Optimizing Hearing Aid Fit with Real Ear Measurement
When fitting hearing aids, precision is crucial, and Real Ear Measurement (REM) is a key technique used by audiologists to ensure each hearing aid is tailored to the individual's unique ear anatomy. This blog post explores the significance of REM in hearing aid fitting, backed by scientific evidence.
Understanding Real Ear Measurement
Real Ear Measurement is an advanced process in which audiologists measure how sound is delivered in an individual's ear canal with their hearing aid in place. This technique considers the unique size and shape of each person's ear canal (Valente et al., 2018).
The Importance of Personalization
REM's personalized approach addresses the uniqueness of every ear canal, which can significantly impact sound perception. This ensures a more accurate sound amplification, enhancing both comfort and effectiveness (Mueller & Picou, 2010).
The Process of REM
Using REM involves placing a tiny microphone in the ear canal. This allows for precise adjustments to the hearing aid settings based on the sound levels measured, ensuring optimal performance (Johnson & Dillon, 2011).
Enhancing Comfort and Protecting Hearing
REM is crucial for fine-tuning hearing aids to avoid uncomfortably loud sounds, thereby protecting the ear from potential damage. This is particularly vital when fitting hearing aids for infants and young children, whose ear canals are more sensitive (Stelmachowicz & Seewald, 1991).
Research-Backed Efficacy
A study in the "Journal of the American Academy of Audiology" highlighted the significance of using REM, especially when comparing automated REM systems to traditional methods. The study found variations in real ear insertion gain, emphasizing the need for REM as a standard practice in hearing aid fitting (American Academy of Audiology, 2021).
REM plays a critical role in customizing hearing aids to the specific needs of individuals, offering a testament to the advancements in audiology that aim to provide not just better hearing, but a better quality of life.
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References
American Academy of Audiology. (2021). Accuracy of an Automated Hearing Aid Fitting Using Real Ear Measures Embedded in a Manufacturer Fitting Software. Journal of the American Academy of Audiology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34062602/
Johnson, E. E., & Dillon, H. (2011). A comparison of gain for adults from generic hearing aid prescriptive methods: Insights from the NAL-NL2 fitting formula. Audiology Research, 1(1).
Mueller, G., & Picou, E. (2010). Survey examines popularity of real-ear probe-microphone measures. The Hearing Journal, 63(5), 27-32.
Stelmachowicz, P. G., & Seewald, R. C. (1991). Real ear to coupler difference measures as a function of age for two types of earmolds. Ear and Hearing, 12(5), 319-324.
Valente, M., et al. (2018). Guidelines for the Audiologic Management of Adult Hearing Impairment. Audiology Today, 18(5), 32-37.
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