Real Ear Measurement (REM), also known as probe microphone measurement, is a vital procedure in audiology aimed at optimizing the performance of hearing aids. REM involves placing a tiny microphone probe in the ear canal to measure the sound levels the hearing aid produces. This method provides precise data on how effectively the hearing aid amplifies sounds in the wearer’s ear, ensuring a tailored and accurate fit.
REM plays a pivotal role in customizing hearing aid fittings by considering individual ear characteristics and hearing needs. Unlike traditional methods that rely solely on manufacturer specifications or subjective feedback, REM objectively assesses whether the amplification meets prescribed targets for the wearer’s hearing loss across different frequencies.
By fine-tuning the hearing aid settings based on REM data, audiologists can enhance speech intelligibility and overall sound quality, ultimately improving the wearer’s communication abilities and quality of life.
Audiologists at Advanced Hearing and Balance Specialists use real ear measurements to ensure that each patient is enjoying the maximum benefits of their hearing aids.
History of Real Ear Measurement
Real Ear Measurement has its roots in the late 20th century when audiologists began exploring more objective methods for assessing hearing aid performance. Initially, REM was primarily used in research settings to study the efficacy of hearing aid fittings. However, by the late 1980s and early 1990s, REM started gaining traction in clinical practice.
The clinical use of REM surged as audiologists recognized its potential to enhance hearing aid fittings by precisely measuring sound levels in the ear canal. This objective data has allowed audiologists to fine-tune hearing aid settings based on individual ear characteristics and hearing needs, leading to more customized and effective fittings.
Today, REM has become a standard practice in audiology clinics worldwide, playing a crucial role in ensuring optimal hearing aid performance and improving the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.
Why Perform Real Ear Measurement?
As the gold standard in hearing aid verification, REM provides objective and precise measurements of sound levels in the ear canal, ensuring that the amplification delivered by the hearing aid aligns accurately with the individual’s hearing needs and preferences.
The Importance of Optimal Accuracy
One of the primary reasons for performing REM is to achieve optimal accuracy in hearing aid fittings. Unlike traditional methods that rely on subjective feedback or manufacturer specifications, REM objectively assesses how effectively the hearing aid amplifies sounds within the wearer’s ear canal.
By measuring real-time sound levels, REM enables audiologists to fine-tune the hearing aid settings to match the prescribed targets for the individual’s specific hearing loss across different frequencies. This customized approach ensures that the wearer receives the appropriate amplification to address their unique hearing needs, leading to improved speech intelligibility and overall hearing satisfaction.
Verifying Hearing Aid Performance
Audiologists can assess whether the device is functioning as intended by comparing the measured output of the hearing aid to the desired targets. This verification process helps identify discrepancies between the prescribed amplification and the actual output, allowing audiologists to make necessary adjustments to optimize the device’s performance.
Additionally, REM enables audiologists to evaluate the consistency of amplification across different listening environments, ensuring that the hearing aid performs reliably in various real-world situations.
Another significant advantage of REM is its ability to account for individual ear anatomy and acoustics differences. By placing a tiny microphone probe in the ear canal, REM captures accurate measurements of sound levels, considering factors such as ear canal shape, size, and resonance characteristics. This personalized approach ensures that the hearing aid settings are tailored to the wearer’s unique ear physiology, maximizing comfort and sound quality.
Patient Education and Counseling
REM serves as a valuable tool for patient education and counseling. Audiologists can help patients better understand how their devices work and why certain adjustments are necessary for optimal performance by visually demonstrating the effects of different hearing aid settings on real-time measurements. This empowers patients to actively participate in the fitting process and make informed decisions about their hearing care.
In summary, Real Ear Measurement is essential in modern audiology practice because it provides accurate, personalized, and objective assessments of hearing aid performance. By optimizing accuracy, verifying device performance, accommodating individual differences, and enhancing patient understanding, REM ensures that individuals with hearing loss receive the most effective and customized hearing aid fittings possible, ultimately improving their quality of life and communication abilities.
What is the basic process of Real Ear Measurement?
Real Ear Measurement involves a systematic process to accurately assess the performance of hearing aids and optimize their settings to meet individual hearing needs.
The basic process of REM typically includes the following steps:
- Patient Preparation: The patient sits in a quiet room wearing hearing aids. The audiologist ensures the patient is comfortable and positioned correctly for the procedure.
- Probe Microphone Placement: A tiny microphone probe is inserted into the patient’s ear canal alongside the hearing aid. This probe measures the sound levels the hearing aid produces within the ear canal.
- Probe Microphone Calibration: Before taking measurements, the probe microphone must be calibrated to ensure accurate readings. This involves verifying the microphone’s sensitivity and adjusting it to match standardized reference levels.
