Real-Ear Measurements & Audiology Best Practices
Every ear canal is different. Factory hearing aid settings assume an "average" ear that doesn't exist. Real-ear measurements (REM) solve this problem by measuring exactly how your hearing aids perform in your actual ears. Studies consistently show that REM leads to better speech understanding, greater comfort, and higher satisfaction with hearing aids.
What are Real-Ear Measurements — and Why do they Matter?
Real-ear measurements (REM) are a key part of a precise hearing aid fitting. Using a small microphone placed in your ear canal, we measure how your hearing aids are delivering sound in your actual ear. This allows us to fine-tune the settings based on your unique ear shape and hearing needs — not just manufacturer defaults. REM ensures that your hearing aids provide the right amount of amplification at the right pitches, so you hear clearly and comfortably from the very beginning.
Why Audiology Best Practices Matter in Hearing Aid Fittings
Best practices in audiology are evidence-based guidelines that ensure your hearing aids are fit safely, accurately, and effectively. At Hearing Specialty Center, we follow these gold standards — including comprehensive testing, real-ear measurements, and personalized counseling — to make sure your devices are precisely programmed for your hearing loss and lifestyle. Following best practices leads to better hearing outcomes, greater satisfaction, and fewer adjustments over time.
Comprehensive Assessment
We perform detailed testing beyond basic audiometry to understand your complete hearing profile.
Precise Verification
We place a tiny microphone in your ear canal to measure actual hearing aid performance.
Scientific Adjustment
We fine-tune your devices based on real measurements, not estimates or assumptions.
Outcome Validation
We verify speech understanding improvement and ensure comfort across different listening situations.
Our Evidence-Based Approach
We follow established clinical guidelines that research proves deliver superior outcomes. Our commitment to best practices means every fitting includes comprehensive testing, precise verification, and personalized counseling. This systematic approach ensures your hearing aids work optimally from the first day, reducing frustration and the need for multiple adjustments.
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Understanding Real-Ear Measurements
Real-ear measurements reveal what's actually happening in your ear. During this process, we place a thin tube with a microphone near your eardrum, then measure sound levels while your hearing aid is working. This shows us exactly how much amplification reaches your eardrum at each frequency. Without REM, hearing aids may over-amplify some pitches while under-amplifying others, leading to unclear speech, discomfort, or feedback issues.
The measurement process is completely painless and takes about 15-20 minutes. We test various input levels from soft speech to loud sounds, ensuring your hearing aids respond appropriately across all situations. This data allows us to match your devices precisely to your prescription targets, much like how optometrists verify eyeglass prescriptions match your vision needs.
Accurate amplification matched to your specific needs
Reduced whistling and feedback problems
Better speech clarity in challenging environments
Higher satisfaction and successful long-term use
Best Practices That Make a Difference
Professional standards in audiology exist because they produce measurably better results. Following best practices means the difference between hearing aids that help and ones that transform your life. Our approach includes comprehensive case history taking, appropriate test battery selection, and systematic verification of all technology. We document outcomes and adjust based on real-world performance, not just laboratory results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about how Real-Ear Measurements and best practices improve your hearing care experience.
Research overwhelmingly shows that REM is essential for optimal hearing aid performance. Without it, studies indicate only about 20% of fittings meet prescriptive targets. With REM, that number jumps to over 90%. The American Academy of Audiology and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association both recommend REM as standard practice for all hearing aid fittings.
Not at all. The process involves placing a soft, thin tube in your ear canal alongside your hearing aid. Most people barely notice it's there. The entire measurement takes 15-20 minutes and provides valuable information that improves your hearing aid performance significantly.
Quality care takes time, training, and investment in proper equipment. Some high-volume retailers skip these steps to see more patients quickly. At Hearing Specialty Center, we prioritize outcomes over volume, taking time to follow proven protocols that ensure your success.
We perform REM at your initial fitting and recommend rechecking annually or whenever your hearing changes. Your ear canals can change shape over time, and hearing aids may drift from their original settings. Regular verification ensures continued optimal performance.
Beyond REM, we follow evidence-based protocols including comprehensive diagnostic testing, appropriate technology selection based on your specific needs, systematic verification procedures, and outcome measurement tools. We also provide thorough counseling and realistic expectations, which research shows significantly impacts success.
Best Practices for Your Best Hearing
When you choose Hearing Specialty Center, you're choosing clinicians who refuse to cut corners with your hearing health. Our investment in advanced equipment like the Verifit 2 system and our commitment to continuing education means you receive care that meets the highest professional standards. This dedication to excellence shows in our results – patients who follow best-practice protocols report significantly higher satisfaction and better real-world performance.
The difference is clear from your first appointment. Rather than rushing through a basic test and quick fitting, we take time to understand your unique hearing profile and verify that your technology performs exactly as intended. Our systematic approach might take a bit longer initially, but it saves countless hours of frustration and return visits for adjustments.
Your hearing connects you to the people and experiences that matter most. That connection deserves more than guesswork or shortcuts. With Real-Ear Measurements and evidence-based practices as our standard, we ensure your hearing aids deliver the clarity, comfort, and confidence you need to fully engage with life.
Schedule your appointment to experience the difference professional excellence makes. Call 425-821-6600 to work with audiologists who combine advanced technology with proven best practices. At Hearing Specialty Center, we're committed to delivering the superior outcomes you deserve.
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Our audiologists provide safe, professional earwax removal using specialized tools and techniques to restore clear hearing and comfort when excess wax blocks your ear canals.
Lace AI Pro
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