Controlling the whistle
Dr. Tia Flynn | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 13 years, 3 months AGO
My Grandpa's hearing is very bad and his hearing aid whistles all the time. Is there a power aid available that doesn't whistle so much?
I am pleased to say I have found a "new technology" power behind the ear hearing aid with the old style on/off switch and rolling volume control. Some people had a hard time changing to digital hearing aids with the newer style of push buttons and toggle controls. When enough patients complained that they preferred the old style buttons hearing providers passed these complaints on to their manufacturing representatives. That is how things were able to be changed back. So we now have NEW digital hearing aids with excellent feedback control on a behind the ear aid with the old style controls that a lot of people were used to and preferred.
Hearing aids should not whistle if the aid or mold is fitting snug. If a hearing aid is whistling or feeding back the fit should be checked. A remake of an in the ear aid may be necessary or a new mold may be needed for a behind the ear. Some people lose weight as they age or go through an illness. If a person loses enough weight a hearing aid or mold may become loose in the ear which can cause a slit leak which produces feedback. Most of the people with whistling hearing aids cannot hear it them self so it is not a bother to them but may be driving everyone else around them crazy. Encourage the hearing impaired person with feedback to have their aids checked. Usually they have really old aids and are too stubborn to invest in new ones or they need new molds and don't want to spend money on those either. Controlling feedback is money well worth spending so it is always best to check the fit and find what is recommended to combat that dreadful whistling.
Dr. Tia Flynn is a certified audiologist and has been in business for more than 12 years. Every Tuesday morning from 9 a.m. to noon, Dr. Flynn provides free hearing screenings at 1601 3rd St. in Coeur d'Alene. (208) 664-2767. Visit www.affordablehearinginc.com for a free copy of the consumers guide to hearing aids and watch helpful videos.
ARTICLES BY DR. TIA FLYNN
How long does it take to get hearing aids?
It depends on what style of hearing aid you are purchasing. If you are purchasing one of the new mini BTE’s (Behind the Ear) your hearing health care office may have some in stock that you may take home that day. There are generally two types of mini BTE’s. One is an open fit model, which has a selection of tubes, and tips that can usually fit anyone’s ear shape. The other type is a receiver in the canal, which also has a selection of receivers, and dome tips that can usually fit anyone’s ear shape. Some offices stock these types of aids but you usually have to special order the color that matches your hair.
About age-related hearing loss
Presbycusis is the medical term for age-related hearing loss. Causes of presbycusis include changes within the inner ear (damage to the tiny hair cells that pick up sound), changes in the middle ear (stiffening of the tympanic membrane and ossicles), complex changes along the nerve pathway leading to the brain, and cognitive changes in the brain.
Ask your audiologist: Free hearing help and repairs for the holidays!
Every holiday season I give back to the community by giving away a free pair of digital hearing aids to a deserving individual. I will also provide free in house repairs by appointment and bringing in a copy of this article. Everyone deserves to hear during the holidays! The holidays are usually the most important family gatherings of the year. Many people with hearing loss get left out of family conversations around the dinner table if they do not have hearing aids or if their hearing aid(s) are broken.