Why Do Hearing Aids Whistle?

Hearing aid technology has come a long way in the last few decades, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t occasional issues that plague hearing aid wearers, such as high-pitched whistling. Whistling is essentially feedback from your hearing aid’s amplifier, but it can be caused by many different things. For instance, if you have more severe hearing loss that requires a more powerful amplifier or higher volume setting, there’s more potential for feedback. If your new hearing aid has been whistling a little too often, one of the following scenarios could be to blame. If it’s not a problem you can solve yourself, visit a hearing instrument specialist for help.

1.    You’re placing your hands over your ears

This is a normal cause of feedback. Anything that obstructs your ears can potentially trigger feedback because it causes amplified sounds to be picked up by the microphone and continually replayed.  Try to avoid blocking your ears with your hands or other objects to minimize this cause of feedback.

2.    The hearing aid is turned on when you insert it

The process of inserting your hearing aid will naturally obstruct the hearing aid’s amplifier for a moment, causing feedback that could be annoying or even painful. Avoid this by waiting until the hearing aid is fully inserted and adjusted before turning it on, or at least lowering the volume. Some hearing aids have a feature that delays turn-on for a few seconds for this reason, so ask your hearing instrument specialist if this option is available.

3.    It doesn’t fit right

Hearing aids were designed to fit precisely, so if they’re placed improperly, they will not be happy (and neither will you). When you’re still getting used to wearing a hearing aid, it may take some time to get used to the difference between a good fit versus one that’s a little off. If you’ve adjusted the hearing aid and it’s still not fitting right, simply return to your hearing instrument specialist for a professional adjustment.

4.    The hearing aid is whistling when you turn your head or open your mouth

Unlike the other reasons listed here, this problem isn’t something you can do anything about. Something is definitely wrong with your hearing aid if it does this, so take it to a hearing instrument specialist for inspection and .

As a new hearing aid wearer, it’s important to realize that whistling feedback can be normal, but it can also indicate the need for an adjustment or repair. Use this information to increase the comfort of wearing your hearing aids for years to come.