How to fix hearing aid feedback

If you're experiencing hearing aid feedback, the first thing for us to say is that you're not alone. It’s not because of your ears and it’s not because they’re rejecting your hearing aids — it’s simply a common and frustrating issue that many people experience. 

In very rare circumstances, you may find that you need the help of a professional to give your hearing aids a once-over, however, we’re pretty certain these tips can do the trick.

Like we’ve said, most cases of hearing aid feedback can easily be fixed with some simple troubleshooting steps. No matter which type of hearing aid you have, we’ve got tips to help you get rid of that annoying feedback noise. 

What causes hearing aid feedback?

Hearing aid feedback occurs when the sound from your hearing aid's speaker loops back into its microphone. This can then create the high-pitched whistling or squealing noise that’s taking over your day-to-day life!

Common causes of hearing aid feedback include:

1. Poor fitting

If your hearing aid doesn't fit well, sound can escape through the gaps and re-enter into the microphone. An ill-fitting earmold or hearing aid can cause this, with the sound being picked up by the microphone again. 

The fix: Ensuring a snug and secure fit might help sort this.

2. Earwax buildup

Earwax can block the ear canal, which can cause the sound to bounce back into the hearing aid's microphone.

• The fix: We suggest keeping your ears nice and clean by using safe earwax removal methods to help prevent this.

  
  

  
  

  3. Electronic interference

In some cases, you may find that being close to other electronic devices can increase the likelihood of static, buzzing, or feedback sounds. Hearing aids can pick up electromagnetic signals from nearby devices, especially those using similar frequencies. 

• The fix: Keeping your hearing aids at a safe distance from these devices, turning off unused electronics, or switching them to aeroplane mode when not in use can help reduce this interference.

  
  

  
  

  4. Improper insertion​ 

Thankfully, this one has a simple solution! Sometimes, if your hearing aid isn’t positioned properly, sound can leak out which results in feedback. 

• The fix: Give your hearing aid a wiggle around to ensure it fits snugly and you may find an improvement.

  
  

  5. Your volume is too high

  
  

While it may be tempting to turn your hearing aid’s volume up as high as possible, this can increase the chance of any sound looping back into the microphone. 

• The fix: If all else fails, try adjusting the volume to a lower level and see if this helps the feedback issue.

  
  

  6. Microphone and receiver faults

You may find that none of the above general issues help fix your hearing aid feedback. If this is the case, then it could unfortunately be a fault with your microphone or receiver. 

• The fix: In these scenarios, it’s best to take your hearing aid to your chosen audiologist so they can identify and repair the problem.

  
  

What does hearing aid feedback noise sound like?

Wondering if that strange noise you’re hearing is actually hearing aid feedback? Hearing aid feedback typically sounds like a high-pitched whistle or squeal. It can be constant or it could come and go. 

This noise can be quite disruptive, making it hard to concentrate or have a conversation. If this sounds familiar, then you’re likely dealing with hearing aid feedback.

Hearing aid feedback: Troubleshooting tips for different hearing aid types

We’ve explored some of the most common causes of hearing aid feedback and how to reduce the effect.  But what if the noise is specific to your type of hearing aid? Here’s what we’d do.

Behind-the-Ear (BTE) hearing aids

BTE hearing aids sit behind the ear with a tube that connects to an earmould inside the ear. To fix feedback in BTE hearing aids, we’d suggest:

• Adjusting the earmould: Make sure it fits snugly and check for blockages.

• Inspecting the tubing: Ensure it's not cracked or worn out. If it is, replace or repair as soon as possible.

In-the-Ear (ITE) hearing aids

ITE hearing aids fit entirely inside the outer ear. To stop feedback on your in-the-ear hearing aids, we recommend:

• Ensuring a snug fit: An ill-fitting hearing aid can cause feedback. Consider having your earmould remade if you cannot adjust it well enough.

• Cleaning regularly: Keep the hearing aid and your ears clean to prevent any blockages.

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) hearing aids

RIC hearing aids have the receiver (speaker) inside the ear canal. To reduce feedback, try these steps:

• Check the receiver and dome: To make sure they are properly placed and clean.

• Inspect the wire: To make sure it’s not damaged or bent.

Completely-in-Canal (CIC) hearing aids

CIC hearing aids are small and fit deep inside the ear canal. To fix feedback, we’d suggest:

• Re-insertion: To ensure the device is inserted correctly and snugly within the ear canal.

• Regular maintenance: Clean the hearing aid regularly to prevent any earwax buildup.

Invisible-in-Canal (IIC) hearing aids

Invisible hearing aids are even smaller and sit deeper in the ear canal. To reduce feedback, try:

• Careful re-insertion: To ensure that the hearing aid is properly and securely positioned.

• Routine cleaning: To keep the IIC hearing aid performing at its best.

In-the-Canal (ITC) hearing aids

ITC hearing aids are slightly larger than CIC and IIC, fitting partly in the ear canal. To fix feedback, we’d suggest:

• Ensuring a proper fit: To make sure the hearing aid fits well and isn’t loose.
• Cleaning regularly: Keep both your hearing aid and your ears clean to avoid blockages.

We know that a lot of our tips include hearing aid maintenance, so don’t forget to check out our advice on cleaning and maintaining your hearing aids. We also have a full hearing aid guide, which includes an overview of the different types of hearing aids available in the UK and how to look after each. 

When to seek professional help for hearing aid feedback noise

If you’ve tried all the troubleshooting tips and still experience feedback, it’s probably time for you to seek professional help. 

Your chosen audiologist or hearing aid specialist can perform a thorough check-up to make sure the problem doesn’t arise again. We’d recommend doing this as they may even identify issues you might have missed and provide more specific solutions for your hearing needs.

Compare hearing aid quotes and suppliers with SpotDif

Don’t let hearing aid feedback disrupt your life. We know that it’s difficult to deal with, but we want you to know that there is a way to stop it in its tracks.

At SpotDif, our goal is to help you compare hearing aid quotes from top suppliers to find the best solution for your needs.

Ready to get started? Visit our hearing aid comparison form and take the first step towards better hearing — hopefully without any annoying feedback!