You deserve to hear better. The best way to know if you are getting the right amplification in your hearing aids is by taking a real ear measurement with a probe microphone. This test will tell you how well your hearing aids are working and what adjustments need to be made for them to work even better.
The Importance of Real Ear Measurement
Listening to music is one of the best ways for people to enjoy their day. But sometimes, hearing aids can make it difficult to hear sounds clearly and even worse, listening to music might be unbearable. That’s why real-ear measurements are so important because they directly measure sound coming through your hearing aids which will help you determine if any adjustments need to be made in order for you to get the best sound possible.
Audiologists use real-ear measurements as a way of detecting how well someone’s existing hearing aids work and whether or not there needs to be any changes in order for them to receive better quality sound from what they’re listening to. The process of measuring sound waves going through your hearing aid is done by placing a probe into the ear.
The problem with most hearing aids is that they are not a perfect fit, and therefore don’t work for everyone. This causes the user to be dissatisfied with their hearing aid purchase, which ultimately results in them abandoning it. Disgruntled users have been known to abandon their devices altogether because of this imperfect match-up; as such, the majority of people who need these devices do not use them often or at all.
Digital Signal Processing vs Real Ear Measurement
Digital signal processing is often unsuccessful because it does not take into account how well a person’s individual hearing loss responds to amplification at different frequencies. This means that some people with low-frequency response may be able to use the technology, while others with high-frequency response will struggle.
Real ear measurement is the newest and most accurate way to measure hearing. With a probe microphone, we can get an exact map of your auditory system so that you can hear everything better.
At HearCare Audiology, we can provide our patients with highly-customized solutions that aim to meet or exceed your expectations for optimal sound quality while also providing efficient relief from hearing loss or tinnitus.
Why do we perform real ear measurement?
The problem with most hearing aids is that they are not a perfect fit and so don’t work for everyone. This leads to dissatisfaction amongst an individual’s purchase decision; this then causes a lot of people who need these devices to either never use them or only rarely due to the mismatch in size between the device and their ear.
Without real ear measurement, the efficiency of your hearing aid will be severely decreased. Not only does the real ear measurement process allow for a perfect fit to your unique needs, but it also ensures that the sound quality is at its best. At HearCare Audiology, we take pride in our experienced team who specializes in real ear measurements.
What is real ear measurement?
Hearing aids have the ability to amplify sound, and those who use them need an individualized ear measurement in order to maximize their hearing potential.
The audiologists at our clinic are experts in hearing loss and can help you find the perfect solution to your specific situation. We have trained specialists who can test how well you hear, identify what type of loss you have, and recommend options depending on your circumstances.
At HearCare Audiology, we will help figure out what type of hearing device is best for your needs. You’ll know if there’s a problem with too much noise or not enough sound- that’s when an audiologist can offer advice to make sure everything works well together.
Are real ear measurements necessary?
With real ear measurement, audiologists can accurately measure the sound level in your ear canal so that they can make educated decisions about whether you need to upgrade or improve your current instrument.
In order to get the most out of your hearing aids, you should schedule a real ear measurement. This will give us an accurate picture of what we need to do as far as adjusting them for your specific needs.
We make sure not to sacrifice real ear measurements at the first stage of hearing aid fitting. Without real ear measurements, it can be like depending on what the manufacturer software has to offer. We want to use our expertise, technology and equipment to work together to give our patients the best possible hearing experience ever.
The new hearing aid technology is undeniably amazing. However, not all hearing aids are good to go on the first fit. This is the best way to get a perfect fit and maximize all of the benefits of your hearing aids without any hassle.
Benefits of Real Ear Measurement
Measurements taken with a real ear are the most accurate measurements of hearing aid performance. These tests measure the sound pressure level that is emitted at the level of an ear drum, which few other methods can achieve to this degree.
Hearing aid users are often prescribed hearing aids that amplify sound to the perfect level for them. Even so, some people may not notice a big difference and question if they need a hearing aid at all. These questions can be put to rest thanks to real-ear measurements which use probes like microphones in order to measure how much amplification is needed at different frequencies.
The gold standard for determining whether or not you’re receiving the best possible hearing improvement? Real ear measurements!
The two reasons that performing this verification during the initial fitting process helps ensure a “just right” level of amplification are so that the user doesn’t have to constantly adjust their hearing aids because they’re either too loud or not loud enough, and so that they can be able to hear speech without any trouble.
Real Ear Measurement Procedure
Audiologists are able to help hearing-impaired patients fit in better by giving them their own individualized settings. The patient is given a hearing aid, which is then attached to a nifty probe microphone. This microphone measures the sound quality as it enters the eardrum and audiologists adjust accordingly.
The audiologist first collects the exact sound levels you are receiving with your hearing aid. With a variety of recorded speech samples, they can precisely adjust the amplification level to suit your hearing loss.
Audiologists can fix the perfect setting for any hearing-impaired patient by using an ingenious probe microphone. Patients will be provided with a hearing aid, which is then put into their ear and attached to the probe mic. The mic measures sound quality as it enters the eardrum, and audiologists adjust accordingly so that each individual’s needs are met from there on out!
Imagine two small, fleshy tubes attached to an electronic device. Once they are inserted into the ears of a person, the device emits sounds that travel through the ear canal and produce vibrations in the eardrum. This is how our audiologists will measure how much of each sound has been amplified by our hearing aids.
What’s the difference between real ear measurement and auto hearing aid programming?
Hearing aids today are equipped with first-fit technology, which uses a microphone to listen to the wearer’s unique frequency and automatically adjust until it is accurate. First fits are an audiologist’s estimate on how much amplification or prescription is needed to correct your hearing loss.
When it comes to hearing aids, first fit settings can be inaccurate. They only measure how loud the world is outside your ear canal and not what you’re actually hearing inside your head. Unsurprisingly, this leads to a lot of frustration and dissatisfaction for those who use them. HearCare Audiology knows that real ear measurement is more accurate because we practice it every day in addition to fitting patients with all types of hearing devices.
The way we hear is a very important part of our lives. It can be frustrating to constantly have to deal with not being able to understand what others are saying, or hearing the music you want without any interference. Our team supports using real ear measurements because this process has proven that it will greatly improve the way patients can hear in all situations, maximizing the potential of hearing devices.
Real Ear Measurements | Fort Wayne, Indiana
If you wear hearing aids, then you know the importance of accurate settings. With real ear measurement, we can check how well you can hear – frequency by frequency, through the WHOLE hearing spectrum. So if your new hearing aids are uncomfortable or don’t seem to work that well, come see us for a Real Ear Measurement (REM) and our team will help get your settings just right!
For those with hearing difficulties, the chance of getting inferior hearing aids is significantly lowered when they opt for real ear measurement. You’re in luck if your audiologist automatically carries out these measurements because these measures are optimized for the best possible experience. You’ll also have higher chances of being fitted with good quality hearing aids that fit your needs instead of wearing something ill-fitting or subpar.
If you’ve ever felt like your hearing aids are letting you down, come in for an appointment today. We can help! We work with most major manufacturers to ensure the best fit and personalized settings for your individual needs. Don’t wait another day: make an appointment now.
If you’re not sure if your hearing aids are doing what they should, visit us at HearCare Audiology. Our team will make sure to get a perfect fit that stays in your ears with real ear measurements instead of just assuming the first-fit manufacturer setting is good enough.
With peace of mind knowing you have the best prescription, we can assure you that you will enjoy the best hearing experience for maximum functionality.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation!