By Erin Seamer – Audiologist Hearing Help Newport
Have you ever wondered why your hearing aid produces that irritating whistling sound? The culprit behind this feedback may be various issues related to the hearing aid or your ear health.
What is Feedback?
Feedback or whistling occurs when sound emitted by the hearing aid is picked up by its microphone and amplified once again. Simply put, it is sound leaking out of your hearing aid and going back in, resulting in an annoying whistling noise. This or in cases where the earmould becomes loose or is poorly fitted.
Feedback can be very embarrassing and cause hearing aid wearers to feel self-conscious. Unfortunately, it is more common with high-powered hearing aids so the hearing aid wearer may not be able to hear it, instead are asked by others “What is that awful squealing noise?”
However, some feedback is normal, especially if it is happening when your hearing aid is out of your ear and incorrectly stored whilst still on.
Quick Fix: How to Stop Feedback at home.
If you notice feedback, try checking if the earmould is properly inserted in the ear. Feedback may stop if you gently adjust or wiggle it into the ear further. Some hearing aid wearers also like to use a lubricant like Auragel or a light smear of Vaseline on the earmould as this may help fill in the spaces between the mould and the ear (be mindful if you should avoid this if you experience ear infections or irritation). Also check the hearing aids are going into the correct ear!
Persistent Feedback: Seek Help
In some situations, feedback cannot be resolved at home or without help from your Audiologist. If your hearing aid continues to produce a whistling sound, it’s crucial not to ignore it, contact us for an appointment and we will check for these scenarios.
- Poorly fitted earpieces: Ensure your earmoulds are correctly shaped and well-adjusted to the ear canal. If feedback persists adjustments to the earmould or even new earmoulds may be required (sometimes a process of experimentation).
- Hearing aid repair or cleaning: Some feedback may occur if your devices require repair or maintenance. Change the parts at home (waxguard, domes, clean the tube) but if it persist contact us for a thorough cleaning of the sound tube or to send for repair.
- Incorrect device settings: Hearing aid settings don’t change spontaneously; this is done with the Audiologist once she connects it to a computer program. However, this may be a consideration with a newly fitted or recently repaired device. Also, most digital hearing aids are equipped with feedback suppression systems designed to eliminate such sounds.
- Blocked ear canal: Excessive earwax can also lead to feedback because the sound can’t get down the canal and is reflected out of the ear. Book an appointment so we can check for wax build-up, and if blocked safely remove it my micro-suction (charges apply).
In conclusion, understanding the causes of whistling hearing aids and implementing the right solutions can significantly enhance your hearing experience. Don’t let feedback disrupt your daily life; take proactive steps to address the issue and enjoy clear, uninterrupted sound. Visit the Hearing Help clinic at Newport Marketplace Shopping Centre, call 07 3214 3641 or email hello@hearinghelpredcliffe.com.au to book an appointment.
