Audio Help Hearing centers use real ear measurements as part of the best practices for hearing aid fittings. Our audiology clinics are conveniently located in Manhattan (Chelsea Village, Columbus Circle, and Park Avenue), with additional offices in Scarsdale, NY (Westchester County), and Stamford, CT.
A real ear measurement is an analysis that measures how your eardrum responds to sounds provided by your hearing aid. It’s used to measure how the shape of your ear canal impacts your hearing aid volume and pitch so your audiologist can adjust your devices accordingly.
Real ear measurements are recommended by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) as the best method to verify that your devices are suited to your specific hearing needs.
Why perform Real Ear Measures?
Real ear measurements (REM) provide accurate results. This test shows how your ear responds to sound and can be used during your first hearing aid fitting and later adjustments. REM checks your unique hearing needs and how the shape of your ear canal affects your hearing aids.
For example, REM might show that your ear canals are too small for regular hearing aids, so you might need different devices like bone-anchored hearing aids.
REM also helps you get used to new hearing aids. This is very important if you’ve never worn hearing aids before. You might not know what to expect or how sounds should be when you’re wearing hearing aids. REM makes sure your hearing aids are set up just right for you, making it easier to hear and understand sounds better.
Through real-ear verification, you will better understand how well your ears respond to sound stimuli and how your hearing aids should perform. Understanding how your hearing aids improve your hearing can help you feel more comfortable with your new devices.
What is the basic process of Real Ear Measurement?
REM is painless and requires no effort on your part. Your audiologist will place a loop over the top of your ear that’s connected to a probe microphone.
Here’s what you can expect during the test:
- Your audiologist will use an otoscope to examine your ear and ensure no wax or debris is blocking the canal.
- They will place a soft, thin tube in your ear canal. The tube is connected to the probe microphone.
- Your hearing aids will be placed in your ears if you’re not already wearing them.
- The probe microphone will emit a sound to test how well your eardrum responds to the amplification produced by your hearing devices.
- The results will appear on your audiologist’s computer as an audiogram to evaluate how well your ears respond to sound filtered through your hearing aids.
Real Ear Measurement vs. Auto Hearing Aid Programming
When you get hearing aids, there are two main ways to program them: Real Ear Measurement (REM) and Auto Hearing Aid Programming.
Auto Hearing Aid Programming
Auto Hearing Aid Programming is like using a default setting on a new device. It’s also known as the “Manufacturer’s First Fit.” The hearing aid comes with pre-set settings from the manufacturer. These settings are based on average hearing loss patterns and might work okay for some people. However, they don’t take into account the unique shape of your ear or the exact way you hear.
Real Ear Measurement (REM)
Real Ear Measurement is a more personalized way to program your hearing aids. During REM, a tiny microphone is placed in your ear along with the hearing aid. This microphone measures how the hearing aid amplifies sounds inside your ear. The audiologist then adjusts the hearing aid settings based on these measurements. This ensures that the sounds you hear are just right for your specific hearing needs.
Why Real Ear Measurement is Important
Real Ear Measurement is important because everyone’s ears and hearing are different. The shape of your ear canal can affect how sounds are amplified. REM takes these differences into account, making sure that the hearing aid provides the right amount of amplification for you. This makes the hearing aid work better and helps you hear more clearly and comfortably.
Manufacturer’s First Fit
The “Manufacturer’s First Fit” is like a one-size-fits-all approach. It uses average settings that might not be perfect for everyone. While it’s a quick way to start using your hearing aids, it may not give you the best hearing experience. This is because it doesn’t consider your individual ear shape or how you personally hear different sounds.
Unique Hearing Needs
Each person’s hearing loss is unique. Some people might have trouble hearing high-pitched sounds, while others might struggle with low-pitched sounds. Your hearing aids need to be adjusted to match your specific hearing loss pattern. Real Ear Measurement helps to tailor the hearing aid settings to your exact needs, making your hearing experience much better.
While Auto Hearing Aid Programming or the “Manufacturer’s First Fit” can get your hearing aids up and running quickly, it’s not personalized.
Real Ear Measurement, on the other hand, customizes your hearing aid settings to your unique ear and hearing needs. This makes sure you get the best possible sound quality and helps you hear more clearly.
Real Ear Measurement and Hearing Aid Success
Real ear measurement (REM) helps make sure your hearing aids work well for you.
Audiologists use REM to check if your hearing aids are set up correctly for your ears.
REM is important because everyone’s ears are different. It helps the audiologist make sure your hearing aids are just right for you. This way, you can hear better in all kinds of places and situations. With REM, your hearing aids are tuned to your specific hearing needs, making your life easier and more enjoyable.
Audio Help Hearing Centers proudly offer real ear measurements, so our expert audiologists can provide you with the best possible hearing solution. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
Our audiology clinics are conveniently located in Manhattan (Chelsea Village, Columbus Circle, and Park Avenue), with additional offices in Scarsdale, NY (Westchester County), and Stamford, CT.