Although hearing aids can greatly improve the quality of life for people with hearing loss, they also present their distinct challenges. One major issue is whistling, which results from sound bouncing back and forth in the ear canal, producing a piercing sound. This can be bothersome, and in some cases, even painful.
Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to minimize or eliminate the whistling sound from your hearing aids.
Check Your Fit and Sizing
It is important to ensure that your hearing aid is fitted correctly to your ear to avoid whistling noises. If you suspect that your hearing aid is too small or large, it may be necessary to replace it with one that fits better.
Clean Your Ear Canal and Hearing Aid
Regularly cleaning both your ear canal and hearing aids can prevent feedback problems caused by wax or dirt build-up in the canal. Keeping the vents of your hearing aids free from debris is also important in minimizing any issues.
Change Your Volume Settings
If you are experiencing whistling sounds, it could be due to the volume being too high. Try reducing the volume by a few decibels and see if this helps.
Adjust Your Hearing Aid’s Directional Microphone
Most hearing aids are equipped with directional microphones which can be adjusted to focus on sound coming from certain directions.
If the microphone is pointing in the wrong direction, it may be picking up feedback and causing whistling. Try adjusting the microphone and see if this helps reduce or eliminate any noise.
Try Different Hearing Aid Settings
Hearing aids have different settings that can reduce or get rid of whistling sounds. There are also special features such as “feedback cancellation” that can help prevent feedback.
To solve the problem of whistling, try adjusting the settings to see if any of them work for you.
Check with Your Audiologist
If you are still having trouble with the whistling, it is best to visit your audiologist to get a professional opinion. They may be able to adjust the settings or replace certain components in your hearing aid to reduce the whistling sound.
Conclusion
Whistling hearing aids can be annoying and distracting, but they don’t have to be a permanent problem. By following the steps outlined above, you should be able to reduce or eliminate the whistling sound from your hearing aids.
If all else fails, consider getting a new pair of hearing aids that are better suited for your needs.
