Sound Advice Hearing Doctors Explains Hearing Aid Feedback
Hearing aids are remarkable devices that improve the quality of life for millions of adults. Like any technology, they can be sensitive to the conditions within their environment, and this is often the reason users experience feedback. Do you hear a squeaking sound coming from your hearing aid? If so, it might be feedback. The good news is there are a few ways to alleviate the problem and return to clear hearing.
What Is Hearing Aid Feedback?
Feedback in hearing aids occurs when the device’s microphone picks up the amplified sound, forming an echo loop. This can happen when the sound is too loud or when the hearing aids are placed too close to the ear canal. Feedback can be mild or severe, often a high-pitched squeaking sound. It’s normal for this to happen occasionally, like when your ear is brushed while putting on a hat or sweater, but it shouldn’t be a regular occurrence. If you find yourself dealing with squealing or feedback often, there’s probably another reason. Here are some suggestions from Sound Advice Hearing Doctors to try at home before seeking professional help.
Poor Fitting Hearing Aids Can Cause Issues
Hearing aids that don’t fit in your ear correctly can produce feedback. The first step is removing it and reinserting the device to see if it solves the issue. A minor adjustment could be all it needs. However, if the problem persists, it could signal there’s an issue that requires the help of an audiologist. Even if it was custom fitted when you first bought the device, your ear’s shape may have changed over time, possibly due to changes in weight. When this happens, the ear molds of the aid don’t seal properly.
Earwax Buildup Interferes with Amplification
Another common culprit of feedback with hearing aids in the ear is earwax buildup. An excess amount in the canal will prevent noises from passing through cleanly and interfere with proper fitting. As the device tries to send amplified sound through the canal, it bounces off the wax back towards the aid, causing it to feedback. Removing earwax should be done professionally. At-home methods, such as cotton swabs, are dangerous and can harm the ear. Visiting an audiologist for earwax removal is safer and also a great time to have your device professionally cleaned.
Too Much Volume Will Create Feedback
Your instinct might be turning up the volume to hear more clearly, but doing this can create unwanted squeaking. When the volume is turned too loud, the sound from the speaker can actually be picked back up by the microphone, resulting in high-pitched feedback. Try lowering your volume and see if that solves the problem. This can be an issue for both in-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids and behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids.
Malfunction and Wear and Tear
Digital hearing aids are intricate devices with a small and complex design. They should last users anywhere from three to seven years with proper cleaning and care, but mechanical issues can eventually hinder performance. If you’ve gone through the other possible causes of feedback, such as turning the volume down, cleaning them, checking the fitting, and ensuring the batteries aren’t weak, then it could be a performance issue. Various problems, such as damaged tubing, a dislodged microphone, or another broken piece, can arise. We offer support for all hearing aid types and can help you enjoy hearing without feedback.
Get Professional Assistance with Hearing Aid Feedback
Sound Advice Hearing Doctors has locations in MO, AR, and OK with professional audiologists available to help pinpoint why you might have recurring hearing aid feedback. A hearing aid is designed to improve your quality of life and not cause more headaches or anxiety. If you can’t remedy what’s causing your device to make squeaking noises, find a hearing care center near you and visit us for assistance.
