Getting hearing aids represents a significant investment in your quality of life, but simply purchasing the devices is only the beginning of your journey to better hearing. The real magic happens during the fitting process, where precision programming determines whether your hearing aids will truly transform your daily communication or leave you feeling disappointed. At Kalady Audiology, we understand that the difference between hearing aid success and frustration often comes down to one critical step: Real Ear Measurement.
Real Ear Measurement is a verification procedure that ensures your hearing aids are programmed precisely for your unique hearing loss and ear anatomy. During this process, a tiny microphone is placed in your ear canal alongside your hearing aid. This microphone measures the actual sound levels reaching your eardrum while your hearing aid is operating.
Think of it as the difference between ordering a custom-tailored suit versus buying one off the rack. While both may look similar from the outside, the custom-fitted option will feel better, perform better, and give you confidence throughout your day. REM provides that custom fit for your hearing aids.
The measurement takes into account factors that generic programming cannot address: the size and shape of your ear canal, how sound resonates in your specific ear, and how your hearing aid's position affects sound delivery. These individual variations can significantly impact how well you hear, which is why this verification step proves so valuable for optimal hearing aid performance.
Your ear canal is as unique as your fingerprint. Some people have wider canals, others have narrower ones. Some ear canals curve more dramatically, while others are relatively straight. These anatomical differences affect how sound travels and how your hearing aid delivers amplification.
Without Real Ear Measurement, audiologists must rely on manufacturer default settings and general formulas that assume average ear characteristics. But these assumptions often fall short of providing optimal amplification for your specific needs. The result can be hearing aids that are too loud in some frequencies and too quiet in others, leading to unclear speech understanding and listener fatigue.
Real Ear Measurement eliminates this guesswork by providing objective data about what's actually happening in your ear. The process reveals whether your hearing aids are delivering the prescribed amplification across all frequencies, allowing for precise adjustments that match your hearing loss exactly.
When hearing aids aren't properly verified through Real Ear Measurement, several issues commonly arise. Many patients report that speech sounds muffled or unclear, particularly in challenging listening environments like restaurants or group conversations. Others find that their hearing aids are either uncomfortably loud or too quiet to provide sufficient benefit.
Some people experience what they describe as an "echo" effect or complain that their own voice sounds strange. These issues often stem from improper frequency response or gain settings that could be easily corrected with REM verification.
Perhaps most concerning is when patients abandon their hearing aids altogether, concluding that the devices simply don't work for them. In many cases, these same hearing aids could have been successful with proper programming guided by Real Ear Measurement data.
The Real Ear Measurement process at our practice is straightforward and comfortable. We begin by placing a thin probe microphone in your ear canal, positioned near your eardrum. This microphone is so small that you'll barely notice it's there. Next, we insert your hearing aid as you would normally wear it.
We then play various sounds through speakers in our sound booth while the probe microphone measures what's actually reaching your eardrum. The measurements appear on our computer screen in real-time, showing us exactly how your hearing aid is performing across different frequencies.
If the measurements don't match your prescription targets, we make immediate adjustments to your hearing aid programming. We repeat the process until the measurements confirm that your hearing aids are providing the precise amplification you need. This verification step ensures that your hearing aids are working optimally from day one.
Despite overwhelming research supporting Real Ear Measurement as the gold standard for hearing aid fitting, studies show that only about 30% of hearing healthcare providers routinely perform this verification. Several factors contribute to this concerning statistic.
Time constraints often play a role, as REM requires extra appointment time and specialized equipment. Some providers may lack proper training or confidence in interpreting the measurements. Others might rely on manufacturer software that claims to predict real ear response, though these predictions often differ significantly from actual measurements.
Cost considerations also influence some practices, as Real Ear Measurement equipment represents a significant investment. Unfortunately, when providers skip this verification step, it's the patients who suffer through suboptimal hearing aid performance.
At Kalady Audiology, we view Real Ear Measurement not as an optional extra, but as a fundamental component of quality hearing healthcare. Dr. Meg Kalady recognizes that proper verification separates successful hearing aid fittings from disappointing ones.
The benefits of Real Ear Measurement extend far beyond the audiology office. When your hearing aids are properly programmed through objective verification, you'll likely notice improved speech clarity in various listening situations. Conversations with family members become more natural and effortless, and you may find yourself more willing to participate in social activities you've been avoiding.
Many patients report reduced listening fatigue when their hearing aids are properly programmed. This happens because your brain doesn't have to work as hard to process unclear or distorted speech signals. You'll have more energy for other activities and less stress at the end of the day.
Background noise management also improves with properly fitted hearing aids. While no hearing aid can eliminate background noise entirely, devices programmed with REM verification often provide better speech-to-noise ratios, making it easier to follow conversations in challenging environments.
Real Ear Measurement represents just one aspect of the comprehensive best practices approach we follow at Kalady Audiology. As a Dr. Cliff Approved provider, we're committed to evidence-based fitting procedures that research has proven to deliver superior patient outcomes.
These best practices include thorough diagnostic testing, comprehensive lifestyle needs assessment, proper hearing aid selection, Real Ear Measurement verification, and ongoing follow-up care. Each step builds upon the others to create a complete hearing healthcare experience designed to maximize your success with hearing aids.
The fitting and programming period represents the most critical series of appointments in your hearing aid journey. During this time, precision and accuracy are paramount. REM provides the objective data needed to achieve this precision, eliminating guesswork and ensuring optimal performance from your investment.
At Kalady Audiology, we believe that every patient deserves the highest standard of hearing healthcare. That's why Real Ear Measurement is a standard part of our fitting process, not an optional add-on. Dr. Meg Kalady understands that your hearing aid success depends on proper programming, and she uses REM to ensure your devices are performing exactly as intended.
Our commitment to best practices means you can feel confident that your hearing aids will be programmed with the precision and accuracy necessary for optimal performance. We take the time needed to verify proper function because we know that correct fitting transforms hearing aids from expensive electronics into life-changing communication tools.
If you're considering hearing aids or have been disappointed with previous devices, we invite you to experience the difference that proper fitting makes. Contact Kalady Audiology today to schedule a consultation and discover how Real Ear Measurement can help ensure your hearing aid success.
Dr. Meg Kalady is from the Philadelphia suburbs and has been practicing audiology for the last 30 years. She completed her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, and she received her doctorate in audiology in 2012 from AT Still University.
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Dr. Kalady is ready to help you take control of your hearing health. Contact our friendly practice to schedule a consultation.
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