Advanced Clinical Fitting
As recommended by both the British Society of Audiology (BSA) and British Academy of Audiology (BAA) we perform ‘Real-ear measurements’ (REMs) when fitting digital hearing aids using the latest hearing aid fitting equipment.
To learn more about REMs and its benefits please select from the tabs below.
REMs are used to measure the sound level of a hearing aid inside your individual ear. By doing so, the sound level of a hearing aid can be compared and then carefully fine-tuned to your prescribed sound level.
Everyone’s ears differ in shape, size and anatomy. These factors along with many others affect the sound level of a hearing aid in your ears. Although hearing aid manufacturer’s software know what your prescribed sound level is, it cannot guarantee that the hearing aid will be providing you with this since they do not know the individual shape, size and anatomy of your ears. REMs are the only way to be certain a hearing aid is providing you with your prescribed sound level.
The answer is that your hearing aids may not be providing you with your prescribed sound level and as a result you may not be receiving the maximum benefit from