Hearing aids are a lifeline for people living with hearing loss, but their effectiveness is largely dependent on how well they are calibrated to the ears of those wearing the aids. This is where Real Ear Measurement (REM) shines as an indispensable tool in the audiologist's arsenal. In this article, we delve into the world of REM, examining why it's a gold standard in audiology, how it works, and why it's crucial to your hearing aid success.
Real Ear Measurement, or REM, is a way to make sure a hearing aid fits just right for you. It measures how sound travels to your eardrum when you're wearing the hearing aid. This helps ensure that the hearing aid is working as well as it should for your unique hearing needs.
Remember, each person's ear canal is unique; its shape, size, and acoustics can vary significantly, affecting the performance of a hearing aid. Thus, two people wearing identical hearing aids with the same settings may experience different results. REM compensates for these individual differences, ensuring that the hearing aid delivers the optimal level of sound to the eardrum.
REM involves inserting a slim silicone probe, linked to an external microphone, into the ear canal alongside the hearing aid. The REM system then emits a test sound from a loudspeaker located about 30cm to 1m away. This process allows the system to measure how loud that sounds in the ear canal, determining the amplification level the hearing aid is offering at the eardrum.
By comparing the measured sound with your specific hearing needs, REM checks if the hearing aid settings are just right. If anything's off, this process helps find and fix those issues so that the sound reaching your ears is as it should be.
Despite being acknowledged as best practice in the industry, REM is not common. Statistics from an industry study reveal that only 34% of clinics reported using REM equipment regularly, even though it was available in 57% of clinics. One of the most common reasons for its underuse is time constraints.
Research indicates that individuals whose hearing aids are fitted using REM have a higher likelihood of long-term success with their devices. For those who were not fitted using REM, satisfaction with their hearing aids dropped significantly (18%) a year after fitting. This stark contrast shows how important it is to use REM during the initial fitting process.
There are even claims that an older hearing aid, calibrated using REM, could potentially work better for a user than a high-tech, new device that was not fitted using REM.
Before scheduling your next appointment, it's essential to ask the clinic whether they employ Real Ear Measurement. If they do not, consider searching for a clinic that does to ensure you receive the best possible hearing aid fitting.
At our clinic, the Audiology METHOD in Centennial, CO, we’re proud to use REM in our fittings. Our audiologist, Julie Link, leverages evidence-based best practices in hearing aid fittings, including REM. This ensures that each of our clients receives personalized care, resulting in improved hearing and quality of life.
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to health decisions. Understanding the importance of REM and ensuring your audiologist uses it can significantly influence your hearing aid success. There are many resources available to help educate you on hearing, hearing aids, and the industry, empowering you to navigate your journey to better hearing more effectively.
Real Ear Measurement is a cornerstone of modern hearing care clinics. Its role in calibrating hearing aids to the unique requirements of each individual ensures the best possible outcome for hearing aid users. By asking the right questions and seeking out clinics that prioritize REM, you can take an active role in your hearing health and ensure your hearing aid experience is optimal for your needs.
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