A whistling or squealing sound from your hearing aids (called "feedback") is one of the most common issues new users experience. The good news: it's almost always fixable.
What Causes Feedback?
Feedback happens when amplified sound leaks out of your ear and gets picked up by the hearing aid's microphone — creating a loop. Common causes include:
Poor fit — the ear tip isn't creating a proper seal
Volume too high — exceeds what the seal can contain
Earwax buildup — in the ear canal or on the device
Proximity to surfaces — placing your hand near your ear or pressing it against a pillow
Ill-fitting or worn ear tips — tips that have stretched or degraded
Fix 1: Reseat the Hearing Aid
Remove the hearing aid and reinsert it carefully:
Pull the outer ear gently upward and back, then insert the tip.
Press gently to ensure a snug seal.
Try this a few times — the correct fit should eliminate most whistling.
Fix 2: Try a Different Ear Tip Size
A slightly larger ear tip usually creates a better acoustic seal.
If you're using the medium tip, try the large. If the large is uncomfortable, try a medium-large or a different style (dome vs. closed tip).
Fix 3: Reduce the Volume
If feedback only occurs at certain volume levels, lower the volume slightly.
Over time, as you acclimate, you may be able to increase volume without feedback recurring.
Fix 4: Clean the Device and Ear Canal
Earwax in the ear canal can cause sound to bounce back.
Clean the wax guard and sound outlet (see our Cleaning article).
If you have significant earwax buildup in your ears, consider having them professionally cleaned by a healthcare provider.
Fix 5: Replace Worn Ear Tips
Ear tips degrade over time and lose their shape. Replace them every 4–6 weeks.
Still Experiencing Whistling?
If feedback persists after trying all of the above, it's possible the device has a hardware issue. Email Care@OTCHealthMart.com with your model and a description of when the feedback occurs. We'll help determine next steps.