Real Ear Measurement (REM) is a crucial process used by audiologists and hearing care professionals to ensure that a hearing aid provides the optimal amplification for a patient’s hearing needs. Unlike traditional methods, REM measures the actual sound levels in the ear canal while the hearing aid is worn, allowing for a more accurate and personalized hearing aid fitting. This process helps tailor hearing aids to the unique anatomy of the ear and the specific hearing loss of the individual, providing the best possible auditory experience.
What Is Real Ear Measurement?
Real Ear Measurement is a procedure that involves using specialized real ear measurement equipment to measure the sound pressure levels inside the ear canal when a hearing aid is worn. This real ear hearing test allows audiologists to verify whether the hearing aid is amplifying sounds as prescribed, ensuring that it delivers the right amount of amplification across different frequencies. REM is typically performed using a small microphone placed in the ear canal, which captures real-time sound data while the hearing aid is in use.
The real ear measurement procedure involves testing various sounds (such as speech and environmental sounds) at different volume levels to ensure that the hearing aid is providing the correct hearing aid measurements for each frequency, as per the audiogram of the patient. The audiologist can adjust the settings of the real ear measurement hearing aids based on the results to fine-tune it for the best performance.
Why Perform Real Ear Measurement?
Real Ear Measurement is performed for several important reasons:
1. Accuracy:
It ensures that the hearing aid provides the correct amplification in real-life conditions, as opposed to relying solely on manufacturer’s presets or assumptions about ear anatomy.
2. Personalization:
Everyone’s ear shape and size are different, and REM helps tailor the hearing aid to the unique features of an individual’s ear canal, providing a more customized and comfortable fit.
3. Optimal Hearing Aid Performance:
By measuring the actual output inside the ear canal, REM ensures that the hearing aid is meeting the specific needs of the user, improving speech clarity and overall listening experience.
4. Avoiding Over-Amplification:
REM helps prevent the risk of over-amplifying certain frequencies, which can lead to discomfort or even hearing damage.
5. Compliance with Prescription:
For hearing aids to be effective, they must follow the hearing prescription based on the patient’s audiogram. REM ensures the hearing aid’s output matches the required levels for proper hearing support.
Real Ear Measurement Equipment & Tools:
Real Ear Measurement requires a few essential tools and pieces of equipment:
1. Probe Microphone:
A small, highly sensitive microphone is inserted into the ear canal to measure the sound pressure levels inside the ear while the hearing aid is in use.
2. Real Ear Measurement System:
This system includes the probe microphone, a computer or dedicated software, and a device to analyze and visualize the sound levels and amplification. Popular systems include the Otosuite, Audioscan, and Interacoustics systems.
3. Hearing Aid:
Physical activity may help strengthen the body’s resilience to loud noise exposure, reducing the likelihood of noise-induced hearing damage.
4. Calibrator:
A tool used to calibrate the probe microphone and other equipment to ensure accuracy.
5. Test Signals:
These are specific sounds, often in the form of speech or tonal signals, used to evaluate the hearing aid’s performance at different frequencies and loudness levels.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Real Ear Measurement
Here’s a general overview of the real ear measurement procedure:
1. Preparation:
The audiologist prepares the equipment and ensures that the patient’s hearing aid is correctly programmed based on their audiogram.
2. Insertion of Probe Microphone:
A small probe microphone is gently inserted into the patient’s ear canal, usually near the eardrum. The microphone measures sound levels inside the ear during the test.
3. Calibration:
The audiologist calibrates the probe microphone and measurement system, ensuring that it’s accurately recording the sound pressure levels in the ear canal.
4. Test Signal Presentation:
The audiologist presents various test signals (such as speech and pure tones) through the hearing aid to simulate real-world listening conditions. This is done at different volume levels and frequencies.
5. Measurement and Analysis:
The software analyzes the data collected from the probe microphone, displaying real-time sound pressure levels in the ear canal. The audiologist checks whether the hearing aid output matches the prescribed amplification for the patient’s hearing loss.
6. Adjustments:
Based on the measurement results, the audiologist makes fine adjustments to the hearing aid’s settings, such as increasing or decreasing amplification for certain frequencies to meet the prescription.
7. Verification:
After adjustments, the audiologist re-tests the hearing aid to verify that the changes have improved the fit and performance. This process may be repeated until the hearing aid is optimized.
Importance of Real Ear Measurement In Hearing Aid Fitting:
Real Ear Measurement plays a vital role in the success of hearing aid fitting. Here’s why it is so important:
1. Personalized Fit:
It allows audiologists to make adjustments that reflect the unique needs of the patient’s ear anatomy, ensuring a comfortable and effective hearing aid fit.
2. Improved Speech Understanding:
By fine-tuning amplification levels, REM enhances the patient’s ability to understand speech, especially in challenging listening environments.
3. Prevention of Discomfort:
Over-amplification can cause discomfort or even ear damage. REM ensures that amplification is precisely calibrated to avoid this.
4. Enhanced Performance in Various Environments:
REM ensures that the hearing aid works well in a variety of real-world situations, from quiet settings to noisy environments, by adjusting the amplification to the appropriate levels.
5. Long-Term Satisfaction:
A properly fitted hearing aid that is calibrated using REM leads to better outcomes and greater satisfaction over time. It reduces the need for frequent reprogramming and ensures that the patient’s hearing aid meets their specific needs.
What Happens After The Real Ear Measurement?
Once the real ear hearing test is complete, several additional steps are typically taken to ensure optimal hearing aid performance:
1. Verification::
The audiologist will perform a final check using REM to confirm that the hearing aid is functioning as prescribed.
2. Patient Education:
The audiologist educates the patient on how to use their hearing aid effectively, including how to care for it and troubleshoot minor issues.
3. Follow-up Appointments:
A follow-up appointment may be scheduled to check how well the hearing aid is working in real-world settings and to make further adjustments if necessary.
4. Ongoing Monitoring:
Hearing aids may need adjustments as the patient’s hearing changes over time, so REM is often revisited at future appointments to ensure the hearing aid remains well-fitted and effective.
Real Ear Measurement is an essential step in the process of fitting hearing aids, ensuring that they provide the most effective amplification tailored to the individual’s hearing needs. By measuring sound levels directly in the ear canal, audiologists can customize hearing aids to maximize comfort and performance, improving speech understanding and overall hearing experience. Whether you’re new to hearing aids or have been using them for years, REM is a vital tool that can make a significant difference in your auditory health and quality of life.
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