Phonak issues continue, advice and opinions welcome

Hearing Aids
#1

So, I’ve been wearing rechargeable Phonak Audeo L50s with power receivers since July and I keep getting itching and irritation as well as very stinky moulds. I clean them using the Phonak cleaning wipes every day and put them in the drier but they’re always whiffy. Never had a problem with irritation or smells with the BTEs and tubed moulds.

I saw an ENT as part of a cochlear implant assessment as she basically said “why are you using these moulds and aids? Go back to what you know best!”

So I talked to my audiologist and their options are:
Keep the rechargeables and get titanium moulds made
OR
switch the aids to BTE and go back to wearing moulds with tubes.

I feel like I’ve only just got used to these damn things and they’ve been nothing but trouble. (I had to resort to DIY programming as Phonak and my Audi seemed clueless as how to solve the streaming sound issues).
Can’t decide what to do as neither option is making me happy. I do like the smaller more discrete rechargeables and I know some of that is because I haven’t quite got my head around the fact that I’m Big D Deaf yet. (Implant speech test was 12% in left ear and 0% in right ear :grimacing::grimacing:).

Any suggestions would be appreciated. I think I just need some help seeing the wood for the trees here. :joy:

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#2

Are you likely to move forward with cochlear implant surgery? If so, it may not matter much what you do regarding hearing aids (at least in the long run). Looking at your hearing loss and the challenges you’ve had with the Audeo Lumitys though I’d likely go back to the BTEs

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#3

Re: CI, I’m not sure. I am legit terrified of the surgery and the rehabilitation, mostly as I have some medical trauma stuffs too. ENT wants me to have a CT scan to make sure everything is good internally, and to be a “hell, yeah” about it. I think maybe not now but in the next 5-10 years? She reckoned it was the best option when you’re no longer getting benefits from your hearing aids, but I kinda am?

I think you’re right that BTE is probably going to be a better and less stressful option for me. I just hope Phonak BTEs aren’t as crappy as the rechargeables :joy:

#4

I’ve been wearing Phonak L90s with Phonak acrylic moulds since this past January with no issues. I switched to moulds this past January after 5 years of wearing power domes. I’ve never had a problem with cleanliness of the moulds. The comfort lever is 200% better. However things have changed and I’m getting close to your situation.

This past July I woke up and noticed a decrease in left ear hearing ability. A hearing test confirmed that I went from 65%/45% (L/R) word recognition to (16%/45%). I’ve had two rounds of intratympanic steroid injection and a cerebral MRI since. I meet with the Otolaryngologist later this month. It’s already been suggested that I consider a C.I. and I am resisting.

I asked the doctor about switching to the Phonak Naida line of HAs and he said to post pone any thoughts of new HAs at this time to see how my condition changes going forward. He said, “Why spend money, we may be able to bump up the aids you have now.”

I’m also a DIY, and I’ve given up hope at this time that I can get TV and music streaming to sound more natural. I’m happy to try and hear speech as best possible.

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#5

Go for the CI. It’s time.

I also think you should return to BTEs, but if your eardrums are intact try flushing your ears with 50/50 vinegar and water for a week and see if it helps with the itch/smell. If it stings, discontinue.

4 Likes
#6

Definitely your call on the Cochlear implants. From what I’ve seen on the forum most people wish they hadn’t waited so long. Good luck.

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#7

Yeah, it needs to be a hell yeah for me and right now it’s a maybe. I know most people say it absolutely changed their lives for the better, but I’m quite scared of doing it and I’ve got some previous medical trauma to work through.
I think for me, because I’ve lipread my entire life and I’m really good at it, I just don’t feel like I struggle as much as my audiogram might suggest I do?

#8

I’m going more on your word recognition scores. I suspect you’re REALLY good at reading lips.

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#9

Definitely go for the implant. You have nothing to lose. It’s not worth losing your life over struggles with communication.

Surgery has its indications and contraindications, but it isn’t a “big operation” such as, for example, a many gynecological procedures or cesarean section, etc. Many patients are scared to the point of exaggeration.

I always say that you can compare it to car travel—after all, during this, you bear the risk of an accident with the possibility of even death. I haven’t seen many people scared of that possibility even when it would be in fact riskier than medical procedure.