If you’ve spent any time around hearing aids, you’ll probably be familiar with the irritating high-pitched whistle they sometimes make.
Many people assume that this sound means the device is malfunctioning. In fact, whistling – known as feedback – is a normal behaviour under certain circumstances.
You’ve likely heard this when a microphone gets too close to a speaker. The resulting squeal tells us that the microphone and speaker are doing exactly what they should: amplifying sound.
However, when hearing aids provide feedback while being worn, it points to an underlying issue that needs fixing.
Hearing aid feedback can occur when sound escapes the ear and re-enters the hearing aid’s microphone, creating a loop.
It can be triggered by something as simple as an ear mould not fitting snugly, an earwax buildup, or the hearing aid being adjusted incorrectly.
Occasional feedback, such as when you put the device in, or when holding it in a cupped hand, is normal.
But persistent whistling isn’t something you, or those close to you, should put up with.
It’s a hearing clinics job to diagnose and address these and other common issues. Sometimes the solution is repositioning the hearing aid deeper in the ear canal or performing earwax removal.
Other times, it involves reviewing the devices features and settings in conjunction with the acoustic fittings used.
Proper fitting and adjustments are crucial because they ensure your hearing aids are comfortable and provide clarity, without creating unnecessary frustration.
Our goal as audiologists is to provide a fit that is so seamless you forget you’re wearing them.
Whistling shouldn’t be a daily frustration – your hearing aids should support your life, not complicate it.
Send your questions to [email protected].
