If you’ve made the important decision to manage your hearing loss with the help of hearing aids, you’re already taking a significant step toward better communication and overall health. Hearing aids can dramatically improve your quality of life—helping you reconnect with loved ones, hear speech more clearly in noisy environments, and even reduce the effects of tinnitus and cognitive decline.
However, one common and frustrating issue many users face is a high-pitched squeal or whistling sound coming from their device. This phenomenon, known as hearing aid feedback, can be disruptive and uncomfortable, making it difficult to enjoy the benefits of your hearing aids.
3 simple steps to resolve hearing aid feedback
Fortunately, hearing aid feedback is usually easy to fix. Below are three of the most effective strategies to stop your hearing aids from whistling and restore clear, uninterrupted sound.
1. Make sure your hearing aid fits properly
One of the primary causes of hearing aid feedback is a poor or loose fit. When your hearing aid or earmold isn’t securely positioned in your ear canal, sound can leak out and loop back into the device’s microphone. This sound loop creates the whistling noise commonly associated with feedback.
A proper fit ensures that the amplified sound travels into your ear canal and not back out into the microphone. Over time, the tubing or components of your hearing aid—especially in behind-the-ear models—can shrink, harden, or develop cracks. These changes can affect the positioning of your earmold, leading to feedback.
If you notice consistent whistling, check the tubing for wear and tear and schedule a visit with your hearing care provider. A quick adjustment or replacement of the earmold or tubing may resolve the issue completely.
2. Clean out excess earwax
Believe it or not, earwax (cerumen) is essential for ear health. It traps dust, protects against bacteria, and helps lubricate the ear canal. While your body naturally regulates earwax buildup, sometimes too much accumulates—especially in hearing aid users.
When there’s a wax blockage, the amplified sound from your hearing aid has nowhere to go. The sound reflects off the blockage and travels back to the microphone, resulting in feedback.
If you suspect that earwax is to blame for your hearing aid whistling, avoid using cotton swabs, which can push wax deeper into the canal. Instead, consider gentle home remedies like allowing warm water from a shower to rinse the outer ear. However, the safest and most effective approach is to have your ears professionally cleaned by a hearing specialist. Routine ear checks can prevent this common issue and help your hearing aids perform at their best.
3. Avoid blocking the microphone
Sometimes, hearing aid feedback occurs when the device’s microphone is accidentally covered. Simple actions like hugging someone, adjusting a hat, or even placing your hand near your ear can cause temporary whistling by blocking the microphone and disrupting the airflow.
To troubleshoot, check for any coverings, caps, or physical obstructions over your hearing aids. Ensure the microphone ports are clean and free of debris, and try not to cup your ears while wearing the devices.
This is a quick fix—just reposition the hearing aid or remove the obstruction, and the feedback should stop immediately.
Still hearing feedback? Contact a local hearing specialist
If you’re still struggling with hearing aid whistling despite troubleshooting, it may be time for a checkup or an upgrade. A hearing specialist can assess your device, clean or refit your ear mold, and help you explore newer options designed to reduce unwanted noise.
Find a hearing specialist today to schedule an appointment and get back to clearer, whistle-free hearing.
