If you have hearing aids that seem to whistle no matter what you do, then it may be time to start thinking about the way that your hearing aids fit in your ear. This is especially true if you have the more traditional in the ear style of hearing aid. However, you should know that you do not have to see your audiologist if a small adjustment needs to be made. You can use some adhesive strips to help with fit. Keep reading to learn how fit is associated with whistling noises and also how hearing aid accessories like adhesive strips can help.

Fit Problems And Whistling

You may know that hearing aid whistling sounds are a type of feedback. Basically, the microphone on the outside of the hearing aid is picking up some of the sound that is released from the speaker on the inside of the hearing aid. Most hearing aids are made to fit tight in the ear canal so that sound is unable to leak out. This is one reason why an audiologist will take a mold of the ear before a hearing aid is created. Hearing aids need to be personalized with the molds to make sure they fit and function properly.

However, sometimes the ear will stretch a bit and the aid will start to feel loose over time. Noises will then start to release from the small holes around the side of the hearing aid.

While it is wise to have new ear molds created at least once every five years, you can adjust the hearing aids you have by securing adhesive strips around the sides of them. This can easily make the aid fit tighter in the ear canal.

Adding Strips To A Hearing Aid

Adhesive strips are thin, spongy, and have an adhesive on the back that sticks to the hearing aid. While the adhesive does help the strips to stick in place, the glue will not ruin the aid. It can typically be removed easily with a small bit of acetone if you want to clean the aids off. 

Before you stick the strips in place, you should gently clean the heating aid. Buff the exterior with a clean cloth. Afterwards, identify the outer ridge on the earmold where the aid meets the outer ear. Release the adhesive from the strip and wrap it around this ridge. When you place the aid in your ear. The strip will comfortably fill in any gaps around the outer ear canal. 

Adhesive strips will be spongy for some time, but they should be replaced every month or two. Use the strips until they stop working to keep noise from slipping out towards the aid microphone. At this time, work to have the earmold adjusted.