Real Ear Measurement

‍Real Ear Measurement (REM) is a crucial procedure performed by audiologists to ensure that a patient's hearing aids are appropriately programmed to match the specific hearing loss prescription. It's a method that verifies whether the hearing aids are providing the right amount of amplification for the patient's unique hearing loss.

The process involves inserting a slim silicone probe, connected to an external microphone, into the patient's ear canal along with the hearing aid. A stimulus is played from a speaker, and the probe measures the amplified sound reaching the eardrum. This process allows the hearing care professional to compare the amplified sound with the hearing loss prescription, making adjustments in the fitting software as necessary to ensure a perfect or near-perfect match.

Why REM is Important

REM is integral to the success of a hearing aid fitting for several reasons:

1. Personalized Fitting: Every individual's ear canal varies in shape and size, affecting the acoustics and resonance. These unique characteristics can significantly impact the performance of hearing aids. REM takes these individual differences into account, allowing for a more personalized and accurate fitting.
2. Ensures Optimal Amplification: Without REM, the programming of hearing aids is often based on average estimations provided by the manufacturer. However, these averages often do not provide the necessary amplification for an individual's specific hearing loss. REM ensures that the patient is receiving the right level of amplification at all frequencies.
3. Improves Satisfaction and Success: Research indicates that patients fitted with hearing aids using REM have a higher success rate and are more satisfied with their devices. This is primarily because the devices are more efficient and effective, leading to improved hearing ability and overall quality of life.

The REM Procedure: What to Expect

The Real Ear Measurement procedure is straightforward and painless. Here's a step-by-step guide on what to expect during this process:

1. Calibration: Before starting, the audiologist will calibrate the REM equipment to ensure accurate readings.
2. Insertion of the Probe and Hearing Aid: The audiologist will insert a probe tube and the hearing aid into your ear. The probe tube is positioned close to your eardrum to capture the sound that reaches it.
3. Generation of the Stimulus: The audiologist will then play a stimulus from a loudspeaker positioned at a certain distance from you. This could be a series of beeps, static noise, or even a recording of someone talking.
4. Measurement and Adjustment: The probe tube measures the sound amplified by the hearing aid at your eardrum. If the amplified sound doesn't match your hearing loss prescription, the audiologist will adjust the hearing aid settings accordingly.
5. Feedback: After the adjustments, you'll provide feedback on how the amplified sounds feel. If any sounds are uncomfortably loud or too soft, further adjustments will be made.

This entire process usually takes around 10-15 minutes per ear. However, it can take longer if multiple adjustments are required.

The Benefits of REM

Real Ear Measurement offers a number of benefits:

• Greater Hearing Aid Effectiveness: REM ensures that your hearing aids are accurately tuned to your specific hearing loss, allowing you to hear clearly in different environments.
• Improved Comfort: Since REM takes into account the unique shape and size of your ear canal, it results in a more comfortable and effective fit for your hearing aids.
• Increased Satisfaction: Patients fitted with hearing aids using REM report higher satisfaction levels due to improved hearing and communication abilities.

The Importance of Choosing a Provider That Offers REM

Despite the clear benefits of Real Ear Measurement, not all hearing care providers offer this service. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as lack of time or resources. However, skipping this essential step can lead to suboptimal hearing aid performance and lower patient satisfaction.

When choosing a hearing care provider, it's crucial to ensure that they offer Real Ear Measurement as part of their fitting process. This is a hallmark of a provider committed to best practices and delivering the highest level of care to their patients.

Live Better Hearing + Balance: Your Partner in Better Hearing

At Live Better Hearing + Balance, we understand the importance of Real Ear Measurement in ensuring the success of your hearing aids. Our team of experienced audiologists provide REM as part of our comprehensive hearing aid fitting process.

We are a family-owned audiology practice with convenient locations across Maryland, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Our commitment to best practices, our gold standard of care, and our top-rated audiologists make us a trusted partner in your journey to better hearing.

In addition to REM, we offer a range of audiology services including comprehensive hearing tests, balance testing, cochlear implant mapping, and tinnitus treatments (not all services are available at all locations). Our goal is to help you live a better life through better hearing.

If you're ready to improve your hearing health, reach out to one of our 24 hearing clinics today. We're here to guide you every step of the way, from the initial consultation to follow-up care. Experience the difference that accurate, personalized hearing aid fitting can make in your life. Schedule an appointment with us today!

Remember, when it comes to hearing health, the quality of care you receive is just as important, if not more so, than the hearing aids you wear. Make sure to insist on Real Ear Measurement for the best possible hearing aid fitting. Live Better Hearing + Balance: helping you live a better life through better hearing and balance.