{"id":1352,"date":"2014-02-16T17:26:22","date_gmt":"2014-02-17T01:26:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mayosis.com\/zipold\/?p=1352"},"modified":"2022-09-05T15:28:41","modified_gmt":"2022-09-05T15:28:41","slug":"why-do-my-hearing-aids-echo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ziphearing.com\/blog\/why-do-my-hearing-aids-echo\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Do My Hearing Aids Echo?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>So you just shelled out thousands of dollars on fancy new hearing aids, and now they echo \u2014 great!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This post is for you if&#8230;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\"><li>It sounds like you&#8217;re talking in a barrel<\/li><li>It sounds like you have a head cold<\/li><li>Your own voice sounds &#8220;booming&#8221;<\/li><li>Your hearing aids just &#8220;echo&#8221; too much<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This &#8220;echo&#8221; is a frustrating part of getting new hearing aids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It may be something you just have to get used to, or it may be something that can be easily resolved. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why\">Why do hearing aids echo?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When your new hearing aids capture sound from your environment, they don&#8217;t amplify it for you immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, the sound has to be converted to digital signals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The digital signals are then processed by a small computer chip inside the hearing aid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Once the digital signals are processed, they are converted into acoustic sounds\u2014which is what you hear from the hearing aid. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All this processing takes time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Processing speeds are as fast as 0.5 milliseconds in modern hearing aids, but even that isn&#8217;t fast enough. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As a result, you may actually be hearing some (or all) sounds, <em>twice<\/em>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That is, the first time they naturally occured, and the second time, via the hearing aid amplification. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But processing speed is just one of the reasons that hearing aids may echo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"occlusion\">The occlusion effect<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Humor me for a moment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Use your fingers to plug up your ear canals, and talk for a few seconds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Notice how your voice got louder, and it sounds almost &#8220;booming?&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That&#8217;s due to the <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Occlusion_effect\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">occlusion effect<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When something is placed in the ear, it &#8220;occludes&#8221; or &#8220;blocks&#8221; the canal, which causes an elevation in the sound of the hearing aid wearer&#8217;s voice, and you guessed it\u2014 an echo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some hearing aids can cause the occlusion effect, but there are a few solutions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"solutions\">Possible solutions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s true, you may just have to live with the echo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But before you resign yourself to that, you should talk to your hearing provider about the following options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"reprogramming\">Reprogramming the hearing aids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most of the time, this problem can be fixed with a few simple tweaks to the hearing aids via the hearing aid programming software. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In fact, this problem is so common that many manufacturers allow hearing providers to fix this problem with just the click of a button. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In most cases, reducing the amount of low frequency amplification is all that is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you use an app to control your hearing aids, you may even be able to do this yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;this.classList.add('is-broken');this.closest('figure')?.classList.add('is-broken')\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"514\" height=\"482\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ziphearing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/hearing-aid-app.jpg?resize=514%2C482&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12268\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ziphearing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/hearing-aid-app.jpg?w=514&amp;ssl=1 514w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ziphearing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/hearing-aid-app.jpg?resize=300%2C281&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 514px) 100vw, 514px\" \/><figcaption>Most modern hearing aids have apps that allow users to make simple adjustments on their own, from the comfort of their home.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>But you&#8217;ve been warned- <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sometimes making an adjustment to fix one problem can lead to others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only way to know is to experiment a bit, on your own, or with the help of your hearing provider. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"domes\">Switching dome styles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Most hearing aids today are worn with what are called &#8220;domes,&#8221; as shown in the image below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Domes come in all shapes and sizes, and your hearing provider has likely selected the appropriate dome for your hearing loss with great care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But, if the domes you use look to be the &#8220;closed&#8221; style, as shown below, you may want to talk to your hearing provider about switching to a more open style. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This will often do the trick. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;this.classList.add('is-broken');this.closest('figure')?.classList.add('is-broken')\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ziphearing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/hearing-aid-domes-3.jpg?resize=629%2C521&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12328\" width=\"629\" height=\"521\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ziphearing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/hearing-aid-domes-3.jpg?w=750&amp;ssl=1 750w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ziphearing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/hearing-aid-domes-3.jpg?resize=300%2C248&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 629px) 100vw, 629px\" \/><figcaption>Closed domes are more likely to lead to echo in hearing aids. For some people, switching to open domes can be a quick and easy remedy.