Restoring hearing loss with hearing aids dramatically improves the quality of life for many hearing-impaired people. The delicate components within the hearing aid are sensitive and can sometimes cause feedback. You can often hear this as a whistling sound coming from the hearing aid. It’s a very common occurrence and not usually something to worry about. It’s the same inference that you hear when someone moves a microphone too close to a speaker. The whistling sound is known as hearing aid feedback. It can happen if you jostle your hearing aid when putting on a hat or as a result of earwax building up. If your hearing aids are often experiencing feedback, there could be a problem. Newer hearing aids have anti-feedback systems to reduce whistling. If your hearing aids are playing up, visit an audiologist. 

How does hearing aid feedback happen?

Hearing aid feedback happens when the acoustic signal from the hearing aid is picked up by the microphone. The microphone should be picking up the sound from outside the ear, not the sound from the speaker. When it picks up the wrong signal, it emits a whistle or a high-pitched squeal. 

What causes hearing aids to whistle?

While hearing aid feedback is common, it can be uncomfortable and embarrassing if it happens often. If it happens often, there could be a simple cause that you can address. 

Earwax build up

Some people naturally produce more earwax than others. To get he best quality sound out of your hearing aids, you’ll need to keep your ears clean. Earwax build-ups can block the sound, bouncing it back into the hearing aid where it makes a feedback loop. You can clear out earwax build-ups using olive oil drops. If you don’t see any improvements after a week, speak to your GP or your audiologist. You may need earwax removal or special ear drops.  

Improper fit

The earpiece has to be as snug as possible for all hearing aids that fit inside the canal. If there’s space between the hearing aid and the ear, sound can escape and cause feedback. Your ear shape can change so if your hearing aids have started to whistle, it could be time to have your earmold remade.

Avoid touching your hearing aid

Proximity can cause feedback so avoid touching your hearing aids when they’re worn. You may also discover whistling when hugging people. This is just a proximity issue and not a cause for concern. 

Don’t cover your ears

When wearing headgear, be conscious about covering your ears. Covering your hearing aids too close to the ear can cause feedback. Keep your ears clear or leave enough space between the covering and your hearing aid. 

How to solve whistling problems

If your hearing aids are making unusual and unexplained sounds, it could be a simple problem that you can fix yourself. 

Adjust the settings

Sometimes having the volume set too high can cause whistling. Adjust the volume to a lower setting and see if the whistling continues. You may also want to adjust other settings to reduce feedback.

Clean your hearing aids regularly

Earwax build-ups can cause interference with the hearing aid if left. The best way to avoid earwax and debris from causing problems is through regular cleaning. You’re recommended to clean your hearing aids every day using a cleaning kit. The best time to do this is at night before you go to bed when you have to remove your hearing aids before going to sleep. 

Check for blockages

There could be something blocking the signal to your hearing aid. When cleaning your hearing aid, check the ear mould for any blockages. Clearing these using a wax pick and dislodging enough to gently blow the wax from the holes should help. If you have behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, check the tubing. If it’s twisted, it could be the cause of the strange sounds.

Arrange for a check-up with your audiologist

If you’ve done all the above and the whistling persists, it could be an issue with the hearing aid fit or it needs to be repaired. Your hearing aids shouldn’t be whistling and beeping. Newer hearing aids are made with anti-feedback systems to prevent interference. Book an appointment with your audiologist to have the problem looked into. A professional clean may be all that’s needed. At worse, you’ll need replacement hearing aids.

Book to see at Audiologist at Sussex Audiology Centre

Your hearing aids shouldn’t be causing any unnecessary feedback so if it’s a common occurrence, your audiologist should take a closer look. If you’re based in Sussex, we have a number of clinics where you can have a check-up with an audiologist. We can assess the issue, look for solutions and help remedy the inconvenient and uncomfortable whistling. You can easily book an appointment online and you don’t have to be an existing patient. You can contact your nearest clinic here.