Hearing loss issues

William Taylor74 said:So, has anyone here actually gone through hearing surgery? Or maybe there's someone who could walk me through what the deal is and what kind of results I should realistically expect? My hearing hasn't been great for quite a while now, but I’ve reached the point where I want to fix it—or at least give it a shot. Is that even a thing? And if surgery isn't on the table, does anyone know much about hearing aids? I'm looking for something practically invisible; I did some digging and apparently the smallest option is a CIC model. I've also heard rumors about those glasses that have built-in hearing aids, but I'm assuming they aren't even available here in the States? Does anyone actually know anything more about this?

Maybe start by seeing an audiologist? 😕
No one on this forum can tell you if surgery will actually restore your hearing.
My mother went through six different surgeries—nothing worked, she's still completely deaf.
There are plenty of Apparatus options available; she's currently signed up for a new, high-tech model where insurance covers part of it, but she'll still have to shell out about $1000. Generally, you're eligible for a hearing aid through Medicare every two years, though you always end up paying a portion of the cost yourself.

I'll be heading out.

So, is that fancy little Apparatus called a CIC—like, completely in the canal? I'm assuming that's the tiny, miniature one that sits entirely inside the Ear canal (that CIC thing)?

Hey, have you seen anywhere in the States where you can actually pick up glasses with built-in hearing aids?

William Taylor74 said:I'll be heading out.

So, is that fancy little Apparatus called a CIC—like, completely in the canal? I'm assuming that's the tiny, miniature one that sits entirely inside the Ear canal (that CIC thing)?

Hey, have you seen anywhere in the States where you can actually pick up glasses with built-in hearing aids?

I honestly don't know😢—I can ask my mom tomorrow and let you know. Or just snap a photo once she gets it. Though, from what she’s saying, it doesn't go in the canal; it sits behind the ear, even if it is quite small.
As for the glasses—first I've heard of it.

So you've got those glasses, but from what I can tell, they aren't even available here in the States...

The last time I went through this, maybe seven years ago, it was just brutal. Honestly, I can still feel the sting—it was painful enough to bring tears to my eyes. So, now I’m sitting here wondering... should I actually do it again? I mean, part of me feels like I really ought to, but man, I don't know.

Did it hurt you???

For a while now, I’ve been dealing with this constant, nagging sensation like my ears are plugged up—it happens multiple times a day—and honestly, it feels like my hearing has taken a hit too. I went to see my ENT, but all they could find was a slight septal deviation, and that was it. Nothing else. It is driving me absolutely insane because it just keeps happening, over and over. When I actually pressed them for an answer about why my ears feel so stuffed up, I didn't get a single straight answer.
I can't figure out if this is actually being caused by that deviated septum (even though it's supposedly minor) or if there is something else going on entirely.

A mild deviated septum isn't going to cause that kind of blockage. At most, you're looking at some breathing issues or snoring..
I’ve dealt with that same clogged feeling before—my hearing was muffled and my own voice felt like it was echoing inside my head. I went to the ENT, they cleaned out my ears, and everything turned out fine. My doctor's advice is to get them cleared out at least twice a year, regardless of whether things feel blocked or not.

Yeah, I went through the exact same thing once. I ended up getting my ears flushed out and everything turned out just fine...

..but lately, it feels like my ears are clogged up because of sinus issues. My aunt actually picked up some 30% solution ear drops from her local pharmacy, and they seem to be helping me slowly...

So, I hit up a club this past Saturday, and it’s been two days now and my ears are still ringing like crazy. Usually, that buzzing dies down after just a few hours, you know? But this time? It hasn't stopped. Honestly, I'm starting to freak out a little—what if I actually caused permanent damage since it's been going on for forty-eight hours straight?

On top of the ringing, my hearing feels super sensitive lately. Even normal talking or moderate noise feels way too loud and jarring. What should I even do about this?

Hey there...

So, I’m dealing with some massive hearing issues in both ears—specifically, my middle ear is pretty much trashed. I’m 37, and honestly, ever since I can remember (I had meningitis when I was four, and everyone says that’s the culprit), it’s been a struggle. The folks over at Suvag basically told me my inner hair cells are dead and there's nothing they can do about it 😢
My outer ear is also super small—like, when the specialists at Suvag saw my first device, they actually asked me who gave me that thing 😁 because they thought it looked like a tiny kid's model 🙄... even though it was custom-molded to fit my ear perfectly 😢)
The main issue, though... it's everything. There are certain sounds I just can't catch at all, others are muffled, and sometimes I can't even tell where a sound is coming from. But the absolute worst part? Understanding what people are actually saying. As soon as I'm in a group setting, I just shut down because I can't keep up with the conversation... or if someone talks from the side, it's game over. I find myself asking people to repeat themselves constantly (and 90% of the time, I get the tone right, but the actual words just don't make sense 😢)
On top of all that, I’ve got this constant chirping in my ears 24/7—it’s like being stuck in the middle of a forest full of birds in the springtime. It is TERRIBLE.
Slowly but surely, I'm losing my mind ☕
I laid all of this out for the team at Suvag, and honestly? Nobody gave me any straight answers. Like, WTF... if they can't give me answers, then who can?!?!
But the hardest part of all is having a little girl at home, she's only two and a half, and I have to ask her to repeat herself over and over again... it's such an intense frustration 😢

Does anyone know of any actual solutions for this? Maybe specialized clinics abroad or something similar? Any surgical options? Literally anything
I am more than ready to take out a loan and pay whatever it takes, because this is becoming brutally frustrating for both me and my family.....

