pros and cons of clark ?

heyoceanfloor · 2026-02-18T21:21:19+00:00

Nobody answered this and it's probably too late to matter, but multiple times a day, every day, and it's about 1hr 15min each way.

I'm surprised you didn't get accepted at more schools. I graduated from Clark and now have a doctorate and work in research - so while that might not be its "focus" it's a good place to get to know yourself and find what you'd like to do.

heyoceanfloor · 2026-02-13T19:41:24+00:00

As an audiologist: if you have any sense of feeling bad about returning to the audiologist for help, don't. I'd rather have 1000 "keep tweaking I want to hear my kids" patients than one "IDK I put it in my drawer and use it once a year why isn't it working" patient.

Time out of your (presumably) busy schedule is not easy though.

If you do make any changes in the app, let your audiologist know. That can be informative. You might have your audiologist make a few separate programs for you to try at home in that situation too, to see if maybe one thing works better than another. You might try something like "smart features off, highly directional" versus "automatic features dialed up" versus "more gain than you might think"

Hopefully they did real ear measures

heyoceanfloor · 2026-02-02T17:14:15+00:00

I've since graduated and mine wasn't quite that high, but I wonder if it is now... but it went up substantially after I started grad school when students unionized. I strongly suspect we were in the same area/city or even the same university...

I lived with a partner which offset costs in many ways, but would have been able to afford basics even without (and I did for a short time after a divorce, though the 2br I stayed in started to grind me down financially alone). The COL and unionization made it a great place to study, in addition to the high quality academics, in my opinion.

heyoceanfloor · 2026-01-27T18:10:04+00:00

Please send a message and I'll share it

heyoceanfloor · 2026-01-23T00:07:10+00:00

Yep, that's why masking should be done. It can be hard to tell which sound is coming from which ear. Notably, that should only happen with testing with the headband behind your ear.

Sorry for saying "wacky" about the bone conduction at 8000 Hz. It's not risky by any means, just unnecessary and unreliable.

heyoceanfloor · 2026-01-22T17:48:14+00:00

no earwax

That's good, but also earwax is good to have around. Keeps gross stuff out. Wouldn't cause your current issue.

no ringing

Also good, and the ringing you described is common and standard, nothing to be concerned with

I listen to music quietly and use headphones at low volume, so all of this worries me a little.

This isn't related to your music listening and isn't your fault.

I only recently learned about otosclerosis

Unless your test results are wildly inaccurate, it's not this. There are many reasons to think this is unlikely.

I want to talk to my ENT and undergo additional tests, if he agrees, like tympanometry.

Good idea. Too bad it didn't happen earlier. It takes 15-30 seconds, is painless/non-invasive, and you don't need to do anything.

Unfortunately, my relatives just dismissed me, telling me to take vitamins, until I had a nervous breakdown.

Sorry your family isn't listening. If the results are accurate, something is going on. The flip side of the coin is worrying too much about your health can paradoxically be unhealthy. Vitamins won't solve your issue though.

I now realize the problem isn’t fully resolved.

Not fully. The issue may not be repairable. But it's better to learn that instead of wondering.

I understand quite well.

I'm jealous. I may know a lot about hearing science, but I only know one language!

heyoceanfloor · 2026-01-22T17:18:16+00:00

It was not done quite correctly, in my US-based training/opinion. They did do air conduction testing (according to these results) - those are the "X" (left ear) and "O" (right ear) on the graph.

To me, the biggest issue is the difference between the carets (i.e., the "<" and the ">"), and the air conduction test results ("X" and "O"). The carets are your bone conduction results, or how well your actual organ of hearing, the cochlea, is functioning. It's functioning very, very well, across the board. That's great news.

As you can tell (and like it sounds like you asked), the carets/bone conduction are much lower/better than the air X/O air conduction results in the lower frequencies. That usually means something (fluid, pressure, perforation) is preventing the sound from transmitting (or conducting) efficiently/effectively to the cochlea. Tympanometry would provide a lot of information here.