- Measurement Procedure: The audiologist activates the hearing aid, and the probe microphone begins to measure the sound levels generated by the device within the patient’s ear canal. The audiologist may measure while the patient listens to various speech or noise stimuli to simulate real-world listening environments.
- Data Analysis: The measured data is analyzed to assess how effectively the hearing aid is amplifying sounds across different frequencies. This analysis helps determine whether the hearing aid settings align with the prescribed targets for the patient’s hearing loss.
- Fine-Tuning: The audiologist may adjust the hearing aid settings to optimize performance based on the REM results. These adjustments ensure that the hearing aid provides the appropriate amplification needed to improve speech intelligibility and overall hearing satisfaction for the individual.
- Counseling and Education: Finally, the audiologist discusses the REM results with the patient, explaining any adjustments to the hearing aid settings and providing guidance on proper device usage and care. This counseling session empowers the patient to understand their hearing aid better and actively participate in their hearing health journey.
Are Real Ear Measurements Necessary?
Real Ear Measurements are indispensable in modern audiology practice because they ensure optimal hearing aid fittings and enhance the communication abilities of individuals with hearing loss. The necessity of REM stems from its ability to provide accurate, personalized, and objective assessments of hearing aid performance, which traditional methods often fail to achieve.
One of the key reasons REM is necessary is its capacity to tailor hearing aid settings to the individual’s specific hearing needs. Unlike generic, one-size-fits-all approaches, REM considers the unique characteristics of each person’s ear canal and hearing loss profile.
By measuring real-time sound levels within the ear canal, REM enables audiologists to fine-tune the amplification provided by the hearing aid to match the prescribed targets across different frequencies. This customized approach ensures the wearer receives the precise amplification required to improve speech intelligibility and overall hearing satisfaction.
The importance of REM becomes even more evident in the context of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. With the emergence of OTC hearing aids, which are available without the involvement of a healthcare professional, the lack of REM poses significant challenges.
OTC hearing aids typically have generic settings not tailored to the individual’s hearing profile. Without REM, users may not receive the optimal amplification needed to address their hearing loss effectively. This can result in subpar performance and dissatisfaction with the device, potentially exacerbating untreated hearing loss.
REM serves as a critical tool for verifying the performance of hearing aids and ensuring consistency across different listening environments. By comparing the measured output of the hearing aid to the desired targets, audiologists can assess whether the device is functioning as intended and make necessary adjustments to optimize its performance. This verification process is essential for maintaining the quality and reliability of hearing aid fittings over time.
Real Ear Measurements are necessary in audiology practice to achieve the customized, accurate, and effective hearing aid fittings you will find at Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists. With the rise of OTC hearing aids and the limitations of traditional methods, REM stands out as the gold standard for ensuring optimal amplification and improving the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.
Real Ear Measurement vs. Auto Hearing Aid Programming
Real ear measurement (REM) and auto hearing aid programming are two methods used to set up hearing aids, but they work differently. Auto hearing aid programming is like a general setting applied to all hearing aids of the same model. It is a preset configuration the manufacturer provides based on average hearing needs. This setting does not consider the specific characteristics of an individual’s ear canal or their unique hearing loss profile.
On the other hand, real ear measurement (REM) is personalized. It involves placing a tiny microphone in the ear canal to measure how sounds are amplified by the hearing aid in that person’s ear. REM ensures that the hearing aid settings accurately match the individual’s hearing needs. It considers factors like the ear canal’s shape and the person’s specific hearing loss across different frequencies.
Real ear measurement should be part of hearing aid protocol because it ensures the hearing aid is tailored to each person’s unique hearing requirements. This personalized approach improves the effectiveness of the hearing aid, leading to better speech clarity and overall satisfaction.
“Manufacturer’s First Fit” refers to the initial setting of a hearing aid based on the manufacturer’s specifications. However, these settings may not be ideal for everyone because hearing loss varies widely among individuals. REM helps adjust the hearing aid settings to suit the wearer’s needs better, making the listening experience more comfortable and effective.
Real Ear Measurement and Hearing Aid Success | Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists
The clinical use of REM surged as audiologists recognized its potential to enhance hearing aid fittings by precisely measuring sound levels in the ear canal. This objective data has allowed audiologists to fine-tune hearing aid settings base
At Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists, we prioritize personalized care for our patients. Real Ear Measurement (REM) allows us to tailor hearing aid settings to each individual’s unique hearing profile, ensuring optimal performance and satisfaction.
Accessing quality hearing healthcare has never been easier with clinics conveniently located across Utah and Nevada, including St. George, Cedar City, Murray, Hurricane, Beaver, Panguitch, Mesquite, and Overton. Schedule your REM appointment today and take the first step toward better hearing health.
