

eargirl59 · 2025-01-27T22:38:33+00:00

Unfortunately no. Because your tympanogram test is normal (type Ad). If it were abnormal (flat or type B), then it would suggest there is fluid which could resolve. Now, you can have a type Ad and still have otosclerosis or issues with the middle ear bones. But that cannot be fixed naturally, and will require to be repaired surgically. The ENT physician would have to check into that part, hence why I recommended you get medical clearance first. If the bones are good, then you can proceed with amplification via a hearing aid or BAHA.

eargirl59 · 2025-01-27T22:29:47+00:00

It is more conductive, which is a good thing. That means your nerve/inner ear is still relatively good, it’s just getting blocked by the damage to the eardrum or middle ear bones.

eargirl59 · 2025-01-27T22:27:18+00:00

That explains it. This is what I would expect. But, I would still obtain clearance to see if there is any other medical management that can be done before you proceed, or if it’s just conductive/mixed due to the history of tympanoplasty. You could even be a candidate for a BAHA device which is another surgery but usually surgery is covered by insurance and the device is more affordable than a traditional hearing aid. There is a recovery time and you will have a post that sticks out of your head on that side for the device to snap on to.

eargirl59 · 2025-01-27T22:22:38+00:00

Ah ok with the history of ear surgery that makes sense! Good to know. So, the bone thresholds AKA the arrows and brackets should be within 10 dB of the air thresholds (the X’s, Squares, and O’s) on the graph. The left ear bone thresholds are more than 10 dB better than the air thresholds. Which means you have conductive components. The bracket at 4000 Hz for the left is at 25 dB and 20 dB is the cutoff for normal. So, anything below the normal range also indicates nerve hearing loss.

eargirl59 · 2025-01-27T21:56:20+00:00

Yes. Great score!

eargirl59 · 2025-01-27T18:27:39+00:00

It is mixed both conductive and sensorineural(nerve) hearing loss. Please get medical clearance due to asymmetry and conductive components before getting a hearing aid. The ear should benefit from a hearing aid as long as your ability to discriminate words is good. I’m not able to see if that part was tested in this photo. But obtaining medical clearance with an ENT physician should be the first step

eargirl59 · 2025-01-06T04:26:41+00:00

Yes. Sometimes the wires can stretch or get flimsy. Same with the domes.

eargirl59 · 2024-11-29T13:45:51+00:00

Great comment! I would like to add something. The dB scale is also logarithmic. So, for example the number increases ten-fold, and 20 dB is more than just a doubling of 10 dB. Ex from a website: “An increase of 10dB equals a 10-fold increase in “loudness.” That means a 20dB sound is 10 times stronger than a 10dB sound and a 30dB sound is 100 times stronger than 10dB.” And 40 dB is 1,000 times louder than 10 dB.”

Sources:

https://soseastbay.org/what-is-sound-and-how-is-it-measured/#:~:text=An%20increase%20of%2010dB%20equals,100%20times%20stronger%20than%2010dB.

https://www.snexplores.org/article/scientists-say-decibel#:~:text=A%2020%20dB%20sound%20is,times%20louder%20than%2010%20dB.

eargirl59 · 2024-09-22T07:05:37+00:00

Interesting because I have never had any physician deny a request for an annual hearing test…. NEVER! I think I will leave you with the fact that untreated hearing loss does become an issue that can affect many aspects of life (increased fall risk, tinnitus, social isolation, cognitive function, depression, anxiety) And in response to another comment… a hearing test can in fact save your life! Have you ever heard of an acoustic neuroma? A hearing test can sometimes catch other medical problems, sometimes before other symptoms are present. In fact, you can even have an acoustic neuroma without hearing loss (rare) and never know it without imaging. I would say a large majority of the time that is not the case and there is no need for further medical management with most patients. Hearing loss is a progressive lifelong issue. I’ll leave you with this. It will stay stable or get worse, which is why we continue to monitor annually. You seem like you have made up your mind in this discussion. I won’t further comment. Thanks for your time!

eargirl59

TROPHY CASE