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>We have to give the same disclaimer again though- <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Changing dome styles can have unintended consequences. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only way to know is to try!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"molds\">Modifying the earmold(s), if applicable<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If your hearing aids don&#8217;t use domes, as pictured above, they are probably either custom-made in-the-ear hearing aids, or behind-the-ear style hearing aids which use custom-made earmolds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In either case, you&#8217;re more likely than the average hearing aid wearer to complain of the occlusion effect, because these styles of hearing aids simply take up more real estate in your ear canal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But if echo is driving you crazy, you&#8217;re not out of luck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Talk to your hearing provider about options for physically modifying the earmold. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oftentimes, increasing the vent size or reducing the length of the canal portion of the mold will greatly reduce the occlusion effect. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Curious if this may do the trick for you? <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Pull your hearing aids out of your ears ever so slightly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the problem is better, chances are getting your earmolds modified or completely rebuilt is the right solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your hearing aids are relatively new (within 45-90 days), your hearing aid warranty may allow you to get this done at no cost. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"widex\">Try new hearing aids<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Processing speeds are always getting better, and as they do, echo from hearing aids gets less noticeable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If it&#8217;s been a few years since you&#8217;ve tried hearing aids, you should request a demo from a hearing provider near you\u2014 you may be surprised with recent advancements. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" onerror=\"this.onerror=null;this.classList.add('is-broken');this.closest('figure')?.classList.add('is-broken')\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"470\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ziphearing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Widex-moment-3.png?resize=640%2C470&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12322\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ziphearing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Widex-moment-3.png?w=643&amp;ssl=1 643w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ziphearing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/Widex-moment-3.png?resize=300%2C220&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><figcaption>New hearing aids, like the model pictured above from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ziphearing.com\/widex-hearing-aids\">Widex<\/a>, have drastically cut down processing times, leading to a more natural sound quality and less echo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"adjust\">If all else fails&#8230;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p> You may just have to get used to the echo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Reducing the potential for echo is something that all hearing providers consider when they fit you for hearing aids. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So chances are, if you&#8217;ve been professionally fitted for hearing aids, and have received in-person service, there&#8217;s a good chance your hearing provider already considered all of the above options.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ultimately, you may just have to get used to the echo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The reality is, almost all hearing aids are going to make the wearer perceive a bit of an echo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The vast majority of people will get used to this in a short period of time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And sometimes, what may feel like occlusion, isn&#8217;t occlusion at all, but merely the effect of improved hearing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, when a new hearing aid user has not heard their own voice at the appropriate volume level in a long time, they may complain that it sounds like an echo or their voice is too strong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In reality, they&#8217;re just hearing how they <em>should<\/em> be hearing, and that takes some getting used to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A Question For You<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Have you experienced the occlusion effect, or echo in your hearing aids?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you have any tips or tricks that worked for you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Please share in the comments below!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>So you just shelled out thousands of dollars on fancy new hearing aids, and now they echo \u2014 great! This post is for you if&#8230; It sounds like you&#8217;re talking in a barrel It sounds like you have a head cold Your own voice sounds &#8220;booming&#8221; Your hearing aids just &#8220;echo&#8221; too much This &#8220;echo&#8221; [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":12242,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[36,86],"class_list":["post-1352","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized","tag-hearing-aids","tag-tips"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.ziphearing.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/02\/Hearing-aid-echo.webp?fit=1880%2C1146&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ziphearing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1352","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ziphearing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ziphearing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ziphearing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ziphearing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1352"}],"version-history":[{"count":62,"href":"https:\/\/www.ziphearing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1352\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13224,"href":"https:\/\/www.ziphearing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1352\/revisions\/13224"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ziphearing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12242"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ziphearing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1352"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ziphearing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1352"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ziphearing.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1352"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}