Should Your Hearing Aid Whistle?
Last Updated November 1, 2022
By Arash G
GM House of Hearing Clinics
If you have recently gotten hearing aids, you might have heard it whistle a time or two and wondered if it’s normal or not. Take a look at the answer below.
Should Your Hearing Aid Whistle?
The short answer to this question is that, in most cases, while the high-pitched whistle can be unsettling, it can happen. Depending upon the circumstances under which the hearing aid is whistling (for example, in your hand versus in your ear), there are a couple of different causes and solutions to the problem. Typically, however, it does not mean that you have a faulty hearing aid, but, of course, there are exceptions.
If the Hearing Aid Is Whistling in Your Hand
You might notice it whistling when you hold it in your hand or put it up to your ear. In this case, whistling is normal. It’s due to a process called feedback. Essentially, the microphone has picked up on the amplified sound from the hearing aid, and since it cannot tolerate it, it starts to whistle. Once it’s correctly inserted into your ear, the whistling should stop. To avoid this whistling, you can also not turn the hearing aid on until it’s in your ear (alternatively, you could turn down the volume if your hearing aid allows you to do this).
If Your Hearing Aid Is Whistling In Your Ear
If your hearing aid is whistling in your ear, there are a few different potential causes including:
- The hearing aid is on full volume. If so, turn down the volume.
- The hearing aid has not been fitted correctly to your ear. If this is the case, you need to have a new or modified ear mould made. It is also possible for the plastic tube that connects the hearing aid to the ear mould to harden and get smaller, which results in an ear mould that doesn’t fit well in the ear any more. If so, the tube needs to be replaced.
- There is a blockage in your ear due to earwax (this is because the earwax prevents sound from travelling into the ear; the sound is forced out, which results in a whistle). In this case, you should consider professional ear wax removal (this should not be done at home).
- You have a faulty hearing aid. This is typically not the cause, but it is worth a consideration anyway.
If you are in need of professional earwax removal, quality hearing aids, or professional advice as to the cause of your whistling hearing aid, House of Hearing Clinic is a well-established hearing care clinic, home to professionally-trained audiologists. We have successfully treated more than 7000 patients. Book your appointment today here. You can also contact us here.
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