Lede: If you put in your hearing aids and your own voice suddenly sounds boomy, echoey, or like you’re talking into a barrel, you’re not imagining it—and you’re not stuck with it. That hollow, too-loud “own-voice” problem has a name (occlusion), a physics lesson behind it, and several fixes that can make your voice sound like, well, you again.
Why your voice changes with hearing aids
When you talk, two sound paths reach your inner ear:
- Air-conducted sound (through the air, into the microphone, amplified by the hearing aid)
- Bone-conducted sound (vibrations from your jaw and skull, especially low pitches, traveling directly to your inner ear)
Hearing aids and earmolds can partially “plug” your ear canal. That changes how bone-conducted sound gets out of the canal and boosts low-frequency energy, making your voice feel amplified, boomy, or echoey. That boost—called the occlusion effect—can be 10–30 dB in the bass range. Even if the hearing aid is perfectly set for outside sounds, your own voice can feel off if the ear isn’t vented or fit deeply enough.
Occlusion vs. other issues: a quick self-check
Before chasing fixes, make sure it’s truly occlusion and not a different problem.
- Classic occlusion sign: Your voice, chewing, and footsteps sound loud and boomy with the hearing aids in and turned off. If this is you, the fit/venting is the main culprit.
- Too much low-frequency amplification: Your voice is boomy only when the aids are on. Turning the volume down slightly helps. That points to programming (gain) rather than pure occlusion.
- Feedback/whistling: A squeal or chirp is feedback, not occlusion. Different fix.
- Clogged earwax: Fullness and echo with or without aids could be wax. Don’t DIY—ask a professional for safe removal.
- Sudden pressure/blocked-ear feeling: Could be fluid or Eustachian tube issues—time to check in with your healthcare provider or an ENT.
Fast, safe experiments you can try today
These quick checks won’t harm your devices and can reveal what helps:
- Say “eee” and “ahh” softly with the aids off. If it still sounds like a cave, venting or fit depth likely needs work.
- Try a different dome style if you have options from your provider—an open dome or smaller vent often eases own-voice boom.
- Check for blockages in the dome or wax guard. A clogged guard traps sound, magnifying occlusion.
- Use a “low” or “speech in noise” program briefly. Some programs reduce bass gain, which can make your voice feel more natural.
If these help, you’ve gathered valuable clues to bring to your next appointment.
How audiologists fix occlusion (and make it stick)
1) Venting: give those bass vibrations an escape route
Vents are tiny air pathways through the dome or earmold. Bigger vents release more low-frequency energy from your own voice, reducing boom.
- Open fit (slotted or multiple-vent domes) usually yields the most natural own-voice—great for high-frequency losses.
- Modified vent size balances feedback control with comfort. Your clinician can adjust vent diameter or add pressure-equalization vents.
- Trade-offs: Larger vents can reduce bass amplification and increase feedback risk. Modern feedback cancellers help, but there’s a limit.
2) Deep canal fit: past the “drumhead” of the ear canal
The outer, cartilaginous portion of your canal acts like a little drum that resonates to your jaw’s vibrations. A deeper insert (into the bony portion) bypasses that resonance and often dramatically reduces occlusion.
- Slim tips inserted deeper can help on RIC (receiver-in-canal) devices.
- Custom earmolds or sleeves made for deep fit can be game-changing—especially for active talkers or singers.
Deep fits must be done carefully—ask your audiologist to evaluate your anatomy and comfort.
3) Programming: it’s not all about hardware
Even with a good physical fit, software matters.
- Own-voice detection/features: Some brands sense your voice and momentarily adjust low-frequency gain to keep your voice natural without dulling the world.
- Reduce low-frequency gain slightly in quiet programs. This can soften the boomy sensation without sacrificing speech clarity.
- Compression and MPO tuning: Gentle tweaks can reduce “shouty” moments when your voice spikes.
4) Real Ear Measurement (REM): verify, don’t guess
With REM, your audiologist places a tiny microphone in your ear to measure sound where it matters—right next to your eardrum. This:
- Confirms vent effects and deep-fit benefits
- Prevents over-amplification of bass
- Ensures your settings match your hearing and ear acoustics
Ask if your clinic uses REM routinely. It’s a strong predictor of successful, comfortable fits.
5) Materials and shapes that move with you
Custom earmolds can be made from soft materials that flex with jaw movement, reducing the “piston” effect that worsens occlusion. Your provider can also reshape canal tips or bevel edges to relieve pressure points and resonance spots.
