Why Do My Hearing Aids Whistle?

Hearing aids are a marvel of modern technology. They can help you hear sounds that you might not have been able to hear on your own for years. However, for all of their benefits, hearing aids are not without their annoyances and frustrations. One common issue experienced by many hearing aids users is feedback, which often sounds like whistling. If your hearing aids whistle, here is some information to help you get to the root of the problem—and fix it!

Why do hearing aids whistle?

Hearing aids can whistle or produce feedback for several reasons. It can sound like a whistle, squeal, screech, loud buzz, or hiss.

One common cause is a poor fit or improper placement of the hearing aid in the ear canal. When the hearing aid is not fitted properly, sound can leak out of the ear and back into the microphone, causing a whistle or feedback. Another cause of feedback is a blockage or buildup of earwax in the ear canal. Earwax can prevent the hearing aid from fitting snugly in the ear, causing sound to leak out and feedback to occur.

Additionally, feedback can occur when the volume of the hearing aid is too high, or when the hearing aid is too close to a sound source, such as a phone or another person’s voice. Problems with the electrical circuits in the hearing aids can also cause electronic feedback.

Modern digital hearing aids are designed to minimize feedback through advanced signal processing algorithms and feedback cancellation technology.

How can you fix hearing aid feedback or whistling?

If you are experiencing hearing aid feedback, there are several steps you can take to address the issue:

1. Check the fit: Make sure that the hearing aid is properly fitted in your ear and that there are no gaps or spaces between the hearing aid and your ear canal. You can also try repositioning the hearing aid slightly to see if this helps.
2. Clean the hearing aid: A buildup of earwax or debris can cause feedback. Try cleaning the hearing aid with a soft, dry cloth or using a hearing aid cleaning kit. You can also clean your ears of any earwax buildup by flushing your ear canal with an over-the-counter ear wax kit, which is available at most drugstores or online.
3. Adjust the volume: If the volume is too high, this can cause feedback. Try turning down the volume on your hearing aid to see if this resolves the issue.
4. Use a different earpiece: If the earpiece of your hearing aid is worn or damaged, this can cause feedback. Consider using a different earpiece or having your hearing healthcare professional replace the earpiece.
5. Consult with your hearing healthcare professional: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, it is important to consult with your hearing healthcare professional. They can diagnose the cause of the feedback and make any necessary adjustments or repairs to your hearing aid.

It is important to address hearing aid feedback promptly to ensure that you are receiving the best possible sound quality and to avoid discomfort or irritation in your ear.

To learn more about how to fix whistling hearing aids, we welcome you to contact our hearing practice today. We are eager to assist you.