Why Do Hearing Aids Whistle?

by Jennifer Abbott | Dec 28, 2022 | Client Resources, Hearing Aids, Technology

The whistling noise you hear from your hearing aids is referred to as feedback, and it is caused by interference.

For people who wear hearing aids, chances are you have heard some sort of whistling or high-pitched hissing come from your device at some point – an experience you are likely looking to avoid.

So why are they whistling, and how can you stop it?

Why Your Hearing Aid Whistles

The whistling noise you hear from your hearing aids is referred to as feedback, and it is caused by interference.

Interference can be caused by two electronic devices close to each other. The sound coming from the device that was meant for your ear canal loops back around and ends up in the hearing aid microphone. This sound then gets reamplified in the form of whistling or high-pitched squealing.

Once your hearing aids are correctly fitted, the whistling should stop, but even if they have been professionally fitted, things can change over time, such as:

Incorrect Volume Setting

Keep the hearing aid volumes as close to the default setting as possible. It can be a natural response to turn up the volume on your hearing aids if you are having trouble hearing conversations, but when the sound is too loud, it can reverberate back to the microphone, causing feedback.

Ill-fitting Device

A snug fit is crucial to optimal hearing aid functionality. Ill-fitting hearing aids allow sound to leak out and echo back to the microphone, causing whistling or squealing.

The shape of your ear can change naturally over time, and fluctuations in weight can impact the fit of a hearing aid in the canal too.

Earwax Buildup

If the ear canal is blocked by excess earwax, the sounds have nowhere to go but back to the hearing aid microphone, resulting in feedback. Earwax tends to move around inside the ear canal, so you might only experience occasional feedback, which is still jarring.

If earwax blockages are the issue, we recommend you have your ears cleaned by a professional and also have your device checked for blockages in the receivers or vents.

Tubing & Molding Issues

Hearing aid earmolds need to form a tight seal to prevent feedback. If you do not have custom earmolds, this might be the cause of the problem. Custom earmolds are made by using impressions of the individual’s ear and this helps secure a tight seal. Even custom earmolds, though, should be checked in the ear routinely by a hearing professional to ensure there are no gaps.

Issues can also occur with the tube that connects the device to the earmold. If it becomes detached or damaged, it will need to be replaced.

Technical Issues

Like any mechanical or technological device, your hearing aid always carries the risk of technical issues. This may even involve the microphone becoming dislodged or displaced.

The Wrong Hearing Aids For You

Unfortunately, you might have bought your hearing aids from someone who was not a licensed hearing professional, and because of this, the hearing aids do not have a good feedback program. They might lower the volume on your hearing aid settings rather than get rid of the whistling problem.

The right hearing aid for you will be sized correctly and programmed properly.

Hear at Home can stop your hearing aids from whistling in the comfort of your home. Book a home visit here.

How Can I Stop My Hearing Aids from Whistling?

There are a few things you can try at home that might help stop the feedback in your hearing aids.

Have a daily cleaning routine. Brush any dust and debris off your hearing aid microphones with a soft, dry cloth, or use the special brush that came with your hearing aids.
Use a wax pick to remove wax from any difficult-to-access grooves.
Change filters as needed, and change domes at least every three months.
If your hearing aid manufacturer has a testing app for your hearing aid, run the monthly diagnostic test on it.

Where Can I Get My Whistling Hearing Aids Fixed in the Vancouver area?

Having your hearing aid device checked regularly by a hearing professional helps prevent issues before they occur and keeps your hearing aids performing optimally. Fortunately, if you live in the Vancouver area, our Hear at Home mobile hearing clinic can come to you.

Hearing aids are not a fix-it-and-forget-it device, which is why we recommend hearing aid fitting checks every three to six months. This way we can check the settings, the amount of earwax in your ear, the hearing aid tubes, molds and microphones and any other changes to the way the hearing aid fits in your ear canal.

Book an appointment for a hearing aid clean and check with Hear at Home. We look forward to seeing you and helping you benefit from hearing aids that are fully functional.

And if you are interested in upgrading your current hearing aids, we can help with that too.

Do you know somebody that needs to see this? Why not share it?

Jennifer Abbott

Jennifer Abbott brings over 25 years of experience in business. She has worked in multiple industries, including insurance brokerage, aviation, and health. Her career journey enabled her to acquire impeccable skills to help people find solutions in any situation. Jennifer is well travelled. She has lived and worked in Dubai for award-winning Emirates Airline. Jennifer has enjoyed working in a multicultural environment. Her offshore work empowered her to learn about various cultures from over 100 different nationalities. Upon her return home, Jennifer pursued her studies as a Hearing Aid Practitioner. While working in a hearing clinic, she became aware of some people’s challenges getting to their appointment. She realized that those people were not getting the proper hearing aid help they needed, which compromised their hearing. People’s struggles inspired her to establish the first unique 100% mobile hearing clinic in the lower mainland. As the founder of Hear at Home Mobile Hearing Clinic, Jennifer’s mission is to improve her client’s quality of life at any age. She has in-depth experience with hearing testing fitting, recommending hearing aids and working with older populations suffering from cognitive decline and Dementia.

