Hearing aid whistling, while frustrating, is a common and solvable problem. This article explores the main causes of hearing aid feedback and provides practical troubleshooting tips, including self-checks and professional solutions to help you to enjoy better hearing without the whistling!
Introduction to Hearing Aid Whistling and Feedback
That piercing whistle from your hearing aid can turn a moment of joy into one of frustration. But you’re not alone, and there are solutions!
Hearing aid feedback is a surprisingly common issue. But here’s the good news: it’s often solvable! We know how much your hearing aids contribute to your quality of life, allowing you to connect with loved ones and fully participate in the world, so let’s dive into why hearing aid whistling and feedback happens, and more importantly, what you can do about it.
What is Hearing Aid Feedback?
The high-pitched whistle you sometimes hear from your hearing aids is called feedback, which happens when sound escaping from your ear canal is picked up and re-amplified by the hearing aid’s microphone (think of it like a microphone and speaker too close together). With hearing aids, a similar loop occurs.
It’s important however, to distinguish between occasional feedback, that may happen when you hug someone or hold a phone too close to your ear, and persistent feedback. Occasional feedback is usually temporary and easily remedied. Persistent feedback, on the other hand, indicates a problem that needs attention.
Common Causes of Hearing Aid Whistling
A persistent whistle from your hearing aids can be incredibly frustrating, and understanding the common causes can help you find a solution.
Earwax Build-up
The most common cause of persistent hearing aid whistling is a build-up of earwax. This creates an obstruction in the ear canal causing sound waves to reflect back towards the hearing aid’s microphone resulting in feedback. Regular earwax management is crucial for many hearing aid users.
Loose-Fitting Hearing Aid
A loose-fitting hearing aid or ear mould allows amplified sound to escape and be re-amplified. Weight loss or changes in ear shape over time can also contribute to a poor fit.
Damage or Malfunction
Cracks in tubing, damaged ear moulds or internal component problems can cause whistling hearing aids. If you suspect that your hearing aid is damaged, contact your audiologist who will inspect your device and assist you with any necessary repairs.
Volume Issues
Turning the volume too high increases the likelihood of feedback. Certain types of hearing loss require higher amplification, meaning that some individuals are more susceptible to feedback than others.
Changes in Hearing
Changes in your hearing over time can necessitate hearing aid adjustments to help prevent feedback. If you find that you are turning up your hearing aids regularly, or struggling to hear when wearing your hearing aids, it is a good time to book a hearing test to find out if your hearing aids need adjusting. This is also the perfect opportunity to find out more about the latest technology that is available to assist with your hearing loss.
Object Proximity
Holding a phone too close or wearing a hat that covers your hearing aid can create a feedback loop. You might also find that feedback occurs when you hug someone, as this can often temporarily disrupt the hearing aid’s microphone. These situations are usually brief and easily rectified.
Identifying the specific cause of your hearing aid’s whistling is the first step towards restoring clear and comfortable hearing.
Troubleshooting Solutions to Silence Whistling Hearing Aids
Dealing with hearing aid feedback can be a real nuisance, but thankfully, there are several troubleshooting steps and solutions you can try. Let’s explore some ways to silence that whistle and get you back to clear, comfortable hearing.
Self-Check Steps
- Lower the volume: Reduce the volume slightly to see if the whistling stops.
- Check the fit: Gently adjust your hearing aids to ensure a secure fit.
- Inspect for damage: Look for cracks in tubing or damage to the ear mould.
Professional Help
If the whistling persists, it’s time to consult your audiologist who has the expertise to perform a thorough examination, pinpoint the root cause of the feedback, and provide tailored solutions and repairs. If a poor fit is identified as the culprit, your audiologist can make precise adjustments or even replace your ear mould to ensure a secure and comfortable fit, significantly reducing or eliminating feedback.
If you are struggling to get an NHS appointment, you might find this article useful.
Earwax Management to Prevent Hearing Aid Whistling
For optimal hearing aid performance and to prevent feedback caused by earwax build-up, regular earwax removal with an audiologist or ear care professional is crucial. Avoiding the use of cotton buds or other objects to clean your ears is also important, as this can push wax deeper into the ear canal, potentially worsening the problem and risking damage to the ear.
How to Prevent Hearing Aid Feedback
Proactive prevention can significantly reduce the likelihood of hearing aid feedback. Here are some top tips to help you to maintain optimal hearing aid performance and minimise those frustrating whistles!
- Regular Hearing Tests: Schedule regular hearing tests to monitor any changes in your hearing. This allows your audiologist to adjust your hearing aids accordingly and address any potential issues early on.
- Careful Handling of Hearing Aids: Treating your hearing aids with care can make a real difference and prevent damage that leads to feedback. Avoid exposing your hearing aids to extreme temperatures or moisture, handle them gently when inserting or removing them and keep them safely in their protective case when you are not wearing them.
For more information, why not check out our hearing aid maintenance and cleaning videos?
- Regular Audiologist Appointments: Schedule routine check-ups with your audiologist for adjustments and maintenance. If you have private hearing aids, these appointments are usually free as part of your aftercare package. Regular fine tuning and maintenance can catch potential problems before they escalate into feedback issues.
- Proper Ear Hygiene Practices: Maintaining good ear hygiene by gently cleaning the outer ear with a warm, damp cloth and drying the area carefully as well as keeping your hearing aids clean can help your ears to stay clean and healthy.
Avoid inserting any objects into the ear canal, even cotton buds, as this can lead to earwax impaction and potential damage.
Conclusion – Enjoy Better Hearing Again
In this article we have learned that hearing aid whistling is really a call to action and need not prevent you from enjoying your life with hearing aids. By understanding the causes and embracing the solutions we have discussed together, you can maintain your hearing health and resolve the common issue of hearing aid feedback.
If persistent feedback does continue however, prioritising regular professional earwax removal, hearing checks and hearing aid maintenance will help you regain clear, comfortable and confident hearing.Â
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