Why does my hearing aid whistle?
A whistling hearing aid can be extremely annoying and can cause embarrassment if audible to others around you. The high-pitched sound is feedback from the hearing aid. The good news is that you can almost always do something about it.
You usually get whistling or squeaking from your hearing aid if the ear mould isn’t in properly. The mould needs to be sitting in the ear snugly to stop any sound escaping through it (that’s what causes the whistling).
Still getting feedback? Here’s some tips for how to avoid that annoying whistling sound…
Whistling can also occur while the hearing aid is being inserted, when there is naturally an imperfect fit between the earpiece and the ear. Today’s aids get round this by incorporating a few-second delay between closing the battery case (which turns the aid on) and the electronics starting up. If the aid is put in place quickly enough then the whistling can often be prevented. You could try turning the aid on (close the battery case) once the aid is in place, although this can be more tricky for those with longer hair.
If you’re struggling with feedback and you don’t already have an Invisible In Canal (IIC) hearing aid, this might be something you should consider. They can completely eliminate any feedback whistling, use the latest cutting edge digital technology for better sound quality and are custom made to fit completely in your ear canal. The Resound Verso IIC, for example, contains a feedback suppression program and wind noise reduction to help you hear clearly when you are outside. It also offers a music mode to make musical notes clearer without creating feedback or distorting sound.
Date: Wednesday 16th June, 2021
Published in: Hearing Aid Questions