Hearing Aid Feedback Causes & Solutions in Seattle, WA
How Do I Stop the Ringing & Ticking in My Ears?
If you have hearing aids and frequently hear a ringing, buzzing, or squeaking sound, you’re probably hearing feedback that happens when the sound coming out of your device leaks back into its microphone, creating a continuous loop of sound. When a hearing aid produces feedback, it’s because it’s attempting to amplify its output. At Puget Sound Hearing Aid & Audiology, we understand how frustrating hearing aid feedback can be to you and those around you. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce or eliminate the feedback in your hearing aids. Below, we’ve included some helpful information about the causes of hearing aid feedback and how to prevent it. Contact our hearing care professionals to learn more or schedule an appointment for a one-on-one consultation.
Common Causes of Hearing Aid Feedback
If your hearing aid is making ringing, ticking, buzzing, or squealing sounds, it could be caused by one or more of the following:
- Blocked Ear Canal – If earwax buildup is blocking your ear canal, the sound won’t have anywhere to travel and will loop back into the hearing aid’s microphone.
- Poor Fit – Hearing aids must fit properly to the contours of your ear. If there are any gaps or spaces, sound can echo into the microphone, resulting in feedback. If you believe your hearing aids weren’t fitted properly, you can visit your hearing care professional for an adjustment. They can also show you how to properly insert your hearing aid, mold, or dome in your ear.
- High Volume – If your device’s volume is turned up too loud, it can cause feedback. Try turning down the volume to see if it helps.
- Mechanical Problems – Hearing aids are comprised of several complex parts and components. A minor malfunction can cause the device to ring. Your hearing care professional can determine if your hearing aid needs to be repaired.
Are Some Hearing Aids More Likely to Cause Feedback Than Others?
Some features that are unavailable in analog devices are currently offered in digital hearing aids, including noise reduction, feedback reduction, and expansion. In addition, certain types of hearing aids are more susceptible to ear wax clogging, including:
- Completely-in-Canal (CIC)
- In-the-Canal (ITC)
- Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)
Other hearing aids, such as behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids, are more likely to be affected by wind noise but less likely to be affected by wax buildup. Your hearing care professional can help you choose the best hearing aid style for your specific needs.
What’s the Static Sound in My Hearing Aids?
If your hearing aid produces a sound that’s like static, it’s time to have your device inspected by one of our hearing care professionals. When hearing aids produce a crackling sound, they usually need to be serviced. The issue could be caused by anything from a defective battery to debris buildup.
Contact Our Hearing Care Professionals Today
Hearing aid feedback can be incredibly frustrating. If it’s happening to you frequently, there’s no reason to keep dealing with it. Hearing aid feedback can be prevented and resolved with help from the experts at Puget Sound Hearing Aid & Audiology. If you believe your hearing aids fit well, there could be another issue going on with your device. Our hearing care professionals have years of experience providing comprehensive audiology services for patients in Seattle, WA, and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to learn more, or schedule an appointment to take the first step towards better hearing and an enhanced quality of life.