Is it even possible that I can't get a single decent answer around here? 😕😕😕

(I mean, probably not—since he hasn't even shown up yet, right? 🙄)

Look, most people here don't have a clue what they're talking about, so there's really no point in me trying to explain everything to you one by one.
If the specialists at the clinic don't have the answers, where are we supposed to go? Honestly, the smartest move is to hunt down a second opinion and start looking into other options out there.
Unfortunately, what they told you isn't exactly far from the truth.

Amanda Hughes5 said:Is it even possible that I can't get a single decent answer around here? 😕😕😕

(I mean, probably not—since he hasn't even shown up yet, right? 🙄)

Well, I just stumbled right into this one...😛

Here’s the thing—from what you’ve described, I don't have a crystal clear picture of your exact situation, though it seems pretty obvious that your hearing loss was caused by a bout of meningitis.🤷

Do a quick Google search for "BONE ANCHORED HEARING AID." It refers to a specific type of device that is surgically implanted into a certain spot on the mastoid (that bone right behind your ear). This method has actually been around for about 30 years, but it took some time to really mature after being developed from Scandinavian innovations. It’s used to treat people with conductive hearing loss, and in some cases, even certain types of sensorineural loss.
There are essentially two main players here: Cochlear, which acquired Entific (who originally developed the first concept based on Professor Branemark's work), and then there's Oticon, which teamed up with Oticon Medical to develop their own version called the Point.
The big difference between the two comes down to the shape. The Cochlear design hasn't changed much since its inception, so it tends to look a bit blocky. On the other hand, American audiologists who have worked with the Point say the design follows the natural curves of the skull much better. It's hard to say for sure without seeing them both in person, though.
In our local clinics, they don't typically perform these implantations, but from what I know, specialists at major teaching hospitals often recommend getting them handled through specialized centers out of state. I'm not sure if Medicare covers these requests—their guidelines still seem stuck in the Stone Age, listing outdated models that belong in a museum rather than a clinic.

Regarding your actual hearing and spatial awareness: you have to keep in mind that no matter how far technology advances, it will always struggle to perfectly replicate nature. That said, having better hearing definitely makes adapting to different environments a lot easier.
You didn't mention if your hearing loss is bilateral or just on one side. If it's both ears, you might want to think about symmetrical hearing aid support, though the specific device you're currently using and how it's tuned plays a massive role in that decision.

I noticed you mentioned being worried about the size of your Ear, but honestly, that has absolutely nothing to do with your hearing—it’s just the way you’re built.

Just stay brave—get online, do your research, and step out of the shadows... 👍

Thanks, Hey Ugly 👍 (that’s just a little nod to your handle, don't get the wrong idea...🙄)

The hearing loss hits both sides, though it’s way more intense in my left ear. I actually managed to snag this Apparatus through $333 via Medicare... otherwise, it would've run me about $1333...
And if I were to grab two... hm 🙄...I can get one at a discount through Medicare every five years, but I'd have to pay full price out of pocket for the second one 🤷...which isn't exactly a great plan, especially since I'm not even super thrilled with what I'm wearing right now (and honestly, wasn't feeling the previous pair much either).
Anyway, thanks a ton, 👍

So, here’s what I’ve gathered... an operation in the States runs you about $30,000, but honestly? I am not exactly jumping for joy over what they showed 😲

I mean, that is a massive amount of cash just to wear some kind of permanent head ornament for the rest of your life—something you have to scrub daily with a toothbrush and pop antibiotics for just to keep an infection from moving in...

You’re basically paying for a lifetime supply of a trinket stuck to your head 😲😲 for that kind of money 😕

Amanda Hughes5 said:So, here’s what I’ve gathered... an operation in the States runs you about $30,000, but honestly? I am not exactly jumping for joy over what they showed 😲

I mean, that is a massive amount of cash just to wear some kind of permanent head ornament for the rest of your life—something you have to scrub daily with a toothbrush and pop antibiotics for just to keep an infection from moving in...

You’re basically paying for a lifetime supply of a trinket stuck to your head 😲😲 for that kind of money 😕

☕
I totally get why you aren't sold on it—but really, this is the only true alternative to the current hearing aids that you mentioned you find "okay" but not great. 😲

There are some options involving real-world applications too, like those middle ear implantable hearing aids from companies like Otologics. However, we don't have nearly as many personal stories from individual users using those yet.

