Whistling Hearing Aids

Why do my Hearing Aids Whistle?

In this Mindful Hearing Monday we are looking at why do hearing aids whistle. Whistling hearing aids are a common issue and is often caused by feedback. Auditory feedback occurs when the sound that is blocked from entering the ear canal leaks out and gets picked up by the microphone of your hearing aid. The sound gets re amplified by the hearing aid and can range from an annoying whistle to a horrible squeal. It is similar to the feedback from a mobile phone that is too close to the radio.

The causes of whistling hearing aids

Auditory feedback occurs in many situations such as when you first put your hearing aids on in the morning or remove them at bedtime, hug a loved one, wear a hat or when you are on the phone. If you hear feedback when you are moving your jaw chewing or talking, or when you turn your head, it could be a fault with the hearing aid. It would be wise to have your audiologist check this out and fix the hearing aid.

If you haven’t put them in properly, your hearing aids are a poor fit and the ear moulds are loose, sound escapes from your ear and feedback will occur. Our ears change shape over time and if our bodies change weight, the seal will no longer sit properly in the ear. If the ear mould is old and worn out, getting a new one will alleviate feedback.

When you are on the phone and your hearing aids whistle, try holding the phone in a different position till the squealing stops. Below is a short video on how to avoid feedback while you are on the phone.

If you have a Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aid, check that the tube from the hearing aid to the ear mould is not split. This tube carries the sound from the hearing aid sitting behind your ear to the ear canal. If it is damaged it would be the cause of that irritating sound.

Compacted earwax will cause the sound leak back out of your ear canal. Your audiologist will be able to check your ear canals and remove the wax. Otherwise your GP can perform earwax removal too.

Turn down the volume of your hearing aid and see if the whistling stops. If the hearing aid is up too high it can cause sound to leak out of your ear canal and cause feedback.

Watch this video below to gain some insight into the causes of feedback and what to do about it.

Modern hearing aids

Modern hearing aids have feedback management technology that eliminates that annoying whistle. Your audiologist will set your hearing aid to the appropriate level for you to avoid feedback. This may take several appointments to get it right and to make sure you are getting the most out of your hearing aid.

Stay tuned for next week for our instalment of Mindful Hearing Monday #4 where we will discussing issues around better hearing health.

The Hearing Cub

The Hearing Club is a local and independent hearing service provider. Our aim is to assist the hearing impaired to achieve the greatest enjoyment from life.

We are a family business accredited to provide services through the Commonwealth Office of Hearing Services system, WorkSafe and experienced in excellence providing services to private clients in the area. We are proud of our history and commitment to the local community improving lifestyle through better hearing.

To make an appointment with one of our professional staff please call 1800 627 728. To find a clinic near you, contact us online today.