Why Do My Hearing Aids Squeal Every Time? Experts Reveal the Truth

Have you ever been enjoying a quiet afternoon, only to have your hearing aid suddenly let out a loud, high-pitched squeal? Trust me, you're not alone. As someone who has spent years fitting and adjusting hearing aids for all kinds of people, I often hear questions like "why do hearing aids squeal?" or "why do my hearing aids squeal even when I just put them on?"

These little squeals—technically called "feedback"—can be annoying, embarrassing, and sometimes downright confusing. But don't worry. Today, I'll walk you through why this happens, what causes it, and what you can do about it. We'll even touch on real-life examples so you'll know exactly what to expect.

Before we dive deep, if you're considering upgrading your device or just curious about better options, I recommend checking out Cearvol hearing aids. They're designed with smart feedback management technology that significantly reduces unwanted squealing—something many users really appreciate!

Alright, let's get started.

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Part 1: Why Do Hearing Aids Squeal?

If you've ever asked yourself "why do hearing aids squeal?" or "why do my hearing aids squeal?", you're already on the right track to understanding your device better.

In simple terms, a hearing aid squeals when the amplified sound from the speaker re-enters the microphone and gets amplified again, creating a feedback loop. Think of it like when you hold a microphone too close to a speaker and you hear that awful screeching noise.

Now, let's break it down a little more with a real-world scenario:

Imagine Sarah, one of my long-time patients. Every time she hugged her grandchildren, her hearing aids would squeal loudly. She'd wonder, "what makes hearing aids squeal during something as sweet as a hug?" It turned out that when someone gets close to your ear—or even when you cup your own hand near it—the sound reflects back into the hearing aid microphone. That's why your hearing aid might squeal when you put your hand near it.

Sometimes the squeal is momentary, and sometimes it lingers until the microphone stops picking up the reflected sound.

And just so you know, different types of feedback can vary in sound—some are high-pitched and sharp, others lower and softer. But the root cause is usually the same: amplified sound leaking back into the microphone.

You can learn even more about this phenomenon by visiting our article on hearing aids feedback—it's a must-read if you're curious!

Before we jump into the next section, let's summarize:

• Why do hearing aids squeal? → Amplified sound is leaking back into the microphone, creating a feedback loop.
• When does it happen? → When something comes close to your hearing aid (like a hand, a hug, or a pillow) or if your hearing aid isn't properly fitted.

Okay, now that we know why hearing aids squeal, let's talk about the common culprits that cause it in the first place.

Part 2: What Causes Hearing Aids to Squeal?

Understanding the root cause is key to solving the problem. When patients ask me, "what causes hearing aids to squeal?", I usually walk them through a few main reasons. Let me explain these in a bit more detail.

But first, a quick heads-up: If you're using your hearing aids daily, simple habits like cleaning and maintaining them are crucial. Speaking of which, if you're unsure how to deal with earwax (a surprisingly common culprit!), check out this guide on how to clean earwax safely.

Alright, here are the usual suspects:

1. Poor Fit

If your hearing aid doesn't fit snugly in your ear, sound can leak around it instead of going directly into your ear canal. This loose fit creates a perfect path for sound to bounce back into the microphone, causing that familiar squeal.

I once had a gentleman named Paul come in, complaining, "why does my hearing aid squeal when I move my jaw?" It turned out that chewing or talking slightly shifted his hearing aids, breaking the seal inside his ear canal. A simple refitting solved the problem instantly.

2. Earwax Buildup

Another sneaky cause? Good old earwax. Earwax can block sound, forcing it to escape backward and re-enter the microphone. Sometimes, just a routine cleaning can dramatically reduce squealing issues. It's amazing how often people overlook this!

If you haven't checked your ears recently, it might be time to take a look—or better yet, read up on safe practices to clean earwax.

3. Device Settings Are Too High

Some people like their hearing aids turned up really loud. I get it—you want to hear everything clearly! But if the volume is set too high, it increases the chances of feedback. Fine-tuning the settings or having a professional adjust them usually solves this issue fast.

4. Physical Obstruction or Reflection

Hats, scarves, glasses, hands—you name it. Anything close to your hearing aid can reflect sound back into the microphone. That's why many users notice "why does my hearing aid squeal when I put my hand near it?" It's a classic reflection scenario!

Quick Recap So Far:

• Loose fit? Squeal.
• Earwax buildup? Squeal.
• Volume too high? Squeal.
• Something near your ear? Yep, squeal again.

So, if you're wondering "what makes hearing aids squeal?", chances are it's one of these reasons.

And before you get frustrated—remember, today's hearing aid technology has come a long way. Modern devices like Cearvol hearing aids are equipped with smart algorithms that minimize unwanted feedback automatically. Choosing a high-quality device can make a world of difference!