Hearing loss -- I can't understand conversations

@rosalind308

Hi, Rosalind. My ENTs and neurologist tell me that it's not my ET and is not my ears but a brain aging problem. My unanswered question is therefore why did not come gradually but like a dynamite blast one day. It literally knocked me off my feet. My other unanswered question concerns the very sticky stiff mucus that I'm constantly trying to clear from the back of my throat. If I spit it in my bathroom sink water will not wash it loose. It has to be rubbed to loosen. I am 2 weeks from age 86 and that is completely new to me. I try to use the Neil Med nasal bath but it burns my sinuses so much that pain is intense for 2 or 3 days. I am curious by nature so I'm prone to wonder about everything. Nothing gained so far. I blame my constant
state of wondering on my name. Alyce

I love my lyric. Wish it was more waterproof than just resistant so I could swim.. But it works better than other aids I have tried.. Like not having to take it off 😳

@rosalind308

Hi, Rosalind. My ENTs and neurologist tell me that it's not my ET and is not my ears but a brain aging problem. My unanswered question is therefore why did not come gradually but like a dynamite blast one day. It literally knocked me off my feet. My other unanswered question concerns the very sticky stiff mucus that I'm constantly trying to clear from the back of my throat. If I spit it in my bathroom sink water will not wash it loose. It has to be rubbed to loosen. I am 2 weeks from age 86 and that is completely new to me. I try to use the Neil Med nasal bath but it burns my sinuses so much that pain is intense for 2 or 3 days. I am curious by nature so I'm prone to wonder about everything. Nothing gained so far. I blame my constant
state of wondering on my name. Alyce

@bootblack I have had congested and/or infected sinus periodically for more than 20 years, often times affecting my hearing. I get easily sinus irritation due to inherited pollen and dust allergies.
Things became worse with my hearing following recurring sinus infections for almost one year after having COVID in 2022. In addition to antibiotic treatments when things got really bad, my Primary Care Physician, my ENT and my Immunologist all recommended rinsing the sinus with lukewarm saline solution (I use the over the counter saline bags from NeilMed) whenever the sinus becomes stuffy or just starts to become irritated. As needed, I might also use a nasal antihistamine spray and a non-drowsy making tablet like a generic Zyrtec.
My physicians have all suggested that such congestions can easily lead to infections, including in the ears, and it makes it easier to catch a virus, like the flu or other.
Any sinus condition affects my residual hearing on the side where I still wear a hearing aid. On the other ear I have cochlear implant since October 2025. I don't want to take any risk getting an ear infection on either side.
You may want to verify with your ENT or PCP whether or not a saline rinse would be an option for you to try.
Otherwise, this Support Group and related Forums on Mayo Clinic Connect have plenty of helpful postings, including from Volunteer Mentors. In the present support group, @julieo4 has been of significant help for me.
I hope you find the best way to get relief from your congestions.

Just one foot note: based on my own experience, some medications against allergies, flu and colds may cause or increase tinnitus. I do check for side effects of any prescription or over the counter medication before I take them. I had to learn it the hard way.

@lydiamary unfortunately the Lyric only works for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. If they could find a way to address severe to profound hearing loss I would have a pair myself.
I am surprised that you cannot swim with them in since taking them in and out of your ears would be difficult or impossible without an audiologist.

@bootblack
I am 89 yrs old and in good health with the exception of ET remaining open. It is not an age brain problem. How dare a Dr say that. It is a problem w a great deal of people but the ENT community has no cure for it.
I use netti pot every day and hope for the best.
Hang in there …..
Roz

@daveshaw Dave. You can take the Lyric's out if you are having any issues. Not sure about putting them back in. Will ask at my next visit. You can shower with them in. Flo

@rosalind308 Rosalind. What is ET? Thanks