Feedback Causes and Diagnosis
One of the most common complaints people make about hearing aids is
feedback; in fact, one of the advantages often claimed for digital aids
is that they significantly reduce the amount of feedback. If you or the
hearing people in your life complain about feedback from your aids,
here's a list of causes, diagnosis, and what you can do about it.
1. Internal feedback from the hearing aid - This is a defect, but is
doesn't occur very often. This type of feedback does not go away
(assuming the earmold and tubing are intact) when you put your finger
over the end of the earmold to plug the hole.
2. Broken/cracked tubing - a hole in the tubing that goes from the
hearing aid to the earmold. This should be visible upon close
inspection.
3. Cracked or loose-fitting earmold - The most common cause of
feedback is a poor fitting earmold. Solution is to get a new mold.
Coating the earmold in mineral oil or petroleum jelly may provide a
better seal and may be a reasonable short-term solution.
4. Venting in the earmold is another big cause of feedback. The
solution is to partially or totally plug the vent, if this does not
interfere with the user's amplification needs.
5. Wax in the ear is a common cause of feedback. You may be able to
keep your earwax to a minimum using a home remedy (consult your doctor)
or you may need a professional to occasionally remove the buildup.
6. Cracked hook (plastic piece that goes from earmold tubing to the
hearing aid) This is not very common, but can happen. The solution is to
replace the hook.