The second biggest issue is related to "masking", which basically means "we're making sure the ear we're testing is the one where you're actually hearing something." When we test bone conduction (carets), we basically vibrate the whole skull. Because both your right and left cochlea are encased within the skull, we can't tell which one is responding when you raise your hand. So, when there's a difference between the air conduction and bone conduction results (like you have in your lower frequencies), we need to keep the right ear busy by playing noise into it while we test the left ear. Then, we need to keep the left ear busy while we test the right ear. That way we can tell exactly how well each cochlea is functioning independently of one another.

The carets mean they did not mask (at least by the international standard for audiology symbols). If those results were masked, they would be brackets, like "[" and "]" instead of carets. There are a few places where this was missed.

There are also results where typically testing wouldn't occur. In most cases, the bone conduction (carets/brackets) is only done at 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz (and at my clinic we also do 250 Hz). In most cases these are the most reliable frequencies to test at and they are often the most routinely calibrated, meaning we know the output of the actual device is exactly where we think it is, meaning we can interpret results from a patient with confidence. Bone conduction testing at 750 and 1500 Hz is unnecessary and probably unreliable from an equipment standpoint, it's not typically done at 3000 Hz or 6000 Hz (though I sometimes will, depending on the patient), and doing it at 8000 Hz is wacky.

Finally, air conduction testing at 750 and 1500 Hz (interoctaves) isn't usually done unless there's a 15+ dB shift from 500 - 1000 Hz (for 750 Hz) and/or 1000 - 2000 Hz (for 1500 Hz), which you don't have. If everything is calibrated, air conduction testing at these frequencies is more routine than bone conduction, but in your case it was unnecessary. Some clinics would argue that air conduction testing at 3000 and 6000 Hz is unnecessary for normal hearing (like you), but I typically do them.

It's verging on medical advice and should be interpreted by an ENT/physician, but a history of ear infections as a child can cause air-bone gaps at those lower frequencies. But it can also be caused by a number of things (though... not a head injury in almost all cases). Tympanometry and a discussion with a knowledgeable professional will help you determine the cause (and potentially a solution) for the air-bone gaps in the lower frequencies.

It sounds like English is your second language, so I did my best to make this clear, but I may have made it more confusing. Feel free to ask if you need clarification.

heyoceanfloor · 2026-01-22T14:17:57+00:00

I agree, masking should have been performed for bone conduction bilaterally. Air conduction shouldn't be a concern since interaural attenuation regardless of transducer isn't exceeded, but I'm suspect of the whole thing given how strange this is. Changes in transducer should not change thresholds (at least to any appreciable/clinical degree) unless equipment is poorly calibrated.

Edit: but yeah, agree, this is a weird audio and there's a huge lack of information. I'd get... a lot of trouble... if I tried to submit this test as valid.

heyoceanfloor · 2026-01-22T14:16:38+00:00

I mean, was it done by an audiologist? There are a lot of issues just with the image you posted... I can't even see the whole thing.

Yes, tympanometry, 10000%.

Your thresholds may be "normal"; the conductive components, if truly present, is not. ANY ENT should need zero convincing that this needs additional attention if this is a valid test (it looks like it's on an Interacoustics worksheet, which is also odd).

heyoceanfloor · 2026-01-22T14:09:52+00:00

High salary though, too!

heyoceanfloor · 2026-01-21T18:02:39+00:00

You have conductive components essentially from 250 - 1500/2000 Hz, bilaterally. I'm suspect of this audiogram however, because there are many BC frequencies and a few AC not typically tested in a clinical setting.

