Real Ear Measurement

Real ear measurement (REM) is a diagnostic procedure used by audiologists to assess the performance of a hearing aids while it is inside the ear canal. Also known as real ear verification, it involves the use of a probe microphone placed in the ear canal, which measures the sound pressure level of the amplified sound produced by the hearing aid.

At Columbine Hearing Care, we use real ear measurement as part of our best practices in the clinic because it provides valuable information about how the hearing aid is performing for each of our patients. The data gathered from REM can be used to adjust the hearing aid settings for optimal performance.

Many audiologists consider real ear measurement as the gold standard for verifying the accuracy of hearing aid fitting and programming. We believe it is an important step in ensuring that the hearing aids we prescribe to our patients are meeting their unique hearing requirements.

Why perform Real Ear Measures?

Real ear measurement (REM) provides valuable information about the performance of a hearing aid in the individual’s unique ear canal. This ensures that the hearing aid is optimally adjusted to meet the patient’s specific hearing needs.

In a study exploring the effect of real-ear verification on hearing aid benefit, it was shown that patients who received real ear measurements through target-matched programming indicated that there was a significant improvement in speech intelligibility and comfort.

Below are some of the benefits of REM:

Measuring the actual sound levels in the ear canal

While hearing aids are usually pre-programmed from the manufacturer, real ear measurement provides a more specific and individualized approach to hearing aid fitting. By measuring the actual sound levels in the ear canal, audiologists are able to adjust the hearing aid settings to better match the individual’s unique hearing needs.

Gold standard in hearing aid verification

Why is REM considered as the gold standard in hearing aid fitting and verification? It is because it is the most objective form of measurement that accurately verifies the performance of the hearing aid in ear canal, rather than relying solely on the hearing aid wearer’s feedback (which can be subjective).

Additionally, real ear measurement can identify potential issues with hearing aid performance, such as feedback or inadequate gain, which can be promptly addressed to improve the overall listening experience.

Improved hearing aid satisfaction

When a hearing aid is fitted and programmed accurately, it increases the user’s satisfaction with the device and leads to the chance of hearing aid satisfaction and listening improvement. Through REM, audiologists can ensure that the patient is receiving the most accurate amplification for their specific hearing loss, resulting into better speech recognition and overall communication ability.

What is the basic process of Real Ear Measurement?

Below is a basic overview of the steps involved in real ear measurement:

The audiologist will place the microphone in a coupler to calibrate it. This simulates the sound conditions in the ear canal and ensures that the microphone is picking up sounds accurately.
The probe microphone will be inserted into the ear canal along with the hearing aid.
A series of tones and speech sounds will be played through the hearing aid. Meanwhile, the probe microphone is set to measure sthe sound levels in the ear canal. This allows audiologists to detect how the hearing aid is performing in the patient’s ear canal.
Based on the data obtained, the audiologist can adjust the settings of the hearing aid to optimize its performance.

Are real ear measurements necessary?

Real ear measurement is an integral part of the hearing aid fitting process because it allows audiologists to accurately assess the performance of the hearing aid in each individual’s ear canal. This ensures that the hearing aid is appropriately adjusted to meet unique hearing needs.

Without REM, hearing aids may not be accurately programmed, resulting in an unsatisfactory hearing experience due to either inadequate amplification or reduced speech recognition.

With the rise of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, audiologists who practice REM are concerned that hearing aid fittings may not be performed accurately as it should be. OTC hearing aids are typically designed to be self-fitted, without needing the involvement of an audiologist.

While this can make hearing aids more accessible, it may also mean that people who need hearing aids may not receive the same accurate level of personalized care and attention that they would with a professional hearing aid fitting performed by an audiologist.

With the absence of real ear measurement, there is no basis for objective measurement of the actual sound levels in the ear canal. This would result in difficulty in verifying the actual performance of the hearing aid.

Keep in mind that not all hearing losses are the same, and an individual’s hearing needs may require more than just a one-size-fits-all approach.

Real Ear Measurement vs. Auto Hearing Aid Programming

Real Ear Measurement and Auto Hearing Aid Programming are two different methods used to program hearing aids. REM is designed to measure the actual sound levels reaching the eardrum, while Auto Hearing Aid Programming uses a predetermined algorithm to program the hearing aid based on the individual’s audiogram.

The main difference between the two methods is that real ear measurement delivers a more individualized and accurate measurement of the hearing aid’s performance. Whereas Auto Hearing Aid Programming simply uses a general algorithm that may not account for some important factors such as the individual’s specific ear canal characteristics or personal preferences.

While Auto Hearing Aid Programming is easy and convenient, it may not be able to provide the same level of accuracy and individualized care as real ear measurement.

Keep in mind that hearing loss is unique for each person, which would mean that the hearing aid settings are also unique for each hearing aid user. Therefore, real ear measurement should be included in the standard hearing aid fitting protocol to ensure the best hearing aid performance and individualized care.

Real Ear Measurement and Hearing Aid Success

In conclusion, real ear measurement is a very important tool in the hearing aid fitting process, allowing for highly individualized and accurate programming of hearing aids to meet specific hearing needs.

At Columbine Hearing Care, we want to ensure that each of our patients are receiving the highest level of personalized care and attention through real ear measurement.