Cauliflower ear and using a stethoscope???

[rjf]

I know this seems silly but I promise that my post is legit. Unfortunately, after many years of wrestling I have developed a case of cauliflower ear in both of my ears. I didn't get it really bad to the point where my entire ears are large balls of junk, but I do have enough cartilage build-up in one of them to prevent me from using a ear piece in that ear. I have tried to use a stethoscope but I can't fit the end in my ear. When I use one, there is so much background noise coming through to my right ear that I basically can't ear anything that I am supposed to. Is this going to be a problem for me in my career (I start med school in the fall)? Is there a surgery that I can have done? If so, am I really going to need it or can I get by? Also, would a surgery like that be covered by insurance in any way? Any answers to my questions would be greatly appreciated!!!

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[Rendar5]

Those sound like great questions for an ENT and for your insurance carrier. Those are not questions that med students are really going to be able to answer, or even a doctor over the internet. If you're unable to use a stehtoscope, that will affect your training to some degree, depending on what field you eventually want to go into.

 

[WellWornLad]

Try different brands of stethoscopes. Find one with removable earpieces, and ask sales reps whether they can custom-mold earpieces.

Don't worry, even if you can't hear anything you'll still look cool with a stethoscope slung around your neck.

 

[Cp22kjer]

Hey rjf,

Did you wrestle through college?

I've had both my ears drained and have a little bit of build up in my right ear.

The draining helped me a lot. My ears would get huge and then it would disappear. Crazy stuff!

 

[howelljolly]

Well I learned something new today.

I dont have an answer about the treatment itself.

But, try one of those double tube R-S type scopes that run for around $15. Depending on which company makes it, they usually come with 4 different sizes/shapes of earpieces. One type is a very small cylindrical, transparent plastic. That might be your best option. They double tube might also be an advantage for you.

 

[Pinkertinkle]

I doubt that'll be the one that keeps you from being a doctor

 

[Pontifex Maximus]

You will be the baddest ass pathologist in the entire freaking country, dude.

 

[howelljolly]

You will be the baddest ass pathologist in the entire freaking country, dude.

Or anything else, for that matter.... just get an echo.

 

[Mr. Freeze]

Since you'll no doubt be aspiring to become an orthopod, then no, your inability to use a stethoscope will not hurt you.

 

[RoyBasch]

I know this seems silly but I promise that my post is legit. Unfortunately, after many years of wrestling I have developed a case of cauliflower ear in both of my ears.

Although I have no useful input to your questions, let me just say that if my doctor had cauliflower ear I would think he was awesome! Hats off to a fellow grappler.
-Roy

 

[RoyBasch]

Since you'll no doubt be aspiring to become an orthopod, then no, your inability to use a stethoscope will not hurt you.

touche!
-Roy