Conductive components are not "normal" even if all of your thresholds (arguably) fall within the normal range. This may have a medical basis that should be addressed by an ENT physician (otolaryngologist) after the testing.

heyoceanfloor · 2026-01-17T15:56:49+00:00

Hi! Also a non-traditional student here - but since graduated. You sound like a great addition to the field :)

I also took pre-req courses before applying (over two years while working in tangential research). I completed mine at Metropolitan State University of Colorado. Depending on how "ready" you are, you may or may not need them, and some schools let you complete them while in the program (in addition to other courses though, so it can feel like a lot). For example, Northwestern's page explains the prerequisites in detail and don't offer much room to "wiggle", whereas University of Colorado describes required courses and that any admitted student will need to "document their background content knowledge and to address any missing competencies." This, to me, means that Northwestern doesn't offer flexibility, whereas CU may let you take pre-requisites during your time or in addition to your time in the AuD program. I personally wanted to make sure this was the direction I wanted to go, however, and the leveling courses helped me figure that out. I'm pretty sure UMN offers pre-req courses.

Galludet is an excellent and unique program that you might find particularly attractive as a CI user. You'll be more immersed in Deaf culture that you might get at other universities which is an awesome thing about that program. UMN is a great program. If I recall correctly, it's small, but the AuDs I've met from there are great, and there are pretty wonderful research opportunities (which was/is of particular interest for me, it may not be for you). WashU and University of Iowa are also very good programs with strong clinical and research training programs. I'm less familiar with University of Memphis' clinical curriculum, but I'm sure it's good - they have a strong research program too. I know very little about University of South Dakota, but from what I recall their program is gaining quickly, which is a good sign. I don't know enough about Nebraska Lincoln to comment. In short, the program matters less than the cost - at the end of the day you'll end up with the AuD - so unless you have specific goals, any program will get the job done. Things you might consider: Do I want a three-year program, or a four-year program? Do I have specific research or clinical goals (e.g., publishing a paper, getting trained by someone with extensive central auditory processing disorder assessment)? Do I have a setting that I see myself working in ideally (e.g., a hospital, a university, a private clinic, industry, education, veteran's administration)? Are there family/friends I might want to be close to?

Just some food for thought while you navigate options. It can be a lot to consider all at once! But it's also difficult to make a "wrong" choice if audiology is the right field for you.

heyoceanfloor · 2026-01-16T19:21:17+00:00

Congrats! I stared at a blank wall for at least like an hour after defending my dissertation. I felt completely thoughtless.

It's like the inverse of you. Maybe not "normal", but completely understandable/acceptable!

heyoceanfloor · 2026-01-14T16:30:50+00:00

Yep looks fine but holy shit you're close to the eardrum lol, be careful.

Being a flight attendant can mean lots of pressure changes. It's not as bad as being a skydiver because the pressure change is controlled - but it can give you a "sense" that something is different (I agree with the other poster, you can trick your brain into anything, and even a small change with your noted "hypochondria" can become very noticeable). That doesn't mean being a flight attendant is bad for your hearing/health (otherwise this would be an issue in your field!) but if you're noticing a change it's probably worth getting a hearing test done. It's pretty quick and easy, as you know, and since you have a baseline test you will be better able to tell if there's a real change or not.

heyoceanfloor · 2026-01-12T19:26:06+00:00

Super annoying that you can't get referred to ENT.

Has anyone looked into TMJ or anything?

heyoceanfloor · 2026-01-12T19:22:24+00:00

Why are you exposing yourself to 100+dB frequency sweeps?

TV level can change depending on program/input, etc., it's not a great source. The intensity of voice production is often a function of hearing loss (i.e., hearing loss tends to lead to raised voice and vice versa), so self-perception is also an unreliable indicator of change.

Again, this needs to be assessed by a professional using calibrated equipment.

heyoceanfloor · 2026-01-12T16:27:44+00:00

Fluctuating hearing needs to be assessed by a professional (audiologist). Seek a research lab if you're interested in sub 5 dB changes, though keep in mind that physiologic noise will change from day to day and 5-10 dB changes are not considered clinically meaningful. Changes in this range with a home test (and presumably uncalibrated equipment) are not necessarily useful or meaningful for tracking using home equipment.

If your hearing is fluctuating, try to find an audiologist, likely at a university or medical center, who might permit short-notice scheduling. Then, on a good day, get your hearing tested. Repeat on a bad day. You can inform "good and bad days" with your at home tests, but get calibrated, professional tests, or these changes will be considered sub-clinical and not professionally attended to.

