Real Ear Measurement

At Boerne Hearing & Tinnitus, we believe in providing the most accurate and effective hearing solutions possible. That's why we use Real Ear Measurement (REM) as a standard part of our hearing aid fitting process. This objective verification method ensures your hearing aids are programmed accurately for your specific hearing needs, leading to better outcomes and higher satisfaction with your devices.

Real Ear Measurement, also known as REM, probe microphone measurement or Real Ear Verification, is a precise, scientific method of verifying hearing aid performance while the devices are in your ears. This process allows us to see exactly how your hearing aids are performing in your unique ear canals, rather than relying solely on manufacturer programming or subjective feedback.

The Real Ear Measurement process involves several steps:

1. Insertion of Probe Microphone: We begin by placing a thin, flexible probe microphone into your ear canal alongside your hearing aid. This probe is so small that you'll barely notice its presence.
2. Sound Presentation: Next, we play a series of calibrated sounds through a speaker positioned near you. These sounds cover a range of frequencies and volumes that are important for speech understanding.
3. Measurement: The probe microphone measures the actual output of your hearing aid in your ear canal in response to these sounds. This gives us a precise picture of what you're actually hearing through your device.
4. Analysis: We compare the measured output to prescriptive targets based on your individual hearing loss. These targets are derived from extensive research on the amplification needs of individuals with various types and degrees of hearing loss.
5. Adjustment: If the measured output doesn't match the targets, we make precise adjustments to your hearing aid settings. We then repeat the measurement process to confirm that the adjustments have achieved the desired result.

The benefits of Real Ear Measurement are numerous:

• Accuracy: REM ensures that your hearing aids are providing the right amount of amplification across all frequencies. This is crucial because even small deviations from the prescribed targets can significantly affect your ability to understand speech and enjoy environmental sounds.
• Personalization: Every person's ear canal is unique in shape and size. These individual differences can affect how sound is amplified by a hearing aid. REM accounts for these differences, ensuring your devices are truly personalized to your ears.
• Improved Speech Understanding: By verifying that your hearing aids are meeting prescriptive targets, REM helps optimize your ability to understand speech in various environments.
• Better Sound Quality: Proper amplification across frequencies contributes to a more natural, balanced sound quality.
• Reduced Follow-Up Visits: Because REM allows us to get your hearing aid settings right from the start, you're less likely to need frequent adjustments in the weeks following your fitting.
• Objective Verification: REM provides an objective measure of hearing aid performance, rather than relying solely on subjective feedback.

Dr. Higginbotham includes REM as part of our standard hearing aid fitting process for new devices. However, if you have existing hearing aids that weren't fit using REM, we can perform this measurement to optimize your devices' performance. This can be particularly beneficial if you're not fully satisfied with your current hearing aids or if you've had them for a while and want to ensure they're still meeting your needs.

It's worth noting that while REM is considered the gold standard in hearing aid fitting, not all hearing care providers use this technology. Some estimates say that only 20-50% of hearing care professionals regularly perform these additional verifications. At Boerne Hearing & Tinnitus, we're committed to providing the highest level of care, which is why we've invested in this technology and made it a standard part of our fitting process.

During your REM session, we'll explain what we're doing at each step and what the results mean for your hearing. We believe in transparency and education, empowering you to be an active participant in your hearing care.

Experience the difference that precisely fitted hearing aids can make. Whether you're getting new hearing aids or want to optimize your current devices, Real Ear Measurement can help ensure you're getting the most out of your hearing technology. Schedule an appointment with us today for a hearing aid fitting or adjustment using Real Ear Measurement. At Boerne Hearing & Tinnitus, we're committed to helping you hear your best.