Audiology & Hearing Centers has audiologists in Tampa Palms, Palm Harbor, Tampa Westchase FL and Alpharetta, GA providing real ear measurements as part of hearing aid fitting best practices.
Real Ear Measurement (REM) is a special test used to check how well a hearing aid is working inside a person’s ear. Everyone’s ears are different, and sound can change as it travels into the ear canal. REM helps audiologists make sure the hearing aid is adjusted just right for each person’s needs.
Why Is Real Ear Measurement Important?
REM makes sure hearing aids provide the right level of sound for each person. Without this test, the settings may not be accurate, which could make sounds too loud, too soft, or unclear. By using REM, audiologists can give patients the best hearing experience possible.
How Does Real Ear Measurement Work?
During REM, a small microphone is placed inside the ear along with the hearing aid. This microphone measures how sound moves inside the ear and helps the audiologist adjust the hearing aid so speech and other sounds are clear and comfortable.
The History of Real Ear Measurement
Real Ear Measurement has been used in audiology for decades. Before this method, audiologists relied on general hearing aid settings that did not always work well for everyone. In the 1980s, REM became widely used to customize hearing aids for each person. Today, it is considered the gold standard in hearing aid fitting.
Why Perform Real Ear Measurements?
Real Ear Measurement is one of the most important steps in a hearing aid fitting. Here’s why:
- Ensures Accuracy – Everyone’s ears are shaped differently, and sound reacts in unique ways inside each ear. REM helps adjust the hearing aid based on real measurements, not just guesses.
- Verifies Hearing Aid Performance – Many hearing aids come with settings based on average ear shapes, but these may not be right for you. REM fine-tunes the settings for the best results.
- Better Speech Clarity – By measuring and adjusting sounds inside the ear, REM makes sure speech is clear and easy to understand.
- Prevents Sounds From Being Too Loud or Too Soft – Without REM, a hearing aid might not give the right level of amplification, making conversations difficult.
- Reduces Follow-Up Visits – When hearing aids are fitted using REM, fewer adjustments are needed later, saving time and hassle.
Since REM checks the hearing aid while it’s in the actual ear, it provides the most accurate and personalized fit possible. That’s why audiologists consider it the gold standard in hearing aid fittings.
How Does Real Ear Measurement Work?
The process of Real Ear Measurement involves a few simple steps:
- Placing the Probe Microphone – A tiny microphone is placed inside the ear canal, near the eardrum.
- Testing Sounds – The audiologist plays speech sounds and other noises through a speaker to see how they change inside the ear.
- Adjusting the Hearing Aid – The audiologist compares the results to a target range and adjusts the hearing aid so it provides the right amount of amplification.
- Final Check – Once the adjustments are made, the audiologist re-tests the settings to ensure the best possible hearing experience.
Calibration of the Probe Microphone
Before testing, the audiologist calibrates the probe microphone to ensure it is working correctly. This step helps make sure the measurements are accurate and reliable.
Are Real Ear Measurements Necessary?
Yes! REM is an essential part of hearing aid fitting. Here’s why:
- Without REM, hearing aids may not provide the right level of sound for a person’s hearing loss.
- Some over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids do not include REM, which means their settings are not customized to the user’s ears.
- Many people who struggle with hearing aids often haven’t had REM done to fine-tune their devices.
- Studies show that people who receive REM have better satisfaction with their hearing aids.
If you want the best hearing experience, REM should always be part of your hearing aid fitting.
Real Ear Measurement vs. Automatic Hearing Aid Programming
Many hearing aids today come with auto programming or a manufacturer’s first fit setting. But there’s a big difference between this and Real Ear Measurement.
- Auto programming adjusts the hearing aid based on general ear shapes, not your actual ear.
- REM measures sound inside your own ear and adjusts the hearing aid for your unique hearing needs.
- Manufacturer’s First Fit is just a starting point, while REM ensures a perfect fit.
While automatic programming is helpful, it does not replace Real Ear Measurement. If you want the most accurate and comfortable hearing aid settings, REM is a must.
Audiology & Hearing Centers has audiologists providing real ear measurements as part of hearing aid fitting best practices.
Real Ear Measurement and Hearing Aid Success
Real Ear Measurement helps people get the best results from their hearing aids. It ensures that speech is clear, sounds are comfortable, and the hearing aid is working just right for the user.
Hearing Aid Fittings in Tampa Bay, FL
At Audiology & Hearing Centers, we use Real Ear Measurement to give our patients the best hearing experience possible. If you or a loved one are getting hearing aids, make sure REM is part of the process.
Call us today to schedule an appointment!
Our clinics are located in Tampa Palms, FL, Tampa Westchase, FL, Palm Harbor, FL, and Alpharetta, GA.
