That high-pitched whistling from your hearing aid isn't just annoying: it's your device trying to tell you something needs adjusting.
As an audiologist, I hear about feedback issues from my patients every day, and the good news is that most whistling problems are quickly resolved once you understand their origin.
Let's look together at why hearing aids whistle and, most importantly, how to make it stop.
What causes hearing aid feedback?
Feedback occurs when the sound amplified by your hearing aid's speaker escapes and is picked up again by the microphone, creating a loop that produces that characteristic whistling sound. It's exactly like a microphone being held too close to a speaker during a concert, but on a much smaller scale.
Here are the most frequent causes:
Poor fit or insufficient seal: when your hearing aid isn't perfectly fitted in your ear, sound can escape around the edges. This is particularly common with in-the-ear devices when the earmold isn't the right size, or with behind-the-ear models when the custom earmold leaves gaps.
Wax buildup: excessive earwax creates irregular surfaces that reflect sound back towards the microphone. Even a small amount of earwax on the earmold 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 risk of feedback. Modern hearing aids are designed to provide clear sound without pushing the volume to the maximum.
Damaged or worn components: over time, earmolds can deform, tubes can crack, and internal components can shift. Each of these changes creates new pathways for sound to escape.
Quick solutions to try right now
Before fearing a device malfunction, try these simple solutions, in this order:
1. Reposition your hearing aid
Remove and then reinsert your hearing aid, ensuring it's properly seated (as far into the canal as it can go). For in-the-ear models like our Atom 2 range, ensure the earmold creates a complete seal. For behind-the-ear models like our Ion range, check that the earmold is fully inserted into the ear canal and that the device rests firmly behind your ear, without any gaps.
2. Check for earwax
Inspect both your hearing aid and your ear for any visible wax buildup. Clean the earmold with your cleaning brush (never with water) and, if you notice a significant amount of earwax in your ear, consider over-the-counter drops or professional cleaning. One patient told me her "broken" hearing aid worked perfectly again after a simple earwax removal!
3. Adjust the volume and listening mode
Both the Atom 2 and Ion ranges offer 4 different listening modes, designed for various environments. If you hear feedback, try changing the mode or lowering the volume by one notch. The A2™ chip in Atom models and the A2 Max™ chip in Ion models automatically adapt to your environment: in most situations, you don't need maximum volume.
4. The cupped hand test
If your hearing aid whistles when you cup your hand over your ear, this is actually normal: you are artificially creating a feedback situation. However, if it whistles during common gestures like hugging someone, this indicates a fit problem that needs to be corrected.
Common feedback situations and their 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' temples so they don't cover the hearing aid microphone.
"I get feedback during my phone calls"
Hold the phone slightly away from your ear rather than pressed against it. Ion Pro users can receive calls directly via Bluetooth, which completely eliminates the problem.
"It only whistles when I chew"
The movements of your jaw change the shape of your ear canal. Try a slightly smaller earmold or a closed earmold for a more secure fit during meals.
When feedback indicates a bigger problem
Persistent whistling sometimes indicates it's time to consult a professional or have the device adjusted:
Your ear canal has changed
Surprisingly, the shape of ear canals changes over time due to weight loss, aging, or jaw changes. What fit perfectly six months ago may require adjustment today.
You need a different size or type of earmold
Both the Atom 2 and Ion ranges come with several earmold sizes, and the Ion range offers both open and closed earmolds. Open earmolds are suitable for mild hearing loss but can cause feedback: switching to closed earmolds often resolves the issue immediately.
Your hearing has changed
If the feedback has appeared recently and persists, your hearing loss may have progressed. The Ion Pro's 6 personalized hearing profiles, created by audiologists and Grammy Award-winning sound engineers, allow you to track the evolution of your hearing needs without changing devices.
Device-specific solutions
For Atom 2 range users:
Grasp the device by the sides when inserting it, avoiding pressing on the flat surface where the microphone is located
Ensure the removal tab does not create a gap in the seal
The Atom Pro 2's background noise reduction particularly helps limit feedback in challenging environments
Remember: the UV cleaning function keeps your device free of bacteria, but clean earmolds are still essential to prevent feedback
For Ion range users:
Ensure the behind-the-ear part lies flat against your head, with no hair trapped underneath
Check that the tube is not twisted, bent, or hardened over time
Use directional sound technology to focus on conversations while reducing surrounding noise that could cause feedback
Ion Pro users can fine-tune their settings from the app and create custom adjustments for environments where feedback occurs
When to contact customer service
Contact the CLARIA lifetime support team if:
Feedback persists after trying all solutions
You hear crackling or intermittent sounds in addition to feedback
The device whistles even at the lowest volume setting
You dropped your hearing aid and feedback appeared afterward
Our support team, personally trained by audiologists, can guide you through further troubleshooting or arrange a replacement if necessary.
Prevention, your best strategy
Once your feedback problem is resolved, prevent it from returning with this daily routine:
In the morning: check that the earmolds are not clogged with earwax before inserting them
During the day: pay attention to the position of your hats and glasses
In the evening: clean your devices with the provided tools
Weekly: deep clean the earmolds and check for wear
Monthly: replace earmolds if they have lost their shape or elasticity
For Atom Pro 2 users: take advantage of the UV cleaning function that eliminates 99.9% of bacteria during charging — healthy devices work better.
For Ion users: 48-hour battery life means fewer manipulations and therefore less risk of components shifting.
In summary
Hearing aid feedback is annoying, but it rarely indicates a serious problem. In most cases, you can resolve it yourself in a few seconds, by simply repositioning or cleaning. Both the Atom 2 and Ion ranges integrate sophisticated anti-feedback systems that should prevent any whistling under normal conditions.
According to our survey data, 90% of CLARIA users report better hearing in group conversations, and 84% hear television or radio better at normal volume, all without having to deal with permanent feedback issues. Whether you prefer the discreet in-the-ear design of the Atom range or the powerful performance of the behind-the-ear Ion range, a good fit and regular maintenance remain essential.
As John S., one of our long-time users, says:
"The Ion works wonderfully! Easy to put on, excellent sound, simple volume control, and it works perfectly even with my glasses! No feedback with these devices!"
The key is not to ignore persistent whistling and not to think that it's "part of wearing a hearing aid." With a good fit and proper maintenance, your CLARIA hearing aids should provide you with clear, whistle-free sound all day long, keeping you connected to the conversations and sounds that matter most.
If you're tired of feedback from your current hearing aids — or if the fear of whistling has so far discouraged you from trying hearing aids — know that modern technology has made huge advances. With CLARIA's 45-day risk-free trial, you can experience clear, feedback-free hearing for yourself. Our lifetime support team is always there to ensure your devices work perfectly, according to your needs.
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