The real question is what you actually want out of this whole ordeal: is it purely about improving your hearing function, or are you worried about burning through your savings before you even get to enjoy the results? The US has always been the pricier option when you weigh everything up. You have to factor in the cost of the surgery itself, which is a major variable in any economy, depending on how your insurance and coverage landscape looks. Europe tends to be a bit more affordable in that regard.
On the flip side—maintaining the device is a chore, I get it. But let me ask you: are you diligent about brushing your teeth? If something is truly vital to you, like being able to chew properly or actually hearing your daughter's voice, then you'll probably make a much more rational decision for or against the whole thing. 🤷

Regarding the money side of things, there might be a way to handle it: if none of the standard hearing aids provide enough improvement (which depends on what you've tried so far—usually, you can trial devices to see what works for your specific needs), you could look into requesting the surgery in a different location and trying to split the costs between your primary insurance and supplemental coverage. 😉

When we start deviating from how nature intended us to work, we have to realize one thing: artificial intelligence is still a long way off from replicating what nature does naturally. So, on a personal level, you have to think about it with a bit of Machiavellian pragmatism: does the end justify the means? Or more importantly: does it actually justify the cost?!
Do you want to hear your child telling you they love you? Or hearing them tell you they're in pain?
The paths are there; you just have to be brave enough to push past your own fear of the unknown. 🙄

Amanda Hughes5 said:So, here’s what I’ve gathered... an operation in the States runs you about $30,000, but honestly? I am not exactly jumping for joy over what they showed 😲

I mean, that is a massive amount of cash just to wear some kind of permanent head ornament for the rest of your life—something you have to scrub daily with a toothbrush and pop antibiotics for just to keep an infection from moving in...

You’re basically paying for a lifetime supply of a trinket stuck to your head 😲😲 for that kind of money 😕

Man, it's like seeing a car sitting in a parking lot, rusting away into scrap metal every single day, when we don't actually need it for our daily lives instead of just enjoying a good old-fashioned song, right?
I'm not trying to judge anyone here—not at all! I just wanted to offer a little perspective: just because something is socially accepted doesn't mean we shouldn't stop and question if it's actually necessary. 🙄

Amanda Hughes5 said:Thanks, Hey Ugly 👍 (that’s just a little nod to your handle, don't get the wrong idea...🙄)

The hearing loss hits both sides, though it’s way more intense in my left ear. I actually managed to snag this Apparatus through $333 via Medicare... otherwise, it would've run me about $1333...
And if I were to grab two... hm 🙄...I can get one at a discount through Medicare every five years, but I'd have to pay full price out of pocket for the second one 🤷...which isn't exactly a great plan, especially since I'm not even super thrilled with what I'm wearing right now (and honestly, wasn't feeling the previous pair much either).
Anyway, thanks a ton, 👍

☕
Hmm—that still doesn't tell me all that much. I'm still in the dark regarding whether the cause of the hearing loss is sensorineural or conductive.

Personally, I tend to think that if you aren't achieving what you need with one device, adding a second one won't necessarily fix the problem. Realistically speaking, hearing aids are designed to amplify external sound and deliver that information to where it can be processed. If your internal data is being lost somewhere along the line, having more devices doesn't mean "better" hearing in terms of sheer volume; they just offer a bit of improvement in things like sound localization or through specific programmed modes and adjustments.

Which device are you currently using? 😕

Amanda Hughes5 said:Thanks, Hey Ugly 👍 (that’s just a little nod to your handle, don't get the wrong idea...🙄)

The hearing loss hits both sides, though it’s way more intense in my left ear. I actually managed to snag this Apparatus through $333 via Medicare... otherwise, it would've run me about $1333...
And if I were to grab two... hm 🙄...I can get one at a discount through Medicare every five years, but I'd have to pay full price out of pocket for the second one 🤷...which isn't exactly a great plan, especially since I'm not even super thrilled with what I'm wearing right now (and honestly, wasn't feeling the previous pair much either).
Anyway, thanks a ton, 👍

It is what it is—I made my choice, so I’ll be the one living with whatever consequences come from it. 😉

If I can offer any advice, please take more time to really think this through. Personally, I've been wearing hearing aids for about 27 years now. Because of the specific nature of my hearing loss (mine is conductive), I actually had to rely on those very primitive, analog models for a long time. None of that fancy-schmancy digital programming or high-tech processing...
For my situation, BAHA is absolutely the way to go, especially lately since manufacturers have basically decided to phase out the analog devices that I personally rely on. It feels like I've been backed into a corner where I don't have much of a choice, even though I've been considering BAHA for quite a while. For me, the ultimate goal is simply the superior delivery of the sound signal; having that clarity allows me to live my life independently and earn my own way rather than relying on anyone else's charity.
Oh, I almost forgot to mention earlier—to give you some perspective on why functional hearing is so vital: I actually finished Medical School using my hearing aids, and today I practice as a physician. Everything I do is driven by one single objective: achieving the best possible threshold for sound perception.
🙏

Best regards,