Why Do Hearing Aids Whistle

Time to Read: 5 minutes

One of the most common complaints hearing aids users report is the dreaded whistle.

The whistling is feedback. That is the sound which travels back through the microphone to the receivers and repeats over and over again in a feedback loop. 

The good news is there are plenty of things you can try to fix this vexing problem.

business man with hand on ear - what did you say?Is your hearing aid seated properly?

Hearing aids not properly sitting your ear is very most common reason why you’re experiencing feedback. Feel with your fingers to make sure domes and moulds are comfortably in place.

Do you have the correct aids in the correct ears? You might be surprised how many people accidentally put the wrong aid in the wrong ear. Just a reminder that red is right and blue is left.

If that doesn’t fix the problem, then try the next tip.

Is something blocking the microphone?

A hat, a scarf or a stray hair blocking or brushing against the microphone is a very common cause of feedback and noise through the hearing aids.

Holding your phone to your in a particular way may cause feedback. The simple solution is to try different positions until the feedback stops.

If that doesn’t fix the problem, then try the next tip.

Psap-bteIs the BTE hearing aid tube split?

If you have a Behind-The-Ear hearing aid, you will be familiar with the tube which goes over your ear and into your ear canal. 

That fine plastic plastic tube may split or crack, letting sound in. If the tube is in good condition, ensure that the tube is seated properly in the hearing aid.

Is the problem fixed? If not, read on...

Is earwax a problem?

Excess ear wax can block your ears and your hearing aid receivers. If you’re prone to excess ear wax, visit your doctor or a specialist ear wax cleaning clinic and see if that solves the problem for you. 

We have an excellent article here on earwax, its purpose and what to do if you feel you have too much.

Here’s another thing to check.

Is your ear mould seated properly?

Over time, ear moulds may not fit as well as they should. This can let too much sound to leak out which results in the whistling

This means your hearing aid can be leaking sound which causes the whistling. If this is the case, make an appointment with Value Hearing. Your hearing specialist at Value Hearing can  review that for you.

You might need to have a new impression made of your ear to create a better fitting mould.

But one of the biggest causes of whistles and feedback might be one of the quickest and easiest to solve.

Is your hearing aid too loud?

Truly. Just a review of the volume can quickly and effectively sort many issues.

But, if all else fails and the whistling sound persists, it could be that hearing aid itself is faulty and requires repair and service. If that’s the case, we encourage you to come in to see us to help.

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