Hearing aids can transform lives. When you mitigate hearing loss symptoms, you can overcome the difficulties associated with hearing loss.
But the solution isn’t as simple as popping a hearing aid in your ear; your hearing aid needs to be adjusted to your specific condition. To properly fit hearing aids, audiologists need to conduct a real ear measurement. These real ear measurements are designed to ensure a hearing aid performs to its maximum potential.
Here’s what you need to know about how is hearing measured and the real ear measurement system.
Also known as probe microphone measurements, real-ear testing is considered to be the gold standard of hearing aid adjustments. Real ear measures ensure that hearing aids are properly fitted and adjusted, so the wearer gets the precise amplification they need across all frequencies. While all types of hearing loss are different, these measurements guarantee that hearing aid wearers get as close to 100% improvement as possible.
In short, without the real ear measurement system, you are not getting the most out of your hearing aids.
Hearing tests are typically conducted in soundproof booths to measure how well your ears can hear different frequencies. The tests are conducted in each ear separately.
Every sound is measured in hertz (Hz) to determine whether someone is suffering [AS1] from general hearing loss or frequency-related hearing loss.
Real-ear measurements, on the other hand, will track exactly what sound levels the user receives. In conjunction with a hearing aid, real-ear measurement equipment is capable of determining the precise level of amplification a person needs at specific frequencies.
Finding the weaknesses in your hearing ultimately allows you to take advantage of a better hearing solution.
Real-ear measurement equipment allows audiologists to gain greater insights into your level of hearing.
Audiologists use a thin probe microphone to measure what the eardrum hears. It also means real-ear testing accounts for the unique acoustic properties of your ear canal. The real-ear test is superior because it relies on hard numbers rather than how a person perceives their hearing ability.
It is considered the most accurate system for the measurement of hearing, so hearing aid wearers can guarantee that their device is programmed correctly.
The process of real-ear testing follows a few main steps:
The audiologist will align the probe microphone with the external microphone to ensure there are no differences in how they register and record sound. An audiologist will compare this against some form of stimulus.
The REUG process measures the ear canal and its acoustics, finding the ear’s natural amplification of sound. This process helps you avoid hearing aid over amplification. No hearing device is used when taking this measurement.
Audiologists place the hearing device in the ear without switching it on. The REOG test measures whether the hearing aid will block external sounds.
A stimulus will be used to take this measurement.
The hearing aid is switched on and set in the ear. An audiologist inserts the probe microphone and measures the amplification effect of the ear together with the amplification of the hearing aid.
Most audiologists recommend using a stimulus of 65 dB, which is the level of normal speech.
Now you know what the real-ear system for measuring hearing entails, it is important to be aware of what you can expect at your hearing aid fitting.
Here is how the process works.
If you are using a hearing aid that utilizes earmolds, your audiologist will take impressions of your ears. Custom-fitted molds are essential for comfort and a better hearing experience. After taking your impressions, your audiologist will help you to fit your earmolds.
The next step is to address the hearing aids themselves. Using advanced software and the results of your hearing tests, your audiologist will program your hearing aids at various pitches. Audiologists use the parameters of the quietest sounds you can hear and the loudest sounds you can tolerate.
Real-ear measurement is a verification process to ensure your hearing aid has the optimal amplification levels at different frequencies.
Your audiologist will insert a small tube with a microphone into your ear canal. This is used to measure volume next to your eardrum. While the tube is inside your ear, your audiologist will fit your hearing aid and take new measurements.
If the measurements picked up by the initial real-ear test match up with those of the second test with your hearing aid, then your fitting comes to an end.
If your audiologist notices any discrepancies, they will reprogram your hearing aid.
It can take time for a first-time hearing-aid user to get comfortable wearing their device. As you wear the hearing aid in your daily life, you’ll need to determine if it is programmed correctly. The evaluation part of the process can take a few weeks, so your audiologist may schedule several follow-up appointments.
During these appointments, your audiologist assesses your hearing aids, and you will have the opportunity to raise any concerns.
Sometimes, your audiologist will employ speech recognition tests to measure how your hearing aids’ performance.
Ultimately, what matters most is that your new hearing aids are helping you achieve your healing goals.
Real-ear measurements are the ultimate system for ensuring that your hearing aids function properly. While traditional hearing measurements relied on a mixture of objective and subjective feedback, real-ear offers a purely objective way to measure your hearing.
If you are struggling with hearing loss, or your current hearing aids are not working out, take action with EarPros.
Begin your journey to better hearing and schedule your free hearing test with EarPros today.
