What is “feedback,” and how do digital hearing aids compensate?
Feedback is an annoying “whistling” noise created by any amplification system when the input (microphone) picks up the output (the sound leaving the speakers) and amplifies the same sound many times over. This can occur in hearing aids if you cup your hand over your ear, or if the hearing aid is not properly fitted to your ear canal. Wearers of analog hearing aids can only turn down the volume of their device to avoid feedback, however this is counter-productive as it decreases the effectiveness of the hearing aid. Most digital hearing aids, however, have been designed to minimize this problem by monitoring the sound that goes in and out of the device, and check for feedback. If feedback is identified, it will work to cancel the feedback automatically. This removes the annoyance and frustration caused by feedback and allows the hearing aid to function at maximum capability, as it was designed.
