Why We Verify Every Hearing Aid Fitting with Real Ear Measurements

When you invest in hearing aids, you deserve the assurance that they're programmed correctly for your unique hearing loss. Real Ear Measurements (REM) provide that assurance by objectively measuring how your hearing aids perform in your actual ear canal. At Hearing Doctors of the Heartland, we perform Real Ear Measurements on every hearing aid fitting because we believe in following best practices that deliver optimal results for our patients.

What Are Real Ear Measurements?

Real Ear Measurements represent the gold standard for hearing aid verification. This process involves placing a thin, flexible microphone inside your ear canal alongside your hearing aid to measure the actual sound levels reaching your eardrum. The measurement compares the amplified sound from your hearing aids to the specific amplification requirements based on your individual hearing test results.

The procedure works by generating precise test signals through your hearing aids while simultaneously measuring the sound levels at your eardrum. This data creates a comprehensive report showing whether your hearing aids are providing the correct amount of amplification across all frequencies where you experience hearing loss.

Think of Real Ear Measurements as a quality control check. Just as you wouldn't accept eyeglasses without confirming they match your prescription, your hearing aids require verification to ensure they're delivering the right amount of sound correction for your specific hearing needs.

The Science Behind Verification

Your ear canal has unique acoustic properties that affect how sound travels to your eardrum. Factors like the size, shape, and length of your ear canal all influence how hearing aids perform once they're inserted. Without Real Ear Measurements, audiologists are essentially guessing whether hearing aids are providing appropriate amplification.

The verification process accounts for the natural resonance of your ear canal, which can vary significantly between individuals. Some people have shorter, wider canals, while others have longer, narrower passages. These anatomical differences directly impact how sound waves behave inside your ear, making individualized measurement critical for optimal hearing aid performance.

Research consistently demonstrates that hearing aids programmed using Real Ear Measurements provide better speech understanding, improved sound quality, and higher patient satisfaction compared to fittings based on manufacturer default settings alone.

Why Many Practices Skip This Step

Despite being recognized as best practice by the American Academy of Audiology, only about 30% of hearing care practices routinely perform Real Ear Measurements. Several factors contribute to this concerning statistic.

Time constraints often pressure practitioners to skip verification procedures. Real Ear Measurements add approximately 15-20 minutes to a hearing aid fitting appointment, which some practices view as inefficient. The equipment required for proper verification also represents a significant investment that not all practices are willing to make.

Some hearing care providers rely solely on manufacturer software predictions or patient feedback to program hearing aids. While these methods provide useful information, they cannot replace the objective data that Real Ear Measurements deliver.

Patient comfort during the measurement process can also be a concern for some practitioners. The probe microphone must remain stable in the ear canal throughout testing, which requires cooperation from the patient. However, the procedure is painless and well-tolerated by the vast majority of individuals.

The Verification Process at Our Practice

When you receive hearing aids at our practice, Real Ear Measurements are an integral part of your fitting appointment. We begin by examining your ears and conducting a comprehensive hearing evaluation to establish your specific amplification needs.

Next, we insert a thin probe microphone into your ear canal, positioning it near your eardrum. This microphone remains in place throughout the verification process to monitor sound levels. Your hearing aids are then inserted over the probe microphone, and we begin generating test signals.

The measurement process evaluates your hearing aids across multiple frequency ranges and volume levels. We test soft sounds to ensure you can hear quiet speech, moderate sounds for comfortable conversation, and louder sounds to verify appropriate limiting for your comfort and safety.

Real-time data appears on our verification equipment, showing us exactly how your hearing aids are performing compared to evidence-based targets for your hearing loss. If adjustments are needed, we make programming changes and re-verify the results until optimal performance is achieved.

Benefits of Proper Verification

Hearing aids verified through Real Ear Measurements deliver measurable advantages over devices programmed without verification. Patients experience improved speech clarity, better sound quality, and reduced listening effort when their hearing aids are properly verified.

The verification process identifies areas where hearing aids may be over-amplifying or under-amplifying specific frequencies. Over-amplification can cause discomfort, feedback, or distorted sound quality. Under-amplification leaves you struggling to hear important speech sounds, reducing the benefit you receive from your investment.

Proper verification also helps prevent common adjustment requests after the initial fitting. When hearing aids are programmed accurately from the start, patients require fewer follow-up appointments for fine-tuning, leading to faster adaptation and greater satisfaction with their devices.

The objective data from Real Ear Measurements also provides a baseline for future adjustments. As your hearing changes over time, we can reference your verification results to maintain optimal programming.

Beyond Initial Fitting

Real Ear Measurements provide value beyond the initial hearing aid fitting. We use verification during follow-up appointments to ensure your hearing aids continue performing optimally as you adapt to amplified sound.

Changes in your ear canal, such as wax buildup or inflammation, can affect hearing aid performance. Regular verification helps identify these issues before they significantly impact your hearing aid benefit.

We also perform verification when updating hearing aid software or adjusting programs for specific listening environments. This ensures that any programming changes maintain appropriate amplification levels for your hearing loss.

The Difference Best Practices Make

Following evidence-based best practices like Real Ear Measurements sets our practice apart from providers who take shortcuts in hearing aid fitting procedures. Our commitment to verification ensures you receive the maximum benefit from your hearing aid investment.

The additional time required for proper verification pays dividends in terms of your long-term satisfaction and success with hearing aids. Patients who receive properly verified hearing aids report better outcomes and are more likely to wear their devices consistently.

We believe that if you're investing in better hearing, you deserve the assurance that comes with knowing your hearing aids are programmed correctly. Real Ear Measurements provide that assurance through objective, scientific measurement of your hearing aid performance.

Experience the Difference Proper Verification Makes

Don't settle for hearing aids that may or may not be working correctly for your specific hearing loss. At Hearing Doctors of the Heartland, every hearing aid fitting includes Real Ear Measurements because we're committed to providing you with the best possible outcomes.

Schedule your comprehensive hearing evaluation today to experience the difference that proper verification makes. Our audiologists and hearing instrument specialists will ensure your hearing aids are programmed precisely for your individual needs, giving you confidence in your investment and the best possible hearing improvement. Contact us to learn more about our commitment to best practices in hearing care.