External ear discharge and hearing aids

[Jeffrey G. Sirianni]

{Forwarded from ASHA Listserve}

Thought this was pretty interesting for b.a discussion...

Jeff

>X-POP3-Rcpt: sirianni at moe.cc.utexas.edu
>Date: Thu, 12 Sep 1996 13:37:11 -0500
>From: henptra at dns1.net-connect.net
>Organization: ACI Hearing Center
>To: asha-aud-forum at postman.com
>Subject: External ear discharge and hearing aids
>
>I would appreciate any help on this case:
>
>A 61-year old male with bilaterally symmetrical sensorineural hearing loss,
normal at 250 and 500 Hz., drops to 
>45dB at 1k and is in the 60-70dB range through 8000 Hz. Fit with K-amp
canals with excellent auditory results
>(he reported improved communication in all settings). 
>
>The problem is that after he has worn the hearing aids for approximately 3
hours, he stops hearing (the aids 
>are still functioning). He develops a build up of purrelent fluid in the
external canals that effectively 
>blocks the canal area medial to the tip of the hearing aid. I have tried
using hypoallergenic shell materials 
>with the same results. I have enlarged the vent of the instruments as much
as possible without causing feedback 
>and he still develops the discharge. His ENT says that he does not have any
external canal infection that he 
>can see nor does he see evidence of an allergic reaction. I cannot fit with
an open-ear style mold because 
>feedback occurs before required volume setting.
>
>Any suggestions?
>
>Henry P. Trahan, M.C.D., CCC-A, FAAA
>ACI Hearing Center
>Lafayette, LA
>
>
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* Jeff Sirianni, M.A., CCC-A           *
* Sound Advice / R.G. Delaney, M.D.    *
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