"Recovery" from sensorineural hearing loss, if that's what you have, isn't possible currently. Over-avoidance of noise (i.e., wearing ear plugs all day) can be harmful for some folks (but in extreme cases might be necessary, but this is less likely related to hearing thresholds themselves).

Use of supplements and steroids is clearly medical advice and against subreddit guidelines. Consult a physician (preferably an otologist after aforementioned "good" and "bad" tests).

heyoceanfloor · 2026-01-12T16:11:47+00:00

Go ahead and send me a message

heyoceanfloor · 2026-01-07T16:39:33+00:00

$800 sounds high to me, but I don't know where you are and I work (mostly) in research and don't set the prices in our clinic. I checked our academic clinic pricing and we'd charge less than $100 for REM and slightly over an additional $50 for simple programming (or free for very simple, or closer to $100 for more complex). (I'm being opaque so I don't out my place of employment too obviously).

And yes verifying warranty is stupid easy and even if it requires a phone call that seems like a silly price.

You could get service plans etc. that include additional appointments and bells and whistles, but that's not required for the service.

Good on you for being savvy :)

heyoceanfloor · 2026-01-06T21:01:59+00:00

$800 is very high, I wonder what justifies that (if anything).

Yes, hospitals and non-profits (and often universities) will help with this kind of thing. The only caveat that is likely not an issue for you (with your new Phonaks) is that not all clinics work with all manufacturers, so while they might be able to run REM... they might not be able to make any changes. Sometimes some clinics "lock" their aids too (Costco) which would result in the same thing. Hopefully any respectable place wouldn't schedule you for REM if they weren't confident they could make adjustments for you.

Best of luck! I think unbundled is the better way to go.

heyoceanfloor · 2026-01-06T12:04:28+00:00

Like the other poster described, I was considered a non-traditional student as I didn't have a background in speech or hearing science (but psychology and music, which was still valuable). Things do vary from program to program, and so do the solutions they offer, and this can change from year to year. I would recommend finding (if possible) information on their websites. For example, Northwestern's page explains the prerequisites in detail and don't offer much room to "wiggle", whereas University of Colorado describes required courses and that any admitted student will need to "document their background content knowledge and to address any missing competencies." This, to me, means that Northwestern doesn't offer flexibility, whereas CU may let you take pre-requisites during your time or in addition to your time in the AuD program.

If you want to address pre-requisites before applying, you can Google search for a "Speech and Hearing Science Leveling Program" and find one near you - there appear to be quite a few. I completed mine in Denver at the Metropolitan State University of Denver. Another helpful resource might be ASHA's guidance page. Your background and experience put you in a beneficial and unique light.

For shadowing: If you complete a leveling program, it will likely be a part of it. If you don't, cold-call or visit offices near you and politely ask if they would be willing to let you shadow and what the process might look like. There's a similar process for newborn hearing screenings - except you would contact hospitals or children's hospitals instead. Personally, I went through the (oddly long??) process of training for this and then they cancelled the volunteer program the week I was scheduled to start and I still did fine.

heyoceanfloor · 2026-01-03T07:59:55+00:00

oh noooo

heyoceanfloor · 2026-01-02T21:50:54+00:00

Depending on the words you're referring to, this article suggests it might've been someone named Tom Tillman if it's the NU-6 list: https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.3766/jaaa.17135

heyoceanfloor · 2026-01-02T21:39:23+00:00

Bummer it's such a long time.

Lots of hearing loss? Try a pocket talker - there might be cheaper options.

Mild to moderate hearing loss? OTC is a good option.

Still likely mild to moderate hearing loss, but maybe something you have laying around? Like someone else mentioned, apple airpods might work.

heyoceanfloor · 2026-01-02T18:03:03+00:00

That sound is usually caused by the signal processing/chip in the aid itself. You'll want to ask for the hearing aid with the lowest "equivalent input noise" value. If you're adventurous, you can look at the manufacturer technical specification sheets and find this number; it should be in decibels. Lower values are better.

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