That high-pitched whistle coming from your hearing aid isn't just annoying—it's your device trying to tell you something needs adjustment.
As an audiologist, I hear about feedback issues from patients every day, and the good news is that most whistling can be resolved quickly once you understand what's causing it.
Let's walk through why hearing aids whistle and, more importantly, how to stop it from happening.
What Causes Hearing Aid Feedback?
Feedback occurs when amplified sound from your hearing aid's speaker leaks out and gets picked up again by the microphone, creating a loop that produces that characteristic whistle. Think of it like a microphone getting too close to a speaker at a concert—same principle, just on a much smaller scale.
Here are the most common culprits:
Poor Fit or Seal: When your hearing aid doesn't fit snugly in your ear, sound can escape around the edges. This is especially common with in-the-ear devices if the dome isn't the right size or with behind-the-ear models if the earmold has gaps.
Earwax Buildup Excess: earwax can create irregular surfaces that bounce sound back toward the microphone. Even a small amount of wax on the dome or in your ear canal can trigger feedback.
Volume Set Too High: While it's tempting to turn up the volume for better clarity, excessive amplification increases the likelihood of feedback. Modern hearing aids are designed to provide clear sound without maxing out the volume.
Damaged or Worn Components: Over time, domes can lose their shape, tubing can crack, and internal components can shift. Any of these changes can create new pathways for sound to escape.
Quick Fixes You Can Try Right Now
Before you worry about device problems, try these simple solutions in this order:
1. Reposition Your Hearing Aid
Remove and reinsert your hearing aid, making sure it's seated properly (as far in the canal as it can go). For in-the-ear models like our Atom 2 Series, ensure the dome creates a complete seal. For behind-the-ear models like our Ion Series, check that the dome sits deep in your ear canal and the device rests securely behind your ear without any gaps.
2. Check for Earwax
Inspect both your hearing aid and your ear for visible wax buildup. Clean the dome with your cleaning brush (never use water), and if you see significant wax in your ear, consider using over-the-counter drops or scheduling a professional cleaning. One patient told me her "broken" hearing aid started working perfectly after a simple wax removal!
3. Adjust Your Volume and Mode
Both the Atom 2 Series and Ion Series feature 4 different hearing modes designed for various environments. If you're experiencing feedback, try switching to a different mode or lowering the volume by one level. The A2™ chip in the Atom series and A2 Max™ chip in the Ion series automatically adapt to your environment, so you shouldn't need maximum volume in most situations.
4. Cup Your Hand Test
If your hearing aid whistles when you cup your hand over your ear, that's actually normal—you're creating an artificial feedback situation. But if it whistles during regular activities like hugging someone, that indicates a fit issue that needs addressing.
Real-World Feedback Scenarios and Solutions
"My hearing aid whistles when I wear my reading glasses"
This is common with behind-the-ear models. Try adjusting the position of your glasses' temple arms so they don't cover the hearing aid microphone.
"I get feedback during phone calls"
Hold the phone slightly away from your ear rather than pressed against it. Ion Pro users can stream calls directly through Bluetooth, eliminating this issue entirely.
"It only whistles when I chew"
Your jaw movement changes your ear canal shape. Try a slightly smaller dome or a closed dome style for a more secure fit during meals.
When Feedback Signals a Bigger Issue
Sometimes persistent whistling indicates it's time for professional attention or device adjustment:
Your Ear Canal Has Changed
Believe it or not, ear canals can change shape over time due to weight loss, aging, or jaw changes. What fit perfectly six months ago might need adjustment now.
You Need Different Dome Sizes or Styles
Both the Atom 2 Series and Ion Series come with multiple dome sizes, and the Ion Series includes both open and closed dome options. Open domes work well for mild hearing loss but may cause feedback—switching to closed domes often solves the problem immediately.
Your Hearing Has Changed
If feedback is new and persistent, your hearing loss may have progressed. The Ion Pro's 6 personalized hearing profiles, created by audiologists and Grammy-winning sound engineers, can help accommodate changes in your hearing needs without requiring a new device.
Device-Specific Solutions
For Atom 2 Series Users:
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Grip the device by its sides when inserting, avoiding pressure on the flat surface where the microphone is located
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Check that the pull tab isn't creating a gap in the seal
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The Atom Pro 2's background noise cancellation specifically helps reduce feedback in challenging environments
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Remember: the UV cleaning feature keeps your device bacteria-free, but clean domes are essential for preventing feedback
For Ion Series Users:
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Ensure the behind-the-ear component sits flush against your head—hair shouldn't be trapped underneath
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Check that the tube isn't twisted, kinked, or hardened with age
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Use the directional sound technology to focus on conversations while minimizing surrounding noise that can cause feedback
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Ion Pro users can fine-tune their settings through the app, creating custom adjustments for specific environments where feedback occurs
When to Contact Support
Reach out to Audien's lifetime support team if:
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Feedback persists after trying all solutions
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You hear crackling or intermittent sounds along with feedback
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The device whistles even at the lowest volume setting
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You've dropped your hearing aid and feedback started afterward
Our support team, personally trained by audiologists, can walk you through advanced troubleshooting or arrange a replacement if needed.
Prevention Is Your Best Strategy
Once you've solved your current feedback issue, keep it from returning with this daily routine:
Morning: Check domes for wax buildup before inserting
During wear: Be mindful of hat and glasses placement
Evening: Clean devices with provided tools
Weekly: Deep clean domes and check for wear
Monthly: Replace domes if they've lost their shape or elasticity
For Atom Pro 2 users: Take advantage of the UV cleaning feature that kills 99.9% of bacteria while charging—healthy devices perform better.
For Ion users: Your 48-hour battery life means less handling and fewer opportunities for components to shift out of position.
The Bottom Line
Hearing aid feedback is annoying but rarely indicates a serious problem. In most cases, you can resolve it yourself in seconds with proper positioning or cleaning. Both the Atom 2 Series and Ion Series include sophisticated anti-feedback features that should prevent whistling under normal conditions.
According to our survey data, 90% of Audien users report hearing better in conversations with multiple people, and 84% hear the TV or radio better at normal volume—all without dealing with constant feedback issues. Whether you prefer the discreet in-the-ear design of the Atom series or the powerful behind-the-ear performance of the Ion series, proper fit and maintenance are key.
As one of our long-time users, John S., shared:
"The Ion works wonderfully! Easy to place, excellent sound, easy to adjust volume, and they work perfectly even with my eyeglasses! There is NO feedback with these!"
The important thing is not to ignore persistent whistling or assume it's "just part of wearing hearing aids." With the right fit and proper care, your Audien hearing aids should provide clear, whistle-free sound throughout your day, helping you stay connected to the conversations and sounds that matter most.
If you're tired of dealing with feedback from your current hearing aids—or if fear of whistling has kept you from trying hearing aids at all—know that modern technology has come a long way. With Audien's 45-day risk-free trial, you can experience clear, feedback-free hearing for yourself. Our lifetime support team is always here to ensure your devices work perfectly for your unique needs.
