9 Reasons Your Hearing Aids Whistle and How to Stop It

If you're a hearing aid user, you may have experienced that uncomfortable whistling sound, commonly known as feedback. This high-pitched noise occurs when amplified sound from the hearing aid speaker cycles back through the microphone, creating a loop. It's similar to the sound you might hear in public venues when someone holding a microphone gets too close to a speaker.

What Causes Hearing Aids to Whistle?

Here are 9 common reasons why your hearing aids might whistle:

1. Improper Insertion

If your hearing aid isn’t inserted correctly, it can create an improper acoustic seal, leading to sound leakage and feedback. 

2. Poor Fit

A poorly fitting hearing aid, whether due to the wrong type of dome or an incorrectly sized earmold vent, can cause sound to leak out of the ear canal and be picked up by the microphone again.

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3. High Compression Settings

High compression settings in your hearing aids can sometimes amplify quiet sounds to a level that escapes the ear canal and is picked up by the microphone, especially if the fit is not ideal or the feedback management system struggles to handle the sound.

4. Excessive Earwax Buildup

Earwax buildup in your ear canal can cause amplified sound to reflect back into the hearing aid, leading to feedback.

5. Ineffective Feedback Management

Feedback management systems in hearing aids are designed to minimize feedback by reducing amplification in certain frequency ranges or by emitting a counter sound wave. However, if this system is not set up correctly or is too weak, feedback can still occur. Make sure your audiologist configures this properly during your fitting.

6. Tube Shrinking

In behind-the-ear hearing aids, the tubing can shrink over time, creating a gap that leads to feedback.

7. Short Receiver Wires

If the wire connecting your hearing aid to the receiver is too short, it can pull the ear dome out of place, creating a gap and causing feedback. 

8. Changes in Ear Canal Size

Your ear canal can change size over time, especially if you've lost or gained a significant amount of weight. This can cause an old earmold to no longer fit properly, leading to sound leakage. 

9. Cracks in the Tube or Earmold

Cracks or damage in the tubing or earmold can allow amplified sound to leak out and cause feedback. 

Tips to Prevent Whistling in Your Hearing Aids

Here are some practical steps you can take to minimize the chances of hearing aid feedback:

• Insert your hearing aids correctly to create a good seal and prevent sound leakage.
• Regularly cleaning your ears by a professional can keep your ear canals clear and reduce the chances of feedback.
• Check for cracks or damage in the tubing, earmold, or other components, and replace them as needed.
• Regular check-ups can help ensure that your hearing aids are working correctly and that the feedback management system is properly set up.
• If your ear canal has changed in size, you may need a new dome or earmold to maintain a proper fit.

By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce the chances of hearing aid feedback and enjoy clearer, more comfortable hearing. It’s important to work with your hearing care professional to identify these potential issues before they worsen.