What to Do If Your Hearing Aid Starts Whistling
Hearing aids support people who are hard of hearing and help to improve sound by converting it into a digital signal, which is then amplified directly into the ear. There are different types of aids, and finding the right one is very much dependent on the individual and based on a number of factors, including the severity of hearing loss and their lifestyle.
Thanks to technological advancements, hearing aids are becoming more and more effective, as well as more discreet and easier to manage. For example, app-controlled hearing aids such as the Nexus HD Hearing Aid are self-adjusting and rechargeable. These types of aids are suitable for moderate to severe hearing loss, making them great for people who enjoy crowds and busy places. They offer comfortable and natural listening. However, whatever type of aid you wear, they will sometimes become faulty or stop working effectively. This can create a problem for the wearer. A common complaint is that they start to produce a whistling noise, which can be annoying at best and unbearable at worst, requiring the aid to be removed completely.
Why do hearing aids whistle?
The main reason hearing aids whistle is because of feedback, but this is usually easy to fix once the main cause has been identified.
Earwax
One of the causes of an aid not working properly is the buildup of earwax. If the sound waves are blocked, this can create a bounce-back. This will also interfere with the way the wearer hears sound. To avoid this problem, specialist cleaning products such as Innerscope Hearing Aid Cleaning Spray should be used regularly. The spray contains a moisturizing surfactant that is able to dissolve earwax and grime safely without damaging the aid. Alternatively, wipes such as Innerscope Hearing and Cleaning Wipes are handy for traveling and when out and about.
Volume
Another cause of whistling can be having the volume set too high. This can force the sound to travel backwards, which can create a whistling noise. If you are experiencing whistling, try adjusting the volume slightly and seeing if this helps.
Fittings
When fitting your hearing aid, if you get a whistling right away, it may be that it hasn’t been fitted correctly. If this happens, remove it, check there is no ear wax buildup and then try again, ensuring the aid is snugly fit; a loose-fitting aid can also cause whistling.
Faulty
If your aid is faulty or broken, this may also cause whistling. If you have checked that it is clean and fitted correctly but it is still whistling, it may be that your aid has broken or become defective. Sometimes, this could be due to wear and tear, such as worn tubing, warped molds or the microphone becoming dislodged. Replacing the tubing is simple and straightforward, and once you know how, this is something that can be done in the comfort of your own home. Simply remove the old tubing and use this to measure and cut the new tubing, then attach the newly cut tube to your aid. Your audiologist should be able to show you how to do this when you first get your aid.
Day to Day Problems
One thing to be aware of if you wear a hearing aid is that wearing hats or scarves can sometimes accidentally interfere with your hearing aid and cause it to move. Chewing gum or laughing can also have this effect. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enjoy yourself, but be careful to check the position of the aid if it suddenly starts playing up. If your hearing aid gets wet, this can cause a temporary problem; if it's submerged in water, it may cause permanent damage. Using drying capsules such as Innerscope Hearing Aid Drying Capsules can effectively and efficiently remove moisture from hearing aids and other listening devices and is well worth the investment.
One final thing to check before seeking professional help is the batteries. Make sure you invest in good-quality, long-lasting Premium Hearing Aid Batteries and that you check them regularly and remember to carry spares with you, especially when away from home.
Hearing aids improve the quality of life for people all over the world, allowing them to enjoy conversations with family and friends and attend live performances and entertainment. By keeping your hearing aids clean, fitting them correctly and ensuring the batteries are charged, you can concentrate on living your life and doing the things that you enjoy.
