Why Are My Hearing Aids Whistling? Understanding and Fixing Feedback

Have you ever wondered, “Why are my hearing aids whistling?” That high-pitched squeal can turn heads faster than a bad karaoke performance. Hearing aid feedback causes that noise, and it can be both annoying and embarrassing. Fortunately, understanding the causes can help you fix the problem and restore clear, comfortable sound. Feedback is common, but modern technology and proper care can significantly reduce its occurrence.

What Is Hearing Aid Feedback?

Hearing aid feedback happens when amplified sound escapes your ear canal and reenters the hearing aid microphone. This creates a loop, resulting in that sharp whistling sound. It can occur when inserting your hearing aids, adjusting your scarf, hugging someone, or even while chewing food or yawning. Feedback can also occur during phone calls or when wearing hats that press against your ears.

Learn 10 tips for getting used to hearing aids. 

Why Does Feedback Happen?

Feedback is more common when something disrupts the seal between your hearing aid and your ear canal. When that seal weakens, sound escapes and bounces back into the microphone, creating a loop. This loop amplifies the sound repeatedly, producing that whistle. Even minor movements like jaw shifts while eating or talking can break the seal, triggering feedback. 

Common Causes of Whistling Hearing Aids

Feedback can stem from several issues. Knowing these causes can help you troubleshoot more effectively.

1. Poor Fit

A loose hearing aid allows sound to leak and reenter the microphone. This leakage triggers feedback. Weight gain, weight loss, or age-related ear changes can affect fit over time.

2. Earwax Buildup

Earwax blocks sound from reaching your eardrum, forcing it to bounce back into the microphone. Excess wax also alters the shape of your ear canal, making feedback more likely. Wax buildup can also clog hearing aid vents and receivers.

Find out more about earwax and hearing aid problems. 

3. High Volume

Increasing the volume excessively can lead to sound leakage and create feedback. Louder sounds amplify the risk of the microphone picking up escaped sound. Users sometimes increase volume to compensate for other issues, like wax buildup or poor fit, further increasing feedback risk.

4. Broken or Hardened Tubing

Cracked, stiff, or shrunken tubing can pull the hearing aid away from your ear, creating gaps. This allows sound to escape and feed back into the microphone. Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids often experience tubing issues.

5. Older Hearing Aids

Modern hearing aids have features that reduce the chances of hearing aid whistling. Additionally, older internal components can shift over time, leading to feedback issues. Loose microphones pick up more stray sounds. Drops or rough handling can cause internal displacement.

6. Changes in Ear Shape

Weight gain, weight loss, or aging can change your ear shape, causing poor hearing aid fit. Even slight shifts in skin tightness can affect the seal. Ears continue changing throughout adulthood, making occasional refits necessary.

7. External Interference

Hats, scarves, or hugs can reflect sound back into your hearing aids. Holding a phone close to your ear can also cause feedback. Winter clothing and masks can create similar issues.

8. Moisture Damage

Sweat or humidity can damage internal hearing aid parts. This damage may cause whistling or other distorted sounds. Moisture can also degrade tubing and affect battery performance.

Get the answer to the question, “Can you wear hearing aids in the shower?”

Types of Hearing Aids Less Likely to Whistle

Some hearing aids reduce feedback risk better than others.

Completely-in-Canal (CIC) and Invisible-in-Canal (IIC)

These sit deep inside the ear canal. Their position minimizes sound leakage. They also benefit from natural ear anatomy, reducing interference. Their snug fit makes feedback less common. But they can irritate the ears and don’t have the most up to date features and capabilities available. 

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)

These separate the microphone and receiver, reducing feedback risk. The speaker sits further in the ear, creating less opportunity for sound leakage. RIC hearing aids also offer flexibility with different dome sizes.

Features That Reduce Whistling

Hearing aid technology continues improving. Modern devices come equipped with helpful features.

Feedback Suppression Technology

Advanced systems detect and cancel feedback before it becomes audible. These systems work in real-time to prevent whistling. Algorithms adjust sound output to prevent looping.

Proper Fit

A custom-fit hearing aid prevents sound leakage and minimizes whistling. Custom molds ensure a snug, secure placement inside your ear. Digital scanning technology now improves mold accuracy.

Directional Microphones

These microphones reduce background noise and focus on sounds in front of you. This lowers feedback risk and improves clarity. They enhance speech understanding, especially in noisy environments.

Automatic Gain Control

This feature adjusts amplification levels based on the environment. It prevents excessive volume that can cause whistling. Adaptive systems continuously monitor and fine-tune output.

How to Stop Your Hearing Aids from Whistling

Knowing what causes feedback is helpful. However, knowing how to prevent it ensures a better experience.

1. Ensure Proper Fit

• Insert your hearing aids snugly into your ears.
• Visit your hearing care provider if your aids feel loose or uncomfortable.
• Request refitting after significant weight changes.

2. Keep Your Ears Clean

• Clean your ears gently with a warm washcloth.
• Avoid cotton swabs, as they can push wax deeper.
• Schedule professional ear cleanings every 6 to 12 months.

3. Clean Your Hearing Aids

• Wipe your devices daily with a soft, dry cloth.
• Replace wax guards regularly.
• Schedule professional cleanings every 3 to 6 months.
• Inspect vents and sound openings for blockages.

4. Check Tubing and Components

• Inspect tubing for cracks, stiffness, or shrinkage.
• Ensure your microphone and receiver are secure.
• Contact your hearing care provider for repairs if needed.

5. Adjust Volume Carefully

• Set your hearing aids at a comfortable level.
• Avoid turning the volume up too high.
• Seek adjustments if you frequently increase volume.

6. Be Mindful of Surroundings

• Avoid pressing hats, scarves, or phones against your hearing aids.
• Adjust your positioning when hugging others.
• Remove head coverings when possible.
• Consider alternative mask styles that avoid ear loops.

7. Protect Against Moisture

• Store your hearing aids in a dry place overnight.
• Use a hearing aid dehumidifier to remove moisture buildup.
• Wipe aids after exposure to sweat or rain.

Additional Tips for Reducing Feedback

Even the most careful hearing aid wearers experience occasional whistling. These extra steps can further help:

• Use a hearing aid dehumidifier to prevent moisture buildup.
• Try open-fit hearing aids for better ventilation.
• Monitor changes in your hearing with regular tests.
• Consider new earmolds if your fit changes.
• Update hearing aids every 3 to 5 years for optimal performance.

When to Contact a Hearing Care Provider

• Persistent feedback despite adjustments.
• Discomfort or pain from poor fit.
• Damaged hearing aid components.
• Earwax blockage or sudden hearing changes.

Benefits of Modern Hearing Aids

• Improved feedback suppression technology.
• Custom molds for better fit.
• Bluetooth connectivity and noise reduction.
• Rechargeable batteries for convenience.

Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Hearing Aid Experience

Understanding why your hearing aids whistle empowers you to prevent it. Regular maintenance, proper fit, and professional support keep your hearing aids working their best. Don’t let feedback interrupt your life.

If you struggle with hearing aid feedback or need help choosing new devices, contact Injoy Hearing today. Our trusted hearing care providers will guide you to the right solution, so you can hear clearly and confidently.