Why Real Ear Measurement is Important in Hearing Aid Fittings

There are various different factors you may want to take into consideration when selecting hearing aids – such as the severity of your hearing loss, the visibility of the device itself, manual dexterity and visual abilities, patient budget, skin sensitivities, anatomical or medical considerations and lifestyle and listening needs.

For example, invisible in-canal hearing aids are often recommended for those who are experiencing mild-to-moderate hearing loss, while full shell in-the-ear hearing aids can be used for those who are experiencing quite severe hearing loss. 

However, regardless of whether or not you select in-the-ear (ITE), behind-the-ear (BTE) and in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids, you must ensure that you attend a hearing-aid fitting ahead of time. After all, if you are going to be wearing them every day, it's vital that they are a good fit. Thankfully, most audiologists include real ear measurement examinations as part of their process when discussing and fitting hearing aids for their customers. 

What Are Real Ear Measurements? 

Real ear measurements are carried out by your audiologist when you attend a hearing aid fitting or consultation. During this time, a small microphone is gently inserted into the ear canal when the hearing aid is already in place. Using this microphone, the audiologist will be able to obtain specific and accurate readings on the sounds you receive from your hearing aid. For example, they will be able to measure how the sounds are amplified and whether they need to be adjusted as a result. 

The process is quick and painless, taking just a few minutes to complete, meaning it is a worthwhile practice for all involved. Furthermore, even though it is quick, it provides your audiologist with all of the information they need to make informed decisions regarding your treatment and suitability for hearing aids. 

Why is Real Ear Measurement Important? 

Real ear measurement examinations are essential for various reasons – but they are simply designed to ensure the user gains as much support as possible from their device. For example, if these steps are not carried out by your audiologist, you may find that sounds are amplified too much or not enough – meaning that you aren’t getting the best user experience and may even stop using your hearing aids altogether. 

As there are many different factors that could impact your use of hearing aids, such as your level of hearing loss, the size of your ear canal and sound sensitivity levels – real ear measurements are the easiest way for your audiologist to figure out what treatment is right for you. Based on this assessment, they’ll be able to tailor your support to your specific needs and make recommendations on which hearing aids are best for you.

If you’ve been wearing your hearing aids for a little while and find that they are no longer as effective as they once were, real ear measurement examinations can be used to assess these changes and figure out the best cause of action. While this could mean that some repairs are in order, it may also mean that you need to make certain adjustments in order to get the best support. For example, you may simply have to increase the volume of your hearing aids or switch to another style. 

In short, there are various benefits associated with real ear measurement – mainly based on the fact that they provide your audiologist with accurate information on your hearing and the kind of support you need. Despite this, some audiologists do not include this assessment in their initial treatment plans. 

At Peninsula Hearing, we have decades of experience supporting adults and children who experience hearing loss, providing them with effective treatment options such as hearing aid advice, fittings and support. We’re also on hand to carry out hearing aid repairs, as we can understand just how difficult it can be to live without them once you have grown accustomed to their benefits.

As a result, our services also extend to real ear measurements, though we also offer a range of comprehensive services such as tinnitus treatment, earwax removal and general hearing tests too. To find out more or to book an appointment to discuss your options for hearing loss treatment, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our office today by calling us today at Poulsbo: 360-697-3061 or Port Townsend: 360-379-5458. We look forward to chatting with you!