Request a Callback

"*" indicates required fields

The Hear at Home Promise

Our Pinky Promise to You

Your partner for life – as a locally owned and independent business, you’ll have the confidence that we’ll be here long into the future to be your hearing care partners for life. We’re not a pop-up business that will be gone tomorrow.
Access to all levels of technology – as an independent business, we will help you to find the right technology for your unique needs through our wide range of partnerships with major manufactures. Unlike many others, you’re not limited to just one manufacturer.
Honesty and integrity – our 14 year reputation has been built based on always doing the right thing. You’ll benefit from transparency, honesty and the highest levels of integrity.
Benefit from us helping thousands of local people – with thousands of delighted patients since 2009, you will benefit from partnering with the highest-rated team of hearing care experts in Greater Vancouver that have helped many others to achieve the outcomes that you’re looking for.

Categories

				Adam Woodall			

							Such a fantastic experience working with Jennifer at Hear at home! She really took the time to understand what was going on with my hearing physically and mentally. She went above and beyond to give me the highest quality care. Highly recommended!
read moreread less
 27/02/2022

				Aurora Scott			

							What an incredible experience- Jennifer’s caring, knowledgeable & professional approach was amazing! We recently had our mom fitted with hearing aids, and with Jennifer’s expertise, the process was smoother & more positive than we could ever expect- from choosing the product to offering advice & guidance for all of us. Most importantly she helped our mom feel comfortable & the result has been truly life-changing. Cannot recommend Hear At Home more highly!! Thank you 🙂
read moreread less
 27/10/2019

				C Geiss			

							The presenter was great, the information provided was excellent and I feel I got a lot out of attending.
read moreread less
 20/02/2023

				Margaret Eldridge			

							Both my husband and I received very knowledgeable and caring assistance from Hear at home. Jennifer really cares about her clients and is always willing to go above and beyond with her excellent service and friendly manner. So pleased with my first experience with hearing aids.
read moreread less
 27/04/2022

				Colleen Hawkins			

							Many thanks to Jennifer who went above and beyond with her customer service! My mother was hospitalized after breaking her hip. She relied on her hearing aids to hear what doctors and physiotherapists were telling her. Unfortunately one of the hearing aids stopped working. I dropped the aid off at the Hear at Home office on a Friday afternoon. The following day Jennifer had fixed it and offered me to pick it up that evening at her home (I couldn't pick it up during office hours), otherwise we would have had to wait til Tuesday. Then on Sunday we were having difficulties getting that hearing aid to stay in her ear. Jennifer had me bring it back to her home Sunday evening to make some adjustments.  Its very impressive that Jennifer went out of her way, on her days off, to help my mother in a time of need. Thank you so much, Jennifer, you rock!
read moreread less
 27/10/2021

				karen Bertini			

							Jennifer was amazing! The personalized in home service was above and beyond. Her caring nature and professionalism is unmatched. She was extremely helpful to my husband who was suffering with tinnitus and hearing loss. I have recommended her to friends and will continue to do so in the future. Sincerely, Karen Bertini
read moreread less
 27/10/2020

				Irma Bodo			

							Thank you Jennifer for successfully ear wax removal. I had been dreading getting it done. The staff at the clinic were so friendly and accommodating. I was seen right on my appointment time. The clinic is well run and extremely clean. I have booked a follow up hearing test at the clinic.
read moreread less
 08/06/2023

				Janice Porter			

							Jennifer is a true professional and a stand out in her field.  I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone in need of hearing services.  She is most caring, and considerate, and will go out of her way to accommodate her clients.  Jennifer has done a lot to build her reputation in her community - in particular she has successfully organized and executed a Seniors Flash Mob event (more than once) - coordinating many seniors and local businesses to put on an amazing event each time.  Kudos!
read moreread less
 29/02/2016

				Nancy LeBlevec			

							Jennifer was very patient and lovely with my mother.  As is the case for most older adults, they refuse to believe they need hearing aids.  Jennifer was very adept at explaining not only the necessity but how it impacts other areas in her life.  She came back twice to ensure the hearing aid fit properly and when my mom was still having some issues, she kindly switched her to another more comfortable style.  I would strongly recommend Jennifer, she is very professional and compassionate with the older population.
read moreread less
 27/10/2017

				Isabel Eng			

							We are so grateful for Jennifer who fitted our mom with her hearing aids.  Her gentle and kind character which made my mom feel comfortable and she worked quickly to get the mould done at home.  Jennifer is always quick to respond to any questions or concerns and is willing to go the extra mile to make sure the hearing aids are working properly.  Thank you for improving my mom's quality of life.
read moreread less
 26/04/2022