Real Ear Measurements
Real Ear Measurements
Advanced tests for precise measurements and adjustments of your hearing aids
In the past, hearing aid fittings were much less scientific. Audiologists and hearing aid practitioners had to make a lot of assumptions about how hearing aids were functioning.
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Today, it is possible to measure and adjust hearing aids based on how they function while you are wearing them. Audiologists can then ensure the devices match your prescription and are optimized for the hearing challenges that you experience.
Real ear measurements are essential to hearing aid fittings, but it is an extra step that is too often skipped. In fact, it is estimated that no more than 30% of fittings use real ear measurements*.
If you wear hearing aids and this process does not sound familiar to you, your hearing aids may have not been fit using real ear measurements. This means that your hearing aids are likely not set to your hearing loss prescription. Even if you have not visited Acoustic Audiology, schedule an appointment to confirm the prescription matches your hearing aids.
“(Mueller, 2014)”*
Benefits of real ear measurements
Unlike prescription glasses, new hearing aids are not set to the patient’s prescription by the manufacturer. Audiologists and hearing aid practitioners have to program and adjust the devices.
Real ear measurements is the process of measuring and adjusting hearing aids while they are in your ears. This is the most accurate way to set hearing aids.
Ears come in all shapes and sizes, and every little twist and turn changes the way sound travels through your ear. Sound is impacted by the size of your ear canal, your skin, your ear’s cartilage and the shape of your head and upper body. There are too many variables, so we have to measure and adjust the hearing aids while they are in your ears.
Real ear measurements are an essential part of the best practice for fitting hearing aids.
- Increases successful outcomes of fittings
- Ensures hearing aids are set to your hearing loss prescription
- Ensures proper functionality of hearing aids
- Focuses on the important function of being able to effectively hear human speech
- Engages both you and your family in the fitting process
- Provides immediate and tangible results
- Increases your confidence and comfort in using your new hearing aids
What to expect
Benefits of real ear measurements
Real ear measurements are also called real ear probe tube verification or live speech mapping. The process is simple, yet it relies on advanced technology and experienced clinicians to analyze the information.
We place small microphones in the ear canal and measure how sound is reaching your eardrum. This process is an essential part of our hearing aid fittings
Receive immediate feedback
If you experience hearing loss, you may not be able to fully understand what you can and cannot hear. It is difficult to understand what you are missing.
Real ear measurements are an interactive process where our clinicians can better understand how you experience sounds and the results of amplification.
Bring a family member or friend
Real ear measurements help you and your family member or friend experience the immediate results of amplification and its impact on communication. This makes the fitting experience more engaging and relevant to the situations where hearing loss can be a burden.
Why Acoustic Audiology for your real ear measurements
Real ear measurements rely on advanced technologies for accurate measurements. As Lloydminster’s only hearing clinic with a clinical audiologist, we have the technology and experience to provide real ear measurements during every hearing aid fitting.
Even though real ear measurements are part of evidence-based best practice for hearing clinics, the process is still uncommon. We always review the latest audiology research and use the best available processes and technology.
When there is a technology available that research shows can improve your hearing outcomes, it is absurd not to adopt the best practices.
