Real Ear Measurement (REM)
Accurate hearing aid fittings are key to happy hearing. Finding the appropriate hearing aid can be a daunting process. An appropriately selected hearing aid is crucial for an individual with hearing loss. Recent studies have shown that approximately 60% of individuals who purchase hearing aids are not fit appropriately. This means that in many situations, the hearing device sold to the individual is not even loud enough to amplify sound at particular frequencies, so that person can perceive speech more clearly; or the device is not programmed properly for that person’s hearing loss. The end result is not a good one. Usually, it ends with new hearing devices and no perceived benefit. Most people in this situation end up very frustrated and give up on using hearing aids.
Accurate hearing aid fittings can allow you to experience the clarity of sound you want. At Happy Ears Hearing Center, we offer guidance on why accurate fittings and proper hearing aid programming are essential.
Real Ear Measurement (REM): How Accurate Fittings Can Help
Real ear measurement (REM) involves an audiologist carefully measuring your ears’ unique shape and size. No two ears are the same, so not taking the time to get accurate measurements results in hearing aids that don’t work as they should.
REM is an objective measurement of the patient’s ear taken in real time. It takes a close look at what a hearing aid is doing inside the ear canal.
Real ear measurements require the placement of a probe microphone down in the ear canal by the tympanic membrane (eardrum). The probe microphone measures the sound that is coming out of the hearing aid at the eardrum level while the hearing aid is on the individual’s ear. Programming software for hearing devices has specific targets for various hearing loss configurations, however, no two ears are the same. If the software has a set target for the hearing aid, and the acoustics of the ear canal is not taken into account, the hearing aid will not be programmed properly for that particular individual.
Real ear measurement is the most important measurement performed while programming hearing aids, in order to have an accurate fitting. It offers a number of benefits.
Makes Choosing a Hearing Aid Easier
REM can make it easier to find the right type of hearing aid. All manner of hearing aid types exist, from behind-the-ear to in-the-canal options. Because every ear has a different canal size, some aids may not be as helpful as others. Some may even be uncomfortable. An experienced audiologist will be able to advise you on the right option based on your REM.
Assists With Programming
REM also helps during the hearing aid fitting process to ensure that your audiologist offers the right programming. Your ear shape and size impact acoustics, too, so REM tells your audiologist how to best program the device to maximize sound.
Helps to Limit Amplification of Wrong Sounds
During the hearing aid verification process, REM assists your audiologist in understanding how to adjust your hearing aid so that it doesn’t amplify sounds that aren’t part of normal hearing. Being able to do this helps to preserve existing hearing.
Best Hearing Aid Practices: Getting Your Hearing Aids Working at Their Best
Hearing aids are complex devices that require careful selection and fitting. The process, however, begins with ensuring that you choose the right audiologist to help you.
Make sure the professional who is programming the hearing aids has a doctorate degree in hearing loss and is performing real ear measurements. If the professional selling hearing aids are not performing real ear measurement testing, they are providing a huge disservice to their clients.
Verify that the hearing professional is following the “best practices guidelines” as recommended by the American Academy of Audiology and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
When it comes to purchasing the actual hearing aids, your main focus shouldn’t be on getting the cheapest option. Taking the cheaper route usually ends up costing more in the long run. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Avoid big box stores with cheaper prices. Most of them do not offer the service and care you will get from a licensed audiologist. The place you buy your toilet paper and laundry soap in bulk is not the best place to treat your hearing healthcare and can result in inappropriately fit hearing devices.
Would you get your teeth fixed by someone who was not a licensed dentist? Would you let someone perform surgery on your body if they were not a licensed physician? Why would you let someone treat your hearing loss who has no education in hearing loss and is not a licensed audiologist?
This will save you money and save you frustration in the long run. If you don’t invest in professional care and the right hearing aids, you can end up spending much more money on replacements.
Because you’re more likely to abandon hearing aids that don’t offer the quality results you need, you can also start experiencing worsening hearing issues. That can mean a lower quality of life and even more expenses since you’ll need extensive hearing care.
Getting the Quality Help You Deserve
Hearing aids are necessary and an important first step in treating hearing loss. If you’ve tried using hearing aids without getting them properly fitted by an audiologist, it’s likely that you’re frustrated and disappointed by the results. Before you give up on the idea of hearing aids, visit professionals who can fit them correctly.
At Happy Ears Hearing Center, we offer care from expert audiologists. During your consultation, you’ll have a chance to address your concerns. You can also learn more about the fitting process and what you can expect from your new hearing aids.
Contact our team to schedule a consultation at one of our locations and get started on your journey to better hearing.