Special scenarios
If you have more low-frequency hearing loss
You may need some bass amplification, which makes big vents trickier. Your clinician will balance vent size, feedback cancellation, and gain to keep speech clear without over-amplifying your own voice.
If you’re a heavy talker, singer, or public speaker
Flag this upfront. A deeper fit or a custom mold with a tuned vent often pays off. Some users benefit from a dedicated “presentation” program that tempers bass during extended talking.
Active, sweaty, or humid environments
Moisture can clog filters and vents, increasing occlusion. Use drying boxes overnight, change wax guards regularly, and ask about water-resistant options or vent designs that are easier to keep clear.
Common myths, busted
- “You’ll get used to it.” Some adaptation happens, but strong occlusion rarely vanishes on its own. If your voice still bothers you after a week or two, ask for adjustments.
- “Smaller domes always fix it.” Not always. Sometimes you need a deeper fit or a larger vent—counterintuitive but true.
- “Closed fits are always bad.” They’re essential for certain losses. With careful programming and deep fit, even closed systems can feel natural.
Your appointment checklist
Bring this to your fitting or follow-up:
- Describe the exact words that feel off (e.g., “b,” “d,” “m” sound boomy)
- Note whether it happens with aids off (pure occlusion) or only on (gain issue)
- Ask to compare dome types and vent sizes in-office
- Request a deeper fit trial if anatomy allows
- Ask for REM verification and an own-voice check
- Test a program with slightly reduced low-frequency gain in quiet
- Confirm wax guards and vents are clear and that you know how to maintain them
Maintenance that prevents the “barrel” from creeping back
- Wax guard changes: Follow your provider’s schedule—clogged guards mimic occlusion.
- Vent care: If you use custom molds, clean vents with the provided tool to keep air pathways open.
- Drying routine: Use a drying kit overnight to reduce moisture buildup and micro-clogs.
- Fit check: If your dome loosens or shifts with chewing, ask about a different size, style, or a custom sleeve.
When to call your audiologist or an ENT
- Persistent, bothersome own-voice distortion after basic adjustments
- Sudden changes in hearing, pressure, or fullness
- Pain, soreness, or irritation in the ear canal
- Whistling/feedback that started after you changed domes or venting
Your provider can distinguish between a simple fit issue and a medical concern—and fix what’s fixable fast.
Bottom line
Your hearing aids should make conversations easier, not make you dislike the sound of your own voice. Occlusion is common, understandable, and highly solvable with the right mix of venting, deeper fit, smart programming, and verification. Don’t “just live with it.” A short follow-up can turn the cave into clarity.
If you’re struggling with own-voice issues, schedule a check-in with your audiologist. Bring your notes, try options in real time, and keep what feels best. Your voice deserves to sound like you.
Further Reading
- Seal the Deal: Domes vs. Earmolds and How They Change Your Hearing Aid Sound (Hearing Aids) - Music, Not Mush: Tuning Hearing Aids So Songs and Instruments Sound Right (Hearing Aids) - Your Hearing Aids, Verified: Real-Ear Measurements That Make Voices Clear (Hearing Aids) - Fit to Your Ear: Real‑Ear Measurement and Hearing Aids That Truly Perform (Hearing Aids)Frequently Asked Questions
Will I eventually get used to the occlusion effect?
Some people adapt a little over a week or two, but strong occlusion rarely disappears on its own. If your voice still sounds boomy or echoey after a short adjustment period, ask your audiologist to adjust venting, fit depth, or programming. These changes typically provide immediate relief.
Is an open dome always better for my own voice?
Open domes often help, but they aren’t ideal for every hearing loss—especially when you need more low-frequency amplification or have feedback risk. A deeper fit, custom earmold with a tuned vent, or programming changes can make even a semi-closed fit feel natural.
How can I tell if the problem is occlusion or too much bass in my settings?
Turn your hearing aids off and speak. If your voice still sounds boomy, it’s likely occlusion from the physical fit or venting. If the boominess mainly happens when the aids are on and improves when you lower volume, programming (low-frequency gain) may be the main issue.
Do I need new hearing aids to fix occlusion?
Usually not. Most occlusion problems are solved with different domes or vents, a deeper fit, custom sleeves or molds, and small programming adjustments. Real Ear Measurement during your visit helps target the exact fix without changing devices.
