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What Are the Causes of Hearing Aid Feedback?

Squealing caused by feedback is a common annoyance for people who wear hearing aids. According to HealthyHearing.com, there are three main causes of hearing aid feedback. The wearer can fix some kinds of feedback, but others require the expertise of a trained technician.

  1. Speaker Noise

    • Acoustical feedback happens when the microphone picks up noise from the speaker. This creates a feedback loop that causes a shrill whistling sound.

    Case Vibrations

    • Mechanical feedback is when the case of the hearing aid vibrates from the sound waves of the speaker. The microphone picks up the vibrations of the case and creates feedback.

    Electronic Malfunctions

    • A hearing aid is filled with sensitive electronics. There is a malfunction in the circuitry sometimes that causes electronic feedback.

    Eliminating Feedback

    • A hearing aid suffering from mechanical or electronic feedback should be taken to a qualified technician. Acoustical feedback can sometimes be fixed by the wearer. Check for excess earwax, a poor fit or damage to the aid.

    Digital Hearing Aids

    • Digital aids often offer automatic feedback suppression. While they can be pricey, digital aids are also more comfortable to use.

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