Sometimes, when you put your phone too close to a radio, it starts producing a screechy sound. The same can be observed in hearing aids.

Most hearing aid patients, unfortunately, know little about these whistling sounds. At some point, almost all hearing aid patients have recorded hearing a nuisance hearing sound. This irritating sound could occur at any time. Medically, the whistling sound is referred to as hearing aid feedback.

What is hearing aid whistling?

Hearing aid feedback happens when the ear canal’s sound jumps back to the earpiece from the ear.

If you suspect you are experiencing whistling, you should visit a specialist for a professional check-up. However, it’s important to recognize physical ear examinations are not always possible. In these cases, a Phonak Online Hearing Test may come in handy.

The real beauty with Phonak online hearing examinations is they can be done remotely. Whether you experience discomfort or hearing aid feedback at work or home, you can now have a private one-on-one consultation.

Some customers want to know whether online hearing examinations are effective before they can indulge. Luckily, online hearing tests are just as effective and practical as physical examinations.

To get the most from an online hearing examination, you should;

  • Ensure you’re in a suitable environment, away from noise pollutants and distractions
  • Use the right earphones to maximize results. Moreover, headphones give better results as compared to built-in speakers.
  • Get proper documentation of the session after the online examination. This ensures you’re kept in the know at all times.

What causes whistling in hearing aids, and what can you do about it?

While many hearing aids come equipped with feedback cancellation mechanisms, they are still susceptible to whistling now and then.

Fortunately, there are a few ways to improve the quality of your hearing aids. These include;

1. Getting the right hearing aid fit

One of the common problems facing hearing aid patients is getting the wrong fitting. Moreover, your ears, just like most other body parts, change with time.

If your ears change shape, the hearing aid fits loosely, making it easy to misinterpret sound waves. If you suspect your ears have changed shape or feel the aid fits differently, you should get a professional at  https://www.ascendhearing.com/store to check it as soon as possible.

2. Setting the right volume on hearing aids

Sometimes, it can get tempting to add the volume to your hearing aid. However, when the volume is turned up beyond the recommended setting, sound may re-enter the hearing aids and cause whistling.

To ensure your hearing aids service you for long, turn down the volume to manageable levels at all times. However, if you still struggle to hear when the volume is moderate, you should consult with your ENT professional.

3. Broken tubing

It is not uncommon for the tube connecting the earmond to shrink and harden. In such cases, the hearing aid may need to be replaced altogether or replace the tubing with a new one.

A broken tubing is not something you can go and replace on your own. However, with the help of a professional, you’ll be able to hear well in no time.

4. Too much earwax

With the help of hearing aids, the sound is transmitted right to the ear canal. However, if the ear is blocked from having an influx of earwax, the sound bounces right back to the hearing aid, causing it to whistle.

To avoid hearing and hearing aid problems, have your equipment regularly checked by a professional. Additionally, set up regular consultations with Phonak. If you wish, you may opt for the online ear test and get everything done without having to leave the house. 

And remember, don’t wait till it’s too late; the earlier you act, the better the chances of finding effective curative and corrective measures.