Why Hearing Aids Whistle (Feedback) and What to Do

Why it happens

• The hearing aid does not sit well: the cause of feedback, according to ASHA.
• Open fitting: less gain available before feedback, according to a published review (Trends in Hearing, 2016).
• A hand, hat or phone close to the hearing aid: a general observation; the whistle usually stops when it moves away.

What to do

• Check that the hearing aid is fully inserted and sits correctly.
• If the whistling continues, book a check-up with your audiologist, as ASHA advises.
• If it started after a change, such as weight loss, a new tube or dome, mention it at the appointment.

What Philips states about feedback control

For the original HearLink, Philips describes a SoundMap Feedback Canceller and calls the hearing aid virtually whistle-free. For SoundMap 2, Philips says working in 24 frequency bands improves, among other things, feedback cancellation. These are manufacturer descriptions; no figures or independent research on Philips' system were found on the pages reviewed.

Key takeaways

• Whistling is called feedback.
• According to ASHA it happens when the hearing aid does not fit well.
• Persistent whistling is a reason for a check-up.
• Philips describes a feedback canceller; no independent data were found.