If you or a loved one wears a hearing aid, chances are you’ve heard it before—a sharp, high-pitched whistle that can be annoying, embarrassing, and even painful. This sound, known as feedback, is one of the most common concerns among hearing aid users.
But why does this happen, and more importantly, what can you do about it?
In this ultimate guide from Hazelwood Hearcare, we’ll explain:
Hearing aid feedback occurs when amplified sound from the device escapes the ear canal and re-enters the microphone, causing a loop of sound. The result is that familiar whistling or squealing noise.
It’s similar to what happens when a microphone is placed too close to a loudspeaker—except it’s happening in your ear.
There are two main types of feedback:
Let’s explore the most frequent culprits behind that bothersome whistle:
If your hearing aid doesn’t sit snugly in your ear canal, sound can escape and re-enter the microphone. This is particularly common in:
Schedule a refit or ask Hazelwood Hearcare to customise your ear mold for a more secure fit.
Even a small amount of earwax can change how sound travels, leading to:
Regular ear wax removal is essential. Hazelwood Hearcare offers safe, professional ear wax removal at your doorstep across the UK.
Sometimes users turn up the volume too much to hear clearly. This extra amplification can cause:
Let our specialists help reprogram your hearing aid for optimal settings suited to your hearing loss and environment.
If your hearing aid isn’t inserted fully or correctly, it creates gaps for sound to escape.
Practice consistent, proper insertion and have Hazelwood’s audiologists demonstrate the right technique during your next visit.
A small crack in the tubing, shell, or microphone area can cause feedback—even if the fit is correct.
Solution:
Bring your device in for a professional hearing aid check-up or servicing to catch wear and tear early.
Objects brushing against the microphone or creating echo-like surfaces can cause intermittent whistling.
Solution:
Try repositioning your phone or adjusting how you wear hats or scarves. Newer models also come with anti-feedback features—ask us about an upgrade.
We recommend the following best practices to avoid whistling altogether:
Have your hearing aids cleaned, checked, and serviced every 6–12 months. At Hazelwood Hearcare, we offer at-home visits for your convenience.
Use proper tools to remove wax and moisture. Never insert cotton buds or unapproved objects. We provide safe, professional cleaning tools and ear care advice with every appointment.
Insert your hearing aids while they are off or muted, then turn them on once they’re properly seated to avoid start-up feedback.
Hazelwood offers microsuction and irrigation methods to safely remove wax without risking hearing aid damage.
Modern hearing aids come with built-in digital filters to eliminate feedback. If yours doesn’t, we can help you upgrade or reprogram to enable this feature.
Hearing aid feedback isn’t something you should live with. If the whistling:
…it’s time to call in the experts.
Serving across Coventry, Leamington Spa, Kenilworth, and beyond.
""Wow! Absolutely amazing service. The gentlemen arrived at my home on time and was very polite, reassuring and professional. The treatment was quick, painless and so effective. I feel like my old self again, able to clearly and in comfort. Thank you so much. Highly recommend (Brierley Hill)"
— Kelly Williams
Q: Is hearing aid whistling normal?
A: Occasionally, yes. But if it’s frequent or disruptive, it likely needs attention.
Q: Will new hearing aids fix this issue?
A: Most modern hearing aids have feedback cancellation technology. Ask Hazelwood about upgrade options.
Q: Can I fix feedback at home?
A: Basic cleaning or reinserting the device can help, but persistent feedback should be checked by a professional.
Q: Is feedback damaging to hearing?
A: While not harmful, constant feedback can be irritating and interfere with communication and device use.
A whistling hearing aid may seem minor—but it’s often a sign that something needs adjustment, cleaning, or repair. Don’t wait until it affects your quality of life.
Let Hazelwood Hearcare provide the trusted, professional help you need—right at your doorstep.
Visit HazelwoodHearcare.co.uk or Call us now to schedule a visit in Coventry, Leamington Spa, or nearby locations.
