Understanding Feedback (Whistling) in Hearing Aids

If your hearing aid has ever made a small whistling sound, you are certainly not alone. This whistling is known as feedback, and it is a common experience that usually has a simple, everyday explanation. Understanding what causes it can take away a lot of the worry and help you feel more confident wearing your devices. It is a common experience, and your audiologist can help you make sense of it.

This article offers a general overview of what feedback is and what can help. For advice about your own devices, your audiologist is a good person to speak with, as they can check the fit and settings that suit you. General information is a helpful start, but personal guidance from your audiologist is important, and a short conversation can help. As a friendly hearing clinic based in Brisbane, our audiologists help people across Brisbane, Logan and the wider community in Australia feel confident with their devices. You are always welcome to get in touch.

What feedback actually is

Feedback happens when sound that should travel into your ear instead escapes and is picked up again by the hearing aid. This creates a loop, which you hear as a whistle. It is the same general idea as the whistle you sometimes hear from a microphone and speaker at an event, and it is nothing to be alarmed about.

Because it is caused by sound escaping, feedback is often more about fit and positioning than anything being wrong with the device. Feedback is a common experience, and your audiologist can look into the cause with you. Sometimes a small adjustment by your audiologist is part of the answer.

Why whistling sometimes happens

There are several ordinary reasons a hearing aid might whistle. The device may not be sitting snugly in the ear, or your hand or an object may be close to it. Sometimes a build-up of earwax can also play a part in reflecting sound back towards the device. Your audiologist can look at each of these reasons with you.

Everyday moments can trigger it too, such as putting on a hat, hugging someone, or holding a phone close to your ear. In these cases the whistle usually settles once the object moves away, and there is nothing to be concerned about. Noticing when it tends to happen can help you understand your own devices a little better.

A good fit for your hearing aids

A secure fit is one factor in keeping sound where it belongs. If a device has become a little loose over time, it may allow more sound to escape, which can lead to whistling. Our ears can change gradually, so a fit that once suited you may need a small adjustment now and then. This is a very normal part of wearing hearing aids over the years.

Your audiologist can check how your device sits and make gentle adjustments so it fits well. A good fit is one of the things your audiologist looks at when feedback is a concern. If something feels loose or awkward, it is always worth mentioning.

Earwax and everyday cleaning

Earwax is a natural part of the ear, and a build-up can sometimes affect how a device sits and contribute to whistling. If you think wax may be involved, see your GP or an audiologist rather than trying to remove it yourself. Regular, gentle care of your devices helps keep them working as they should. A simple daily cleaning routine may help over time.

If you suspect earwax may be involved, it is wise to speak with a professional rather than trying to remove it yourself. An audiologist or your general practitioner can advise on what is suitable for you and help you avoid any discomfort. It is a common experience, and your audiologist can talk it through with you.

Simple things that can help with feedback

Many cases of feedback can be eased with a few straightforward steps. Making sure the device is seated correctly and kept clean are things your audiologist can show you. These small habits can become part of your everyday routine.

Check the device is sitting snugly in your ear
Keep your hearing aids clean and dry
Notice whether hats, phones or hugs trigger the sound
Speak with your audiologist if whistling continues

How settings and technology can help

Many modern hearing aids are designed with features intended to manage feedback. These work quietly in the background and are set up by your audiologist to suit your devices and your ears. They are one of the ways technology can support listening.

If you find feedback happening often, it is worth mentioning at your next hearing appointment. Your audiologist can review the settings and fit, and talk through what may help in your particular case, so you are not left guessing. A short check with your audiologist is a sensible first step.

When to speak with your audiologist

An occasional whistle when you put your device in is usually nothing to worry about. However, if feedback becomes frequent or bothersome, it is a good reason to arrange a review. There is no need to simply put up with a persistent whistle, as your audiologist can look into it.

A quick check can identify whether the fit, cleaning, or settings could be adjusted. Understanding why feedback happens means you can respond calmly and know when a short conversation with your audiologist may help. Feeling confident about your devices is a good goal for everyday use.

If you would like to learn more, or to arrange a hearing appointment, you are welcome to get in touch with our friendly team. No referral is necessary, and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

DISCLAIMER:

The information on this website is provided for educational purposes only. We do not support, nor recommend any products or treatments without proper hearing diagnostic and proper hearing evaluation. All users must seek professional advice before beginning treatment as well as inform themselves of known side effects/risks associated with said procedure(s).

Disclaimer: The information in this article is general in nature and provided for educational purposes only. It does not take into account your individual circumstances and is not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified hearing health professional about your specific needs.

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