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Feedback occurs when the microphone re-amplifies a sound into your hearing aids causing an unpleasant whistling noise. Feedback can occur when you’re putting your hearing aids on in the morning and also come at inopportune times like while merging onto Interstate 470.
In instances where feedback is frequently interfering with your hearing, it may be a sign of a problem with your hearing aids. Let’s take a look at some of the common causes of whistling and what you can do to eliminate them.
The Type of Hearing Aid You Have
The design of a hearing aid has an effect on feedback levels. For example, Behind-The-Ear hearing aids are more likely to produce feedback than In-The-Ear-Canal (ITEC) devices. Your hearing aid expert may need to make adjustments to reduce whistling in these models.
Bad Fit Causing Feedback
Your ears are just like other parts of your body in that they can change shape over time due to factors such as aging or a change in weight. If you wear hearing aids and your ears change it can cause the earmold to loosen and not seal properly. This often causes feedback. If this is happening, schedule an appointment with your hearing aid expert and get new earmolds fitted to your ear.
Earwax Buildup
Earwax can cause a whole host of different problems for your hearing aids. If your ear canal is blocked by too much earwax, sound can’t get through and instead bounces back into your device, causing feedback. Buildup can also irritate your ears and in some cases make it difficult to hear.
Make sure to clean your device regularly and have checkups with your hearing aid expert so that they can do a thorough cleaning and check for buildup.
Equipment Issues
The tubing in some hearing aids that connects to the earmold can harden and shrink. When this happens the tubing can start to pull the earmold. This messes up the fit and causes feedback issues. If this is the cause of your feedback, you will need to have your tubes replaced.
Another common cause of whistling is loose or displaced microphones. Your hearing aid expert can help correct this issue for you.
If you have additional questions about feedback or wish to schedule an appointment, contact Topeka ENT today.