Real Ear Measurements (REM) are the gold standard for verifying that your hearing aids are programmed correctly and delivering the precise amplification your ears need. At Boerne Hearing & Tinnitus, we use this advanced verification procedure to ensure you receive optimal hearing aid performance from day one.
What Are Real Ear Measurements?
Real Ear Measurements involve placing a tiny microphone in your ear canal alongside your hearing aid to measure the actual sound levels being delivered to your eardrum. This objective measurement tells us exactly how your hearing aid is performing in your unique ear canal, rather than relying on manufacturer programming alone.
Every ear canal is different in size and shape, which means the same hearing aid settings can produce vastly different results from person to person. What works perfectly for one patient may be inadequate or excessive for another, even with identical hearing loss patterns.
The Science Behind Accurate Fitting
During REM testing, we measure several critical factors:
- Insertion gain - the difference between unaided and aided hearing thresholds
- Real ear aided response - how much amplification you're actually receiving across different frequencies
- Maximum output levels - ensuring sounds never become uncomfortably loud
These measurements allow us to fine-tune your hearing aids based on your individual ear acoustics, not just generic programming formulas. Research consistently shows that hearing aids verified with Real Ear Measurements provide significantly better speech understanding and user satisfaction compared to those fit without this verification.
Why Many Practices Skip This Step
Unfortunately, not all hearing care providers perform Real Ear Measurements. Some rely solely on manufacturer first-fit programming or basic in-office adjustments based on your feedback alone. While these methods might seem adequate, they often leave performance gaps that compromise your hearing experience.
Time constraints and equipment costs sometimes lead practices to skip REM testing, but this shortcut can mean the difference between hearing aids that work adequately and those that truly transform your communication abilities.
The Boerne Hearing & Tinnitus Difference
As an experienced Doctor of Audiology, Rachel Higginbotham understands that proper hearing aid fitting requires both clinical expertise and objective verification. We perform comprehensive Real Ear Measurements on every hearing aid fitting because we believe you deserve the most accurate programming possible.
Our REM process involves:
- Initial baseline measurements of your unaided ear canal response
- Verification testing with your new hearing aids in place
- Fine-tuning adjustments based on objective data
- Follow-up measurements to confirm optimal performance
This thorough approach ensures your hearing aids are working the best they can for you.
Beyond the Initial Fitting
Real Ear Measurements aren't just important during your initial fitting. We use REM during follow-up appointments to verify that any programming adjustments are providing the intended benefit. As your hearing changes over time, REM helps us maintain optimal performance through precise recalibration.
Studies show that 80% of hearing aid users experience improved satisfaction when their devices are verified with Real Ear Measurements compared to those fit without this verification step.
What This Means for Your Success
When your hearing aids are properly verified with Real Ear Measurements, you can expect:
- Improved speech clarity in both quiet and noisy environments
- Reduced listening fatigue from more precisely calibrated amplification
- Better sound quality across all frequencies
- Increased confidence in your hearing aid investment
Experience the REM Advantage
At Boerne Hearing & Tinnitus, Dr. Rachel Higginbotham combines nearly 15 years of audiological expertise with state-of-the-art verification technology to ensure your hearing aids perform at their absolute best. Unlike corporate-owned practices that may rush through fittings, we take the time necessary to provide thorough Real Ear Measurement verification for every patient.
Contact Boerne Hearing & Tinnitus at 830-755-4327 to schedule your comprehensive hearing aid consultation with Dr. Higginbotham. Located at 28715 I-10 in Boerne, we're committed to providing you with the precise, personalized hearing care that leads to optimal outcomes and lasting satisfaction with your hearing aids.
