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Ask Dr. Gosu: Is Real Ear Measurement Important for Hearing Aids?
When it comes to hearing aids, their effectiveness is not solely dependent on their technological sophistication. Instead, the accuracy and personalization of their fitting process significantly contribute to their performance. A crucial tool employed in this fitting procedure is the Real Ear Measurement (REM).
As an experienced audiologist, I can testify to the importance of REM in providing optimal hearing aid performance.
What is Real Ear Measurement (REM)?
In the Audiology community, Real Ear Measurement (REM) is considered a gold standard technique in hearing aid fitting and verification. This method involves measuring the sound levels within the ear canal while the hearing aid is in operation.
Here’s how the process works:
Microphone Placement: We'll start by placing a tiny microphone in your ear canal, near your eardrum. It's a straightforward and comfortable step.Hearing Aid Fitting: Then, we'll fit your hearing aids as you normally wear them.Playing Sounds: We'll play a variety of sounds through your hearing aids. These could be speech or everyday noises.Measuring Sound Levels: The microphone in your ear will measure how these sounds are being amplified by your hearing aids.Adjusting Your Hearing Aids: Based on these measurements, we'll adjust your hearing aids. Our goal is to make sure they amplify sounds perfectly for your hearing needs.Final Check: Finally, we'll do a last check to ensure everything sounds right to you.
The Importance of REM in Hearing Aid Fittings
Real ear measurements (REM) play a crucial role in the process of hearing aid fitting. Here are some reasons why REM is essential:
1. Individualized Fitting
REM ensures that hearing aids are personalized to meet the unique needs of each individual. By fine-tuning the hearing aid settings based on your specific hearing characteristics, REM leads to improved comfort, better speech understanding, and overall satisfaction with the hearing aids.
2. Accurate Amplification
REM verifies that the hearing aids are amplifying sounds accurately. By measuring the sound levels in your ear canal, we can assess whether the amplification matches the prescribed targets for different frequencies.
3. Real-world Simulation
REM provides a realistic simulation of how the hearing aid will perform in real-world listening situations, allowing for precise adjustments to optimize the hearing aid's performance and ensure better sound quality in various environments.
4. Validation of Prescribed Settings
REM serves as a validation tool to confirm that the hearing aid's settings match your exact hearing loss prescription. This validation step is crucial in ensuring that the hearing aid is appropriately programmed to address your hearing needs.
5. Enhanced User Experience
By incorporating REM into the fitting process, we can significantly improve your overall experience with hearing loss. This leads to better sound quality, reduced listening effort, and improved speech understanding.
How to Find an Audiologist Who Uses REM
When searching for a professional who uses REM technology, it's crucial to ensure you're working with someone with the necessary qualifications and expertise. Look for audiologists certified by reputable groups and who have experience working with the latest hearing aid technology.
At the Hearing & Balance Solutions, we understand and value the importance of Real Ear Measurement. If you are considering hearing aids, consult with us, and we will strive to provide personalized solutions for you.
REM Is No Longer an Option for Your New Hearing Aids - It's a Necessity
We hope we’ve demonstrated that REM is an indispensable tool in achieving optimal hearing outcomes. By incorporating REM into their practice, we can deliver high-quality care and improve the lives of individuals with hearing loss. You’ve already invested in hearing aids, so you should insist on Real Ear Measurement, and enjoy the best hearing aid experience possible. Contact us today to schedule your consultation with us.
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