What Is Feedback in Hearing Aids & How to Fix It?

What Is Feedback in Hearing Aids?

Feedback in hearing aids refers to the whistling, squealing, buzzing, or chirping noise that users sometimes hear. It usually happens when the sound leaving the hearing aid gets picked up by the microphones again creating a loop.

Common Causes of Hearing Aid Feedback

• Poor or loose dome/earmold fit
• Earwax blockage
• Microphone and receiver are too close
• High volume settings
• Leakage of amplified sound around the ear canal
• Cracked tubes or damaged parts

Modern hearing aids use advanced feedback management systems, feedback is still a common issue especially when devices are not adjusted properly.

Types of Feedback in Hearing Aids

1. Acoustic Feedback

Occurs when amplified sound leaks back into the microphone.

2. Mechanical Feedback

Vibration inside the device triggering unwanted noise.

3. Electrical Feedback

Fault in internal circuitry or component malfunction.

Brand-Wise: Hearing Aid Feedback & How to Fix It Using Software

Below is a detailed breakdown of how leading brands handle feedback using their latest software and technology.

Oticon (Oticon Real, Oticon Intent Series)

Why Oticon Users Face Feedback

• Loose domes
• Incorrect receiver length
• Open-fit domes with high amplification

Oticon’s Feedback Prevention Technology

• Feedback Shield LX (Gen 2)
• MoreSound Intelligence 3.0
  Both intelligently detect feedback loops and cancel them instantly.

How to Fix Oticon Feedback

• Run Real Ear Measurements (REM) using Oticon Genie 2
• Use Feedback Analyzer in Genie software
• Switch to a closed dome or custom earmold
• Reduce gain in the problematic frequency band
• Clean wax filters (ProWax miniFit)

Signia (Signia Pure Charge&Go, AX / IX Series)

Why Signia Users Face Feedback

• Ear canal changes
• Dome damage
• High-power receivers with open domes

Signia Feedback Management System

• Signia Feedback Cancellation (SFC)
• Augmented Xperience (AX) Feedback Manager

How to Fix Signia Feedback

• Use Connexx Fit Software enable “Feedback Stability” tool
• Replace silicone domes
• Run "Feedback Test" inside Connexx
• Reduce high-frequency output
• Check receiver placement

Signia devices are very stable, but proper dome fitting is essential.

Phonak (Lumity / Paradise / Marvel Series)

Why Phonak Devices Whistle

• Tubing cracks (BTE models)
• High sound leakage
• Dome not inserted deep enough

Phonak Feedback Technology

• WhistleBlock 2.0
• AutoSense OS 5.0 Intelligent Gain Control

How to Fix Phonak Feedback

• Use Phonak Target Software Run “Feedback Calibration”
• Replace the tubing for BTE models
• Ensure snug dome placement
• Switch from vented to power dome
• Clean CeruStop wax filters

Starkey (Genesis AI / Evolv AI)

Starkey Feedback Solutions

• Starkey Edge Mode AI
• Starkey Feedback Control (Adaptive)

How to Fix Starkey Feedback

• Use Starkey Inspire X software
• Run "Adaptation Manager" to re-balance gain
• Use custom earmolds for severe hearing loss
• Update firmware via Inspire

Widex (Moment / SmartRIC)

Widex Feedback Control

• PureSound with ZeroDelay Technology
• Widex Feedback Test inside Compass GPS software

How to Fix Widex Feedback

• Perform Feedback Test
• Tighten earmold fit
• Replace mic filter
• Reduce venting size

General Fixes for Hearing Aid Feedback

Regardless of brand, these steps solve up to 80% of feedback issues:

1. Clean your hearing aids

Wax buildup blocks sound and causes leakage.

2. Ensure proper dome or earmold fit

Loose domes  guaranteed feedback.

3. Insert your hearing aids correctly

RIC devices must sit deep and securely.

4. Update your device firmware

Software updates often improve feedback algorithms.

5. Reduce volume or gain

If your device is set too loud, it will squeal.

6. Get a professional adjustment

Feedback management must be done through software.

When to Seek Professional Help?

Call a hearing specialist when:

• Feedback happens daily
• You cannot insert the dome fully
• Whistling starts after 2–3 hours of use
• Changing domes or wax filters does not help

HearUpUSA: Your Trusted Hearing Aid Experts in the USA

If your hearing aid is whistling or squealing, HearUpUSA provides:

✔ Free Consultation

✔ Remote Programming (USA-Wide)

✔ Brand-Expert Technicians (Oticon, Signia, Phonak, Widex)

✔ Same-Day Feedback Troubleshooting

✔ Custom Domes & Earmolds

We ensure your hearing aids perform at their best clear, stable, and feedback-free.