Real Ear Measurement (REM) takes just 10-15 extra minutes during your hearing aid fitting but ensures your devices are programmed precisely for your unique ear anatomy. This verification process uses a tiny probe microphone to measure actual sound levels in your ear canal, confirming your hearing aids deliver the right amplification exactly where you need it.
Why We Use Real Ear Measurements
Your ear canals are as unique as your fingerprint. The size, shape, and length of your canal significantly affect how sound travels and how hearing aids perform. Two people with identical hearing loss can require completely different settings based solely on these physical differences.
Without REM, we would rely on manufacturer "initial fit" settings based on an "average" ear. This leaves many people with devices that are too loud, too quiet, or improperly balanced. Research shows that REMs dramatically improve both speech understanding and long-term satisfaction. It is considered the gold standard in audiology.
The Probe Microphone Setup
The key tool in this process is a thin, flexible silicone tube called a probe microphone. It is roughly the width of a strand of spaghetti and is soft and flexible.
We gently place this tube into your ear canal so it rests near your eardrum. It contains a tiny microphone that measures the actual sound pressure level reaching your ear. You'll barely feel it once it's positioned. The tube connects to specialized equipment with software that displays real-time data about what's happening acoustically in your canal.
Measuring With Your Hearing Aids
After capturing a baseline "open ear" measurement, we carefully insert your hearing aid while keeping the probe tube in place. We then play calibrated speech sounds through a speaker.
Our software shows exactly how much amplification you're receiving at each frequency. We compare these measurements against prescriptive targets based on your specific hearing loss. If the hearing aids aren't matching those targets, we make precise adjustments to the programming right then and there. This objective data ensures we are meeting scientific standards for audibility and comfort, rather than just "guessing."
Your Dr. Cliff Approved Provider
At The Hearing Spa, we are committed to the highest standards of clinical excellence. We are proud to share that Victoria Moore, Au.D., is a Dr. Cliff Approved Provider and a member of the HearingUp network.
Dr. Moore has been vetted and recommended by Dr. Cliff Olson as an Audiologist who provides unmatchable service and strictly adheres to the HearingUp Best Practices protocol. This includes the mandatory use of Real Ear Measurements for every hearing aid fitting. When you see a HearingUp provider, you can be confident that your hearing health is being managed using the most rigorous, evidence-based methods available today.
Schedule Your Verified Best Practice Care
Our experienced Doctors of Audiology combine these advanced verification procedures with personalized attention to your unique needs. We won’t rush your appointment or settle for "good enough" when we can achieve "precisely right."
Contact us today at (941) 366-4848 to schedule your hearing aid fitting or evaluation. Experience the difference that proper verification and a commitment to Best Practices makes in your journey to better hearing. Our Sarasota office at 1416 Fruitville Road is ready to provide the professional, accurate care you deserve.
