Real Ear Measurement (REM) is a scientific method we use to verify that your hearing aids are providing the exact amount of sound you need. This measurement process shows us precisely how your hearing aids are performing in your ears, rather than relying on average predictions or manufacturers' default settings.
How Real Ear Measurement Works
During REM testing, we place a tiny microphone in your ear canal alongside your hearing aid. This microphone measures the actual sound levels reaching your eardrum. We then play various sounds through speakers and measure how your hearing aid processes these sounds within your unique ear canal.
Every person's ear canal is shaped differently - like a fingerprint. These differences affect how sound travels to your eardrum. Two people wearing identical hearing aids programmed exactly the same way might experience very different levels of sound due to their ear canal shapes. REM accounts for these individual differences.
The Process Step by Step
- We begin by measuring your ear canal's natural acoustics without a hearing aid
- The hearing aid is then placed in your ear along with a tiny measurement microphone
- We play calibrated sounds through speakers in our office
- Special equipment shows us exactly what sound levels are reaching your eardrum
- We adjust your hearing aids based on these precise measurements
- We verify the adjustments meet prescribed targets for your hearing loss
Why Generic Programming Isn't Enough
Hearing aid manufacturers provide average settings based on your hearing test. These are starting points, but they don't account for your unique ear canal shape or how you process sound. REM lets us move beyond averages to give you personalized programming that matches your needs exactly.
Studies show that hearing aids programmed without REM often provide too little or too much amplification in certain frequency ranges. This can lead to:
- Poor speech understanding
- Difficulty hearing in background noise
- Sound quality issues
- Reduced hearing aid satisfaction
- Lower rates of hearing aid use
Benefits of Real Ear Measurement
When we use REM to program your hearing aids, you receive:
Accurate Sound Levels
We can see exactly what sounds are reaching your eardrum and adjust accordingly. This precision helps ensure you're getting the right amount of amplification across all frequencies.
Better Speech Understanding
By verifying that speech sounds are amplified correctly, REM helps optimize your ability to understand conversations in various environments.
Customized Programming
Your hearing aids are tailored to your specific ear canal acoustics rather than relying on averaged data or basic predictions.
Verified Performance
We can demonstrate that your hearing aids are performing as intended and meeting prescribed targets for your hearing loss.
Quality Assurance
REM provides objective proof that your hearing aids are programmed optimally for your needs.
Research Supporting Real Ear Measurement
Multiple studies demonstrate the value of REM:
- Hearing aid users are more likely to wear their devices consistently when fitted using REM
- Speech understanding scores improve significantly with REM-verified fittings
- User satisfaction rates increase when REM is part of the fitting process
- Return rates for hearing aids decrease when REM is used
Our Commitment to Best Practices
As an audiology practice committed to providing the highest level of care, we include REM as a standard part of our hearing aid fitting process. This scientific approach helps ensure you receive the maximum benefit from your hearing technology investment.
Many hearing aid providers skip this critical step due to time constraints or lack of proper equipment. We believe REM is too valuable to omit from the fitting process. This measurement system helps us deliver better outcomes and increased satisfaction for our patients.
Common Questions About REM
Is it uncomfortable?
No. The measurement process is completely painless and takes only about 15-20 minutes.
Do I need REM for both ears?
Yes. We measure and verify each ear independently since ear canal acoustics often differ between ears.
How often should REM be done?
We perform REM during initial fitting and any time significant adjustments are made to your hearing aids. It's also useful to verify continued proper performance at annual check-ups.
What About Hearing Aids Purchased Without REM?
If you've purchased hearing aids elsewhere without REM verification, we can still help. Many of our patients come to us with existing hearing aids that aren't performing optimally. Through REM testing, we often find their devices need significant adjustments to match prescribed targets. We can perform REM and make necessary adjustments to most hearing aid brands and models.
The Role of REM in Different Listening Environments
REM testing includes verifying performance in multiple listening situations:
Soft Sounds
We ensure soft sounds are audible but comfortable. This helps you hear subtle sounds like distant conversations or quiet nature sounds.
Normal Speech
Your hearing aids should make conversational speech clear without requiring extra effort to understand.
Loud Sounds
We verify that loud sounds remain comfortable and don't become distorted or overwhelming.
Special Considerations for Different Hearing Aid Styles
Different hearing aid styles require specific REM approaches:
Behind-the-Ear (BTE) and Receiver-in-Canal (RIC)
These styles allow straightforward REM testing since the microphone placement is easily accessible.
In-the-Ear (ITE) and In-the-Canal (ITC)
Custom hearing aids require careful microphone placement to ensure accurate measurements while accounting for the device's position in the ear.
Completely-in-Canal (CIC)
Though more challenging, REM remains possible and valuable for these deeply seated devices.
The Impact on Daily Life
When hearing aids are properly verified through REM, users often report:
- Less fatigue at the end of the day
- Improved ability to participate in group conversations
- Better performance in challenging listening environments
- Increased confidence in social situations
- More natural sound quality
- Reduced need for volume adjustments
Professional Standards and REM
The American Academy of Audiology and other professional organizations recommend REM as a best practice for hearing aid fittings. Despite this, industry surveys suggest only about 30% of hearing care providers regularly perform these measurements.
REM and Modern Hearing Aid Features
Today's advanced hearing aids include sophisticated processing features that benefit from REM verification:
Directional Microphones
REM helps confirm these systems are working correctly to improve hearing in noise.
Noise Reduction
We can verify that noise reduction features maintain speech clarity while reducing unwanted sounds.
Feedback Cancellation
REM allows us to optimize amplification while preventing feedback (whistling).
Multiple Programs
Each program in your hearing aids can be verified to ensure it serves its intended purpose.
Maintaining Performance Over Time
Regular REM checks help ensure your hearing aids continue performing optimally. Changes in ear canal shape, wax accumulation, or shifting hearing needs can all impact hearing aid performance. Annual REM verification helps us identify and address these changes promptly.
Looking Ahead
Technology continues advancing, but the human ear canal remains unique to each person. REM bridges the gap between sophisticated hearing aid features and your individual hearing needs. This scientific approach to hearing aid fitting helps ensure you receive the full benefit of your hearing technology.
Schedule an appointment with our experienced audiologist Dr. Rachel Higginbotham to learn more about how Real Ear Measurement can optimize your hearing aid performance. Whether you're new to hearing aids or interested in verifying your current devices' performance, we're here to help you achieve the best possible hearing outcomes.
