#1

I am on my second set of hearing aids. The first ones were in the ear. I wore them several hours a day, but not as long as I would like because I found them uncomfortable. They also didn’t seem to be doing not much for me. Eventually I quit wearing them. My problem isn’t so much with hearing as with understanding. I bought the first set because hearing was part of my job related physical. Without them I couldn’t pass the hearing portion. When my next physical came due I decided I better get another set of hearing aids. This time I got the Phonak behind the ear hearing aids and they also tossed in a ComPilot. I can now put the aids in in the morning and wear them without any discomfort for the rest of the day, upwards of 16 hours sometimes. The only time I take them out during the day is when my ears start getting moist and itchy. I then pull them out one at a time, take and swab out my years with a Q-tip and put them back in, then they’re good to go for about two hours and then I have to start all over again. My question is: is there anything I can do to keep my ear canals from getting moist? I have custom molds that are very comfortable and they do have a ventilation tube through them that has never been plugged. Is there something I can do to remedy this, or is it something I have to live with. Otherwise I just love my hearing aids.

#2

I wear RIC aids. Like you, I have a tendency to get itchy ears. My audi gave me a product called Miracle Pro Ear. It does a good job of stopping the itching. I put a drop on my finger and rub it on the domes before I insert them. Another product that I have heard mentioned is Eargene Ear Lotion. Both are available on Amazon or your audi may have a recommendation or preference for a certain product.

#3

my derm. told me to use a product called SCALPICIN, can be purchased at any drug store or krogers. place couple drops on a cue tip and rub in outer entrance of ear. works great.

#4

I took a look at the Scalpicin. It is a Hydrocortisone. Not sure if that isn’t overkill for those with a hearing loss.

#5

Those are all good suggestions. I will have to look at the scalpicin. This probably sounds patronizing, but its true nonetheless. Make sure you are drinking enough water. I live in the desert so I know all too well how easy it is to get dry skin, even in the ear canals. Drinking water usually helps to irrigate the skin cells internally, not the same as humidity, which will relieve sensitivity over time and improve the dry canal issues in some cases.

#6

kenp,are you an audie or pharmacist?

#7

Im not a Rx but i wouldnt use steriods daily. but do as you please

#8

Neither, I just looked it up on the net.

#9

what model phonaks do you have?