Ear Impressions for IEM. Ouch!

[PhilS]

I had my impressions taken today for my UE-5c's by an audiologist, and I was surprised that it hurt quite a bit on one ear, when the cotton was inserted, when the silicone was injected, and when the impression was removed. The pain was at the very tip at the impression where the cotton was inserted, i.e., deep in my ear. I feel very confident that it was not anything the audiologist did wrong. He seemed very knowledgeable, and had a great "chair side" manner. He has done this many, many times, and he was surprised that it hurt also. He looked in my ear and saw no reason for it, and I have never had any problems of any sort with this ear. The other ear impression didn't bother me at all. I was wondering if anyone else had a similar experience.

 

[Kurt]

Not at the audiologist. But 2 or 3 times when using Q-tips.

Since I use them after every shower to dry the ears, I have enough routine now not to stick them too far in.

When the audiologist inserted the cotton wool and the silicon, I felt no pain at all, not even discomfort.

 

[Spankypoo]

I've got a friend who's a doctor, who routinely hides his wife's Q-Tips, as he swears they're the devil's invention. Too dangerous to use, he claims.

Never asked him about canalphones, tho. I kinda don't want to know what he thinks.

 

[plainsong]

All this talk of pain had my cringing before my impressions. I'm really sensitive to pain, and if there is pain to be had, I will have it.

But I was one of the lucky ones that had no pain at all. In fact it was downright pleasent.

Let us know how well they fit when you get them.

 

[billstr]

During my appointment for CIEM impressions last week, I had a very similar and painful experience. I think the problem occurred when the foam was injected into the ear and air became trapped between the foam and my ear canal the foam created a perfect seal and all the air pushed into my canal at pressures that were way higher than normal. My ears have been ringing ever since the impressions were done.

I wonder if audiologists should be using some kind of tube attached to the cotton block tips. The tube would allow the ear canal to vent pressure while the foam is being injected. Has anyone gotten impressions where the audiologist used a thin tube?