How To Troubleshoot Hearing Aid Feedback

“Hearing aids are wonderful devices and a great way to ensure you can communicate effectively with others and enjoy your favorite sounds. Being able to hear the sounds of nature, other people’s voices and music clearly can have a positive impact on your life.”

~ Shelley Heath, AU.D., LIC.-A

One issue that you may experience with your devices is hearing aid feedback. It can be especially annoying if you don’t want to call attention to your devices. In this case, a high-pitched squeal or whistling sound may interfere with your conversations and cause you to feel annoyed. The following advice will walk you through the benefits of hearing aids and how to troubleshoot hearing aid feedback in three steps.

Benefits of Hearing Aids

There are many benefits of getting hearing aids in the first place. For instance, you can more easily communicate with friends and family or be able to hear sounds you haven’t previously been able to hear. You can also hear speech over the phone more clearly and improve communication and interactions in large groups or noisy environments. One of the greatest benefits to you is that you can enhance your quality of life and feel more confident as you socialize.

What is Hearing Aid Feedback?

The next matter to address is what is hearing aid feedback in the first place. Before you can troubleshoot it, it’ll be wise to understand what it is fully. This feedback occurs when an acoustic signal or a sound wave flees the ear canal and hits the hearing aid microphone. You may notice a whistling, screeching, squealing or loud buzzing and hissing sound.

There’s a greater chance of potential feedback when you have more severe hearing loss. If you want to avoid the chances of hearing aid feedback, then consider investing in newer devices where it will be less common.

What Causes Hearing Aid Feedback?

There are three primary kinds of hearing aid feedback to know about. These are as follows:

• Acoustical: This may happen if your device doesn’t fit right or there’s earwax buildup in the canal. The amplified sound that comes from the hearing aid speaker is picked up by the microphone on the hearing aid.
• Mechanical: These are vibrations that come about when the hearing aid speaker unites with the hearing aid casing.
• Electronic: This type of feedback happens when there is a problem with the electrical circuits in the hearing device itself.

Another possibility that might arise is that you have hearing aid static to deal with. In this case, take your hearing aids in for a checkup so an audiologist can take a look.

How to Troubleshoot Hearing Aid Feedback

Troubleshooting hearing aid feedback is quite simple and straightforward. You should be able to do so by following three quick tips. These include:

• Repositioning your hearing aid earmold or dome so that it fits properly in your ear.
• If this doesn’t work or help, then take the time to thoroughly clean your hearing aids. At the same time, flush your ear canal with an earwax kit.
• If there is feedback still present, then at this point you should take your hearing aids to an audiologist for a check-up and a cleaning.

The worst part about hearing aid feedback is that it’s annoying and can be embarrassing. The good news is that it isn’t harmful to you or your ears.

Tips for Taking Care of Your Hearing Aids

It’s important that you take good care of your hearing aids so that they can work properly and stay clean. Always keep them away from moisture and heat and replace dead batteries right away. Be mindful not to use hairspray or other hair care products while you’re wearing hearing aids and follow the instructions to keep them clean. If you’re not wearing or using your hearing aids, then turn them off and store them away.

When to See an Audiologist

You now have some tips and ways to troubleshoot your hearing aids and the feedback you experience. Hearing aids are useful devices that provide you with the opportunity to communicate better and hear more clearly. Take good care of them and don’t be afraid to schedule an appointment with your audiologist if you are unable to stop the hearing aid feedback and need a second opinion or some help.

Are you looking for a trusted and experienced audiologist in your area? Then look no further because we are here to help. You can learn more about Bluegrass Hearing Clinic by calling us today at (859) 295-5729.