How Real Ear Measurements Optimize Your New Hearing Aids

Many people don't realize that hearing aids aren't a one-size-fits-all solution. Our hearing is as unique as our fingerprints, and what works for one person may not work for another. Over-the-counter hearing aids might seem convenient, but they lack the personalized programming that makes a significant difference in your hearing experience.

When you invest in new hearing aids, you want to be confident they are programmed correctly for your unique hearing needs. Real Ear Measurement (REM) is a scientific method we use at Audiology & Hearing Services of Charlotte to verify your hearing aids are providing the exact amount of amplification you need across all frequencies. Our audiologists use REM with the latest hearing aid technology from manufacturers like Oticon, Starkey, Phonak, and ReSound. For instance, the Oticon Intent with its 4D Sensor Technology or the Starkey Edge AI can be precisely calibrated to your exact hearing needs. This means you'll get clearer sound, better speech understanding, and a more comfortable listening experience.

Understanding Real Ear Measurement

Real Ear Measurement uses a tiny microphone placed in your ear canal to measure the actual sound output of your hearing aids while you are wearing them. This allows us to see exactly what your hearing aids are delivering and make precise adjustments based on your individual ear canal acoustics and hearing loss.

Many hearing care providers skip this step, relying solely on manufacturer software predictions of how hearing aids should perform. But ear canals vary significantly in size and shape between individuals, which affects how sound is ultimately delivered to your eardrum. Without REM verification, your hearing aids may not be providing optimal benefit.

The REM Process

Real Ear Measurements involve using a small microphone placed in your ear canal alongside your hearing aid to verify exactly how sound is being amplified. Unlike generic programming, REM allows us to see precisely what sound levels you're experiencing, ensuring your hearing aids are programmed to meet your unique hearing needs.

During a REM assessment, our audiologists use specialized equipment to measure the sound reaching your eardrum while wearing the hearing aids. This process helps us fine-tune the device's settings, addressing your specific hearing loss across different frequencies. Think of it like custom-tailoring a suit - instead of an off-the-rack fit, you get something perfectly designed for you.

During a REM fitting, your audiologist will:

1. Place a small microphone in your ear canal
2. Position your hearing aid with the microphone in place
3. Play calibrated speech sounds through a speaker
4. Measure the exact output reaching your eardrum
5. Make programming adjustments to match prescribed targets
6. Verify the adjustments deliver appropriate amplification

This precise measurement process helps ensure speech sounds are clear and comfortable across the full range of frequencies important for understanding conversation.

Why REM Matters for New Hearing Aids

The latest hearing aids from manufacturers like Oticon, Phonak, Resound, Starkey, and Widex offer sophisticated features and processing. The Oticon Intent with its 4D sensor technology, Phonak Infinio with DNN 2.0, ReSound Vivia with AI capabilities, Starkey Edge AI with Neuro Sound Technology 2.0, and Widex Moment Sheer with PureSound technology all provide advanced options for better hearing.

However, these premium features only work optimally when the devices are properly fitted to your specific needs. REM verification ensures you get the full benefit of your hearing aid investment by confirming they are programmed appropriately for your unique hearing loss and ear canal acoustics.

Benefits of REM-Verified Hearing Aid Fittings

Have you ever wondered why some people love their hearing aids while others struggle? The secret often lies in a critical process called Real Ear Measurements (REM).

When you get hearing aids, you want them to work perfectly right from the start. REM helps make that happen. Our clinical experience shows that hearing aids fitted using Real Ear Measurements offer significant benefits that can truly transform your hearing experience.

Imagine sitting in a noisy restaurant and suddenly understanding conversations more clearly. That's what REM can do. By precisely measuring how sound travels through your unique ear canal, we can fine-tune your hearing aids to match your exact hearing needs.

Patients who undergo REM-verified fittings typically report:

• Clearer speech understanding, even in challenging environments like crowded restaurants
• Sound that feels more natural and comfortable
• Fewer follow-up appointments and adjustments
• Increased confidence in their hearing ability
• Overall higher satisfaction with their hearing aids

We've seen countless patients who've worn hearing aids for years experience an "aha" moment when their devices are properly calibrated using Real Ear Measurements. Many are surprised by how much better their hearing aids can perform with just a few precise adjustments.

Our audiologists use specialized equipment to measure the exact sound levels reaching your eardrum while wearing hearing aids. This is like getting a custom-fitted suit for your hearing - ensuring every frequency is optimized specifically for you.

Ongoing Benefits of REM

Beyond the initial fitting, having baseline REM measurements provides valuable reference points for future care. If you experience changes in your hearing or need adjustments, we can compare new measurements to your verified settings to make precise modifications.

REM measurements also help us document the benefit you receive from your hearing aids, which can be useful for insurance purposes or if you need to advocate for hearing healthcare coverage.

Schedule Your REM Fitting Today

At Audiology & Hearing Services of Charlotte, we are committed to evidence-based best practices in hearing care. We perform Real Ear Measurements on every hearing aid fitting to ensure optimal outcomes for our patients. If you have new hearing aids or are considering an upgrade to newer technology, contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced audiologists. We will take the time to thoroughly evaluate your hearing needs and use REM verification to help you achieve the best possible hearing outcomes.