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Why we do Real Ear Measurements for Hearing Aids

Why we do Real Ear Measurements for Hearing Aids

By
Dr. John Martinetti
August 4, 2024
4 minute read

Real ear measurements (REM) stand as a cornerstone in the journey towards optimal hearing aid fitting, ensuring that users experience the full potential of their devices. At Port Jefferson Hearing, located in Port Jefferson, NY (serving communities from Smithtown to Greenport and from Sayville to the Hamptons), we emphasize the importance of REM in personalized care. By incorporating REM into the hearing aid fitting process, we strive to provide a tailored approach that meets the unique needs of each individual. 

As part of our commitment to excellence, we utilize REM to refine and adjust hearing aids, ensuring they perform accurately in real-world situations. Our dedication to best practices and our extensive experience since 1984 underline our promise to deliver unparalleled hearing solutions. This article will delve into why real ear measurements are pivotal for effective hearing aid fitting and how finding a REM-equipped audiologist can significantly enhance your auditory experience.

What is Real Ear Measurement (REM)?

Understanding the intricacies of Real Ear Measurement (REM) can significantly enhance one's comprehension of its necessity in the fitting of hearing aids. Here's a breakdown of why REM is indispensable:

  1. Individual Ear Canal Acousticssome text
    • Every ear canal, or auditory canal, possesses a unique size and shape, influencing the acoustics differently for each person.
    • This uniqueness necessitates REM to ensure the sound output from hearing aids is precisely tailored to an individual's ear measurements.
  2. Hearing Aid Fit and Programmingsome text
    • REM is crucial in determining the most suitable hearing aid type (BTE, ITE, or ITC) based on the degree of hearing loss (mild-to-severe or mild-to-moderate).
    • It aids in fine-tuning the device by adjusting sound levels, ensuring the amplification of correct sounds while preserving residual hearing.
  3. Verification and Continuous Adjustmentsome text
    • By measuring the sound pressure level (SPL) and the amplification effect of the ear canal, REM confirms the hearing aid's performance.
    • Regular REM sessions are essential for adapting the hearing aids to any changes in ear shape, size, or acoustics, thus maintaining optimal functionality.

Incorporating Real Ear Measurement (REM) into the fitting process not only ensures a personalized approach but also significantly increases user satisfaction and hearing aid efficiency. At Port Jefferson Hearing, our expertise and commitment to best practices, including REM, underscore our dedication to providing superior hearing solutions tailored to each individual's needs.

Why REM is Crucial for Effective Hearing Aid Fitting

Real Ear Measurements (REM) are an essential component of hearing aid fittings, as they significantly contribute to the effectiveness of the fitting process. By accurately measuring the sound levels in the ear canal, REM allows audiologists to fine-tune the hearing aids to meet the specific needs of each individual. This personalized approach ensures that the amplification provided by the hearing aids is optimized for the wearer's unique hearing profile. Without REM, there is a risk of inadequate amplification or over-amplification, which can result in suboptimal hearing aid performance and reduced satisfaction for the wearer. Here at Port Jefferson Hearing, we believe that incorporating REM into the fitting process is crucial for achieving optimal hearing outcomes and improving the overall quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.

Here's how REM makes a difference:

  • Tailored Amplification: REM ensures hearing aids deliver the precise amplification needed for an individual's specific hearing loss and ear characteristics. This is crucial because every ear is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. Our REM process involves objective data collection, guiding us in customizing the hearing aid to match your unique hearing profile perfectly.
  • Overcoming Earwax Obstacles: Earwax can significantly affect the performance of hearing aids. Through REM, we can make more accurate adjustments, enhancing sound quality. This leads to reduced listening effort and improved speech understanding, especially in noisy environments. REM testing allows us to fine-tune your device, ensuring you get the most out of it regardless of the situation.
  • Long-term Success and Satisfaction: Studies show that individuals with REM-verified hearing aids report higher satisfaction levels. They are more likely to keep their devices and experience less tinnitus distress. At Port Jefferson Hearing, we prioritize REM in every fitting and follow-up, aligning with our commitment to best practices and our reputation for excellence since 1984. Our approach ensures that your hearing aids are not just devices, but life-changing tools tailored to your needs.

Finding a REM-equipped Audiologist

At Port Jefferson Hearing, we are dedicated to providing exceptional hearing care to our patients across Long Island. One way we demonstrate this commitment is through our incorporation of REM into our comprehensive auditory services. So why do individuals from Smithtown to Greenport and from Sayville to the Hamptons choose us for their hearing solutions? Our approach at Port Jefferson Hearing is not just about fitting hearing aids; it's about providing a life-changing solution that's perfectly tailored to you, supported by our expertise, commitment, and the trust we have built within the community.

Written by
Reviewed by
Dr. John Martinetti
Au.D. FAAA, CCC, Director

John Martinetti graduated with the Highest of Honors: “Suma Cum Laude” from C. W. Post, Long Island University with a Bachelors of Arts Degree in Speech and Hearing In 1976. He has earned two Masters Degrees: Speech-Language Pathology in 1978 and Audiology in 1983.

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