Why do I always hear noise in my hearing aids?

We live in a noisy world, with some environments being louder than others. Hearing Aids, such as those from Chosgo, are assistive devices designed to amplify sounds to help those with hearing loss. However, while these devices amplify speech signals, they also amplify surrounding environmental noises.

Do hearing aids produce noise?

In general, users of common digital hearing aids usually do not hear the background noise generated by the devices.

Reasons for concerns about hearing aid noise among users with hearing loss: Hearing aids have inherent background noise, which is the electrical noise produced during their operation. This background noise is generally kept below 35 decibels, following the standards set by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 118-7 or IEC 118-0. These standards ensure that the hearing aids meet performance requirements and pass quality inspections before being distributed. In most cases, wearers do not experience discomfort or noise.

However, if the hearing aids are purchased without professional fitting, there may be perceived noise. This is because such devices may not match the wearer's specific hearing loss or may function only as simple sound amplifiers. These devices might not undergo standardized performance testing, leading to excessive background noise and potential ear damage.

First-time wearers of hearing aids:

Users who are fitting hearing aids for the first time may initially find them uncomfortable. Before using hearing aids, individuals with hearing loss may have been in a quiet environment for an extended period. When they start wearing hearing aids, suddenly being exposed to a rich array of sounds might lead them to perceive normal environmental sounds as 'noise.' Most people adapt to this over time through rehabilitation training.

Solutions:

Adapting to hearing aids takes time. It is recommended not to rush the process. Initially, adjustments to the hearing aid's noise reduction settings and volume can improve the experience.

Excessive earwax:

When there is a significant amount of earwax in the ear canal, it can block the receiver, preventing the transmitted sound from reaching the eardrum and causing feedback.

Solutions:

Regularly clean the ear canal. If earwax is difficult to clean, seek professional help at a hospital to avoid causing damage.

Poor performance of the hearing aid:

Some individuals who are unfamiliar with hearing aids, especially those who purchase inexpensive devices online, may be using devices that function more like simple amplifiers. These devices lack noise reduction capabilities, leading to the amplification of ambient sounds and causing perceived noise. Hearing aids require multiple adjustments based on usage conditions. Improper adjustments, such as excessive volume, can result in discomfort and increased noise in noisy environments.

Solutions:

For better protection of residual hearing or if you often find yourself in complex noise environments, it is recommended to undergo precise fitting at a professional hearing center and choose hearing aids with effective noise reduction capabilities.

Whistling caused by improper fitting:

When behind-the-ear hearing aids, earmolds, or custom-fit hearing aids are not properly worn, the sound from the hearing aid's receiver can leak out through gaps between the earmold or casing and the ear canal wall, picked up by the microphone, causing whistling.

Solutions:

Adjust the position of earmolds, earplugs, or custom-fit hearing aids to eliminate whistling.

Issues with hearing aid casing, earmolds, or earplugs:

Even if the hearing aid is properly worn, whistling may still occur in certain situations, such as running, laughing, or coughing. This could be due to issues with the hearing aid's casing, earmolds, or earplugs.

Solutions:

Replace earplugs promptly, contact the fitter to modify earmolds, or redo ear impressions and casings. Parents should be aware that if their child wears custom hearing aids or molds, regular checks at a fitting center are necessary due to the child's ongoing ear canal growth.

Moisture or poor internal contacts in the hearing aid:

Internal whistling in hearing aids may occur due to moisture or poor contacts, especially in well-used hearing aids. Aging issues like cracked or leaking sound tubes, poor contact between sound tubes and earmolds, or between earmolds and hearing aid hooks can also cause whistling.

Solutions:

Contact the fitting specialist to determine if the hearing aid can be sent for repair. Regularly maintain hearing aids, and avoid wearing them while washing or bathing. Periodically check hearing aids at a fitting center.

Issues with ventilation holes:

Some people with good low-frequency hearing need ventilation holes in their earmolds or casings to release low-frequency energy, increasing comfort. However, if the hearing loss is severe or high-frequency loss is significant, the sound from the hearing aid's receiver may pass through the ventilation holes, picked up by the microphone, causing whistling.

Solutions:

To address issues with ventilation holes, identify the root cause and adjust hole size or block them based on the wearer's specific situation.

Inappropriate gain adjustment in the hearing aid:

If the volume or high-frequency gain adjustment in the hearing aid is too high, it may result in whistling during use, manifesting as a 'squeaking' sound. Generally, whistling is more likely to occur in high-frequency sounds.

Solutions:

If the issue is related to gain adjustments, contact the fitting specialist. They can lower the volume or reduce the high-frequency gain without affecting the effectiveness of the hearing aid. Manufacturers design hearing aids with robust feedback suppression features, and fitting specialists can enhance this function to eliminate feedback.

Wearing hearing aids is more beneficial than not for those with hearing loss. People in the adaptation period may find it uncomfortable or experience some discomfort. These are issues that can be gradually overcome with time. If adaptation is challenging, communicate with the fitting specialist to resolve concerns. It's crucial not to develop a negative attitude towards hearing aids."

For a wide range of Chosgo hearing aids, including the SmartU Rechargeable Hearing Aids and cic rechargeable hearing aids, visit Chosgo Hearing. Explore our collection, including the specific product SmartU Rechargeable Hearing Aids. Don't let hearing aid issues deter you – choose quality and precision with Chosgo.