Feedback Noise Issues from Your Hearing Aid
Automatic Feedback Suppression
Most advanced hearing aids are equipped with automatic feedback suppression, so when issues occur it may be a sign of a larger problem. There are three main classifications for hearing aid feedback: mechanical, electronic and acoustical.
Mechanical Feedback
When physical vibrations develop from the hearing aid speaker being in contact with the casing, this is called mechanical feedback. The vibrations are transferred through the casing and into the microphone. If this is the issue, get it looked at by a hearing aid technician.
Electronic Feedback
A malfunction in the circuitry of the device will cause electronic feedback and will need a service technician to repair. Do not try pulling apart the device yourself, as further damage could be caused.
Acoustical Feedback
This is caused by a loop in the hearing aid, where amplified sound from the hearing aid speaker is recycled through the microphone, causing the pitch to continuously rise. This is the easiest of the three feedback issues to repair:
- Check for ear wax. Ear wax could be the cause of the sound wave bouncing through the hearing aid and being amplified by the microphone.
- Check the fit. If the hearing aid is loose, it can cause feedback noise, so try pushing the device further into your ear canal. If that does not fix the issue, it is also possible that your speaker is directed into the wall of your ear canal, and you can test this by pulling your ear lobes back. If the feedback ceases while your ear lobes are back, then your hearing aid needs to be refitted.
- Check for damage. Your hearing aid’s sound tube may have been damaged from aggressive cleaning, your microphone being pushed in, or a crack in the casing. If there is damage, we recommend you meet with a technician as soon as possible to get it repaired.
Fix the Feedback
If you do have issues with feedback on your hearing aid, make sure you get it taken care of as soon as possible. That whistling, screeching sound is not only unpleasant, but unhealthy. If you have tried these at-home solutions and are still having issues, book an appointment with us to get it fixed. We’re happy to help!
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But First... A Little About Me Originally from India, I joined Audiology First in July 2023 as a Supervisee Audiologist. I hold a four-year Bachelor of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology from Kerala University of Health Sciences, Kerala, India. I have the experience of working as a clinical audiologist in an ENT clinic in Kerala for three years, before I migrated to Canada, as a permanent resident in 2019 with my family. After completing the supervised practice required by the Alberta College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists (ACSLPA) under the supervision of Glenn Hole, I am now a registered member of ACSLPA. I joined the team as a permanent full-time clinician in November 2023. Working At Audiology First My experience at Audiology First has been so enriching and fulfilling as I pride in the fact that the clinic strives hard to provide its patients with the best possible and evidence-based intervention strategies. Be it obtaining a detailed case history or comprehensive hearing assessments, hearing aid fittings and follow-up appointments or cerumen management (that’s wax removal!) we make sure that the patients leave feeling more confident, listened to and with more knowledge about their hearing loss or hearing aids. How I Think About Hearing Care I believe that effective communication is essential for a fulfilling life, and I strive to empower my patients by providing personalized care and support. In my area of practice, I focus on understanding each patient’s unique needs and lifestyle. Whether it’s fitting hearing aids, offering rehabilitation strategies, or providing education on hearing health, my goal is to ensure that every patient can engage fully with the world around them. I’m excited to work with you and help you achieve the best possible hearing outcomes!