Does your hearing aid sound a little like a teakettle recently? The common issue of feedback in your hearing aids can most likely be corrected. That annoying high pitched sound can be better comprehended by getting some understanding of how your hearing aids operate. But exactly what can be done?
How Do Hearing Aids Work?
Hearing aids, basically, are really simply a microphone and a speaker. When a sound is picked up by the microphone, the speaker then plays it back in your ears. But there are advanced functions in between when the microphone picks up the sound and when the speaker plays it back.
The sound is translated into an analog electrical signal to be processed after being picked up by the microphone. The analog rendition is then converted into a digital signal by the device’s digital signal processor. The sound is cleaned up after becoming digital by the device’s properties and controls.
The processor then transforms the signal back to analog and sends it to a receiver. You’re ears don’t hear these electrical signals that were once a sound. The sound waves, which the receiver converts the signal back to, are then sent through your ears. Elements in the cochlea turn it back into an electrical signal that the brain can understand.
It all sounds quite complicated but it takes place in about a nanosecond. In spite of all of this sophisticated technology, the device still has feedback.
How do Feedback Loops Occur?
Feedback happens in other systems besides hearing aids. You hear that same high pitched noise in many sound systems which employ a microphone. In essence, the microphone is picking up sound that is coming from the receiver and re-amplifying it. After coming into the microphone and being processed, the receiver then turns the signal back into a sound wave. The microphone then picks up that sound wave again and amplifies it creating the feedback loop. The hearing aid doesn’t like hearing itself over and over again and that causes it to screech.
Exactly What is The Cause of Hearing Aid Feedback?
There are several things that might become a problem which could cause this feedback loop. One of the most common causes is turning the hearing aid on while it’s still in your hand and then putting it in your ear. Your hearing aid begins processing sound waves right when you hit the “on” button. The sound coming from the receiver bounces off your hand and then back into the microphone creating the feedback. The answer to this problem is pretty simple; wait until after the hearing aid is inside your ear before pressing the button.
In some cases hearing aids won’t fit quite as well as they ought to and that can lead to feedback problems. Maybe you’ve lost some weight since you had your hearing aids fitted, or if your hearing aids are older, you may have a loose fit. Getting an adjustment from the seller is the only real remedy to this problem.
Earwax And Feedback
When it comes to hearing aids, earwax is in no way a friend. Hearing aids won’t always fit correctly if there is an accumulation of earwax on them. Now, feedback is once again being triggered by a loose fit. Look in the manual that you got with your hearing aids or else check with the retailer to learn exactly how to clean earwax off without damaging the device.
Maybe It’s Just Broke
This is your next thing to consider when you’ve tried everything else. Feedback can definitely be caused by a broken hearing aid. The casing could have a crack in it somewhere, for example. You should never attempt to fix this damage at home. Schedule an appointment with a hearing aid expert to get a repair.
When is Feedback Not Really Feedback
Hearing aids will make other noises that you may think sound like feedback but are really something else. There are a few other things that can go wrong with your hearing aids, such as a low battery, which can give you a warning sound. The sound should be carefully listened to. Is it really a screeching noise or does it sound more like a beep? If your device has this feature, the owners manual will tell you.
It doesn’t matter what brand or style you use. Most hearing aids are going to produce it and the cause is typically pretty clear.