Getting the Most from Your Hearing Aids with Real Ear Measurements

Getting the most from your hearing aids means ensuring they're properly programmed to your specific hearing needs. While hearing aid technology continues to advance, the programming and fitting process remains a critical factor in achieving the best possible outcomes. Real Ear Measurements (REM) stand as one of the most effective ways to verify that your hearing aids are providing the right amount of amplification for your unique hearing loss.

Understanding Real Ear Measurements (REM)

Think of Real Ear Measurements (REM) as precision tuning for your hearing aids. Just as a high-performance vehicle needs proper calibration to deliver its full potential, today's advanced hearing aids require accurate verification to ensure they're delivering sound exactly as intended. This verification becomes even more valuable as hearing aid technology continues to advance, helping you take full advantage of every technological breakthrough these devices offer.

By combining cutting-edge hearing aid technology with precise Real Ear Measurements, we can help you experience sound with remarkable clarity and naturalness. This scientific approach to fitting means you're not just getting great technology - you're getting technology that's optimized specifically for you.

Real Ear Measurements use a tiny microphone placed in your ear canal to measure the actual sound output of your hearing aids while you're wearing them. This objective measurement shows exactly how much amplification your hearing aids provide at different frequencies, allowing our audiologists to make precise adjustments tailored to your needs.

The Real Ear Measurement Process

When you visit us for Real Ear Measurements, our audiologists follow a systematic approach:

Initial Setup

We begin by placing a small microphone in your ear canal. This microphone measures both the natural acoustics of your ear and the amplified sound from your hearing aids.

Baseline Measurements

Before testing with hearing aids, we measure how sound naturally travels through your ear canal. This establishes a baseline for comparison.

Testing With Hearing Aids

Once your hearing aids are in place, we play various sounds, including speech signals, while measuring the output in your ear canal. This shows us exactly what sounds are reaching your eardrum.

Making Adjustments

Based on these measurements, we fine-tune your hearing aid settings to match prescribed targets for your specific hearing loss. This process often requires several adjustments to achieve optimal results.

Why Real Ear Measurements Make a Difference

Getting new hearing aids is a significant step toward better hearing, but the initial programming is just the starting point. Many of our patients are surprised to learn that standard computer programming, while providing a good baseline, isn't enough to guarantee the best hearing experience. Just like no two fingerprints are exactly alike, every ear canal has its own unique shape and characteristics.

Picture two friends who both wear size 9 shoes - they might need different insoles or arch support because their feet have different shapes. The same principle applies to hearing aids. Even if two people have the exact same hearing test results, their ear canals could be shaped quite differently, affecting how sound travels to their eardrums. What works perfectly for one person might not work as well for another.

This is where Real Ear Measurements prove their value. By measuring the actual sound levels reaching your eardrum, we can see exactly how your ear canal influences the sound from your hearing aids. Our patients who have had their hearing aids verified with REM often tell us they hear more clearly in challenging situations, like family gatherings or restaurants. They understand conversations better and feel more confident in social settings.

The benefits extend beyond better hearing. When hearing aids are properly verified from the start, you're more likely to adapt successfully to your devices. Many of our patients need fewer follow-up adjustments because their hearing aids are optimized from the beginning. This precise fitting process gives you confidence that your hearing aids are performing exactly as they should.

We see the difference Real Ear Measurements make every day. Patients tell us they wish they'd known about this verification process sooner. By measuring and adjusting the actual sound reaching your eardrum, we can help ensure you get the full benefit of today's advanced hearing aid technology.

When Should You Have Real Ear Measurements?

Starting Your Hearing Journey

If you're getting new hearing aids, Real Ear Measurements should be part of your first fitting appointment. Think of it as establishing your personal sound prescription - we want to make sure your hearing aids are perfectly tuned to your needs from day one. Many of our patients tell us how pleased they are that we take this extra step to ensure their success with new devices.

Maintaining Peak Performance

Life happens - hearing aids occasionally need repairs, and our hearing can change over time. After your hearing aids undergo repairs, we recommend checking their performance with Real Ear Measurements. It's like getting your car realigned after major work - you want to make sure everything is running exactly as it should.

Your hearing might also change gradually over time. If you notice you're not hearing as clearly as before, Real Ear Measurements can help us make precise adjustments to match your current needs.

What to Expect During Your Appointment

"Will it take long?" is one of the first questions many patients ask. The measurement process typically adds about 15-30 minutes to your appointment - time well spent ensuring your hearing aids work their best. The process is comfortable and straightforward - most of our patients are surprised by how quick and easy it is.

The tiny microphone we use for testing is smaller than a grain of rice, and you'll barely notice it's there. During the measurements, you'll simply sit comfortably while we play various sounds and make adjustments to your hearing aids.

Getting the Best Results

We want to make your Real Ear Measurement session as productive as possible. Share your experiences with us - tell us about any listening situations where you're having trouble, whether it's family dinners, watching TV, or phone conversations. Your feedback helps us fine-tune your hearing aids more effectively.

Many patients find it helpful to keep notes about their hearing experiences before the appointment. What environments are challenging? Are there specific sounds that seem too loud or too soft? This information guides us in making the right adjustments for your lifestyle.

Remember, you're the expert on your hearing experience. Don't hesitate to ask questions or share concerns during your appointment. Our goal is to ensure you leave confident in your hearing aids' performance.

The Technology Behind Better Hearing

Modern hearing aids work with incredible precision, but they need equally precise fitting procedures to reach their full potential. Think of it like a sophisticated car engine - even the most advanced motor needs proper tuning to perform at its best. Real Ear Measurements act as our diagnostic tool, showing us exactly how sound travels through your unique ear canal and allowing us to optimize your hearing aids accordingly.

We've seen countless patients who thought they were getting the most from their hearing aids discover significant improvements after proper measurement and adjustment. Small changes in programming can make substantial differences in real-world performance, especially in challenging listening situations like restaurants or group conversations.

The difference often shows up in everyday moments - hearing a grandchild's quiet voice clearly, catching the punchline of a joke in a noisy restaurant, or following a conversation while walking outdoors. These improvements come not from changing devices but from ensuring your current hearing aids are working exactly as they should for your specific hearing needs.

Experience the Difference of Properly Fitted Hearing Aids

The success of your hearing aid experience largely depends on proper fitting and verification. At Family Audiology and Hearing Centers, we use Real Ear Measurements as our standard of care across all 16 locations. Our experienced audiologists and hearing specialists are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes with your hearing aids.

‍Contact us to schedule an appointment. Let us help you achieve the clear, natural sound you deserve from your hearing aids through precise, verified fittings.