7 reasons why your hearing aids are whistling

Have you noticed a whistling sound from your hearing aids? This guide breaks down seven possible causes and solutions so you can get back to living and hearing your best.  

Why do hearing aids whistle?

If you notice a whistling sound in your hearing aids, you’re certainly not alone. It’s known as hearing aid feedback, and it’s a high-pitched noise that can occur when sound that should go into your ear canal is detected by the microphone of your hearing aids and gets amplified. ¹

This is different from tinnitus, where you hear a high-pitched noise coming from inside your ear. Hearing aid feedback is common and often easy to fix. Here are seven possible reasons for whistling and what you can do about it.  

Reason 1: Improper fit

Interestingly, your ear canals can change shape over time. For example, weight changes can cause earmoulds to lose their secure fit. When earmoulds become loose, sound may escape and be picked up by your hearing aids’ microphones, causing feedback. ⁴

Solution

Get new earmoulds fitted to your ears so that they sit snugly. If you’re unsure, visit your hearing care professional for guidance and support. 

Reason 2: Earwax or debris buildup

“If your ear canal is blocked with wax, sound from your hearing aids can bounce off the wax and back into the microphone, causing feedback or a whistling noise,” says expert audiologist S. Hiotis. “In these cases, it’s best to have the wax professionally removed for clear, comfortable hearing.” 

Solution

Have your ears examined and cleaned by a hearing care professional and also check your hearing aids to make sure the receivers and vents (tiny openings in the hearing aid tubes) are not clogged. ¹

Reason 3: Damage to hearing aid tubing

In some hearing aids, wear and tear can cause the tube that connects to the earmould to become hard and shrink. The tubing then starts to pull the earmould, which can disturb the snug fit. In addition, the tube can also become damaged from general use. A small tear in the tube can cause sound to “leak”, which causes feedback. 

Solution

Visit Audiology South to arrange a replacement tube. ¹

Reason 4: Volume set too high

While it can be tempting to turn up the sound, setting the volume on your devices too high can cause sound to re-enter your hearing aids and cause feedback. ¹ 

Solution

Turn down the volume of your hearing aids and avoid the point where the sound becomes so loud that it creates feedback. Modern hearing aids feature advanced technology that reduces feedback. If you find that you would like the volume of your hearing aids turned up, follow up with your audiologist to fine-tune your hearing aid settings for best results. 

Reason 5: Incorrect insertion

If you’re new to wearing hearing aids, or you’ve switched to a new style, rest assured that a period of adjustment is completely normal. Still, it’s important to check that your device is properly inserted.  

“If your hearing aids aren’t fitting just right, sound can get out and be picked up again through the microphones, which leads to a whistling sound,” explains Hiotis. 

Solution

Here are some tips on inserting in-the-ear and completely-in-canal hearing aid models ²: 

• Identify the left (blue) and right (red) devices 

• Hold your hearing aids between your thumb and forefinger 

• Gently insert it into your ear canal, following the natural shape, until snug with the wire sitting flush against the outer ear 

Reason 6: Your hearing has changed

“Whistling can also happen depending on the kind and severity of your hearing loss,” says Hiotis. “As your hearing changes over time, it can affect how your hearing aids sound.” 

Solution

“You may need a different dome or even a custom earmould for a better seal and to help prevent feedback,” Hiotis says. "Switching to a better fitting option often solves the problem." 

If home cleaning and maintenance isn’t helping you enjoy clear and comfortable sound, get in touch with an expert audiologist for personalised advice.

Reason 7: Technical malfunction

Technical issues can also emerge, such as loose or displaced microphones, or damage to the amplifier or receiver. ³ These can be caused by everyday wear, missed maintenance or accidents.  

Solution

Nobody likes a technical malfunction, especially not with hearing aids. Reach out to your hearing care professional so they can help you investigate and ensure your hearing aids are correctly adjusted or repaired. 
 

When to see an audiologist for hearing aid whistling 

If your home care routine and adjustments don’t resolve the problem, it's time to seek a professional repair. If you have concerns about your hearing aids, speak to your audiologist – they’re the experts. Find your nearest clinic to help resolve your issue. 

Sources

1. Widex: 5 Reasons why your hearing aids are whistling: https://www.widex.com/en-ca/blog/global/5-reasons-why-your-hearing-aids-are-whistling/ 

2. HearUSA: How to Use and Wear Signia Hearing Aids |HearUSA Support: https://www.hearusa.com/support/signia/use-and-wear/#inserting-signia-hearing-aids 

3. Independent Hearing: 7 Reasons Why Your Hearing Aids are Whistling: https://www.ihearing.com.au/7-reasons-why-your-hearing-aids-are-whistling/

4. SurmeliM, Deveci I, Canakci H, Canpolat MS, Karabulut B, Yilmaz AAS. Effect of Body Mass Index on Auricular Morphology and Auditory Functions. Ear, Nose & Throat Journal. 2019;98(7):E81-E86. doi:10.1177/0145561319840579