Hearing a whistling, squealing, chirping, buzzing, or squelching sound from your hearing aids? Those sounds are called feedback, and it's caused when amplified sound escapes from your ear canal and gets picked up again by your hearing aid's microphone. Some brief feedback is expected, and we’ll go over those situations. But, if the feedback is persistent and bothersome, there are often simple steps to fix it.  

Keep in mind: Hearing your own voice differently or noticing sharp everyday sounds like running water or crinkling paper is not feedback. These sounds are expected when adjusting to hearing aids and usually become less noticeable the more you wear your hearing aids. 

When is feedback expected?

It's common to hear a brief whistle or squeal when you:

• Put your hearing aids on or take them off.
• Cover your ears with your hands.
• Put something close to your ears like a hat or headphones.

What to do: If the sound stops on its own, there's usually nothing you need to do! If it bothers you, try a slightly larger dome size or a more closed type of dome, as long as it fits comfortably.

When is feedback not expected?

You shouldn’t have to deal with bothersome whistling that’s happening persistently. If you hear feedback during everyday activities, or the sound continues even when nothing is near your ears, start by adjusting your physical fit. A secure fit helps prevent feedback while ensuring you're getting the sound you need to hear your best.

Your guide to reduce feedback

1. Check your dome size and type

Your dome should fit snugly in your ear canal without causing pressure or discomfort. If it's too loose or isn't the right type for your hearing needs, sound can escape from your ear and cause feedback.

Start by checking your dome size:

• Make sure your dome is fully and comfortably seated in your ear canal.
• If you're using a small or medium dome, try the next size up of the same style.
• If you're already using the largest size and still hearing feedback, you may need a different dome style.

Next, check your dome type:

 We offer three types, each designed for different hearing needs.

• Open domes (S, M, L): Allow more natural sound into your ears, but are more likely to cause feedback.
• Tulip domes (one size): Provide a more closed fit that can help reduce feedback.
• Closed domes (S, M, L): Can sometimes block even more sound from escaping, helping reduce feedback.

If you're using open domes and sizing up hasn't helped, switching to tulip or closed domes may be the fix.

Important: If you have access to our Audiology Team and your provider recommended a specific dome type, stick with that recommendation whenever possible. Your provider selected it based on your hearing needs, and switching types could affect how well you hear. 

Learn how to change your domes

Learn more about choosing the right dome

Other services our Audiology Team offers

2. Check your receiver wire length

Your receiver wire connects your hearing aid to the dome inside your ear. If it's too long or too short, your dome may not sit securely, increasing the chance of feedback.

You may need a different receiver length if:

• Your receiver wire keeps popping out of your ear canal. 
• The top of your ear canal feels irritated.
• There’s extra wire that causes the hearing aid body to dangle behind your ear instead of sitting snugly on top of your ear.
• Your wire doesn’t lay flat against the side of your face.

If any of these sound familiar, it’s best to measure your ears for the correct receiver wire length. Need help with this? Our Audiology Team is happy to help. 

Learn how to measure your ears for the correct receiver wire length

3. Consider earwax buildup

If you haven't changed your domes or hearing aid settings, earwax or other debris in your ear canal could be the cause of feedback. Why? If wax starts to block your ear canal, the amplified sound from your hearing aid bumps up against that wax and bounces right back out of your ear.

A dome adjustment still may help, but if earwax is the issue, it's best to have your ears checked by your primary care physician or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. They can safely remove any buildup if needed.

Still hearing feedback? Calibration may help.

If you have access to our Audiology Team, your provider can help you determine whether calibration is the right next step. Calibration can be completed during a video appointment where your provider will connect remotely to your hearing aids. Using clinical fitting software, the calibration checks where feedback is likely to occur and automatically adjusts your hearing aids to help reduce it.

How to schedule with our Audiology Team

Why check your fit first? Calibration may reduce certain high-pitched sounds to prevent feedback. While this can help with whistling, it may also reduce some of the sound you need to hear clearly - that’s why addressing feedback by adjusting your physical fit is always the first option.

Have more questions or prefer to talk this over with our Customer Support Team? We’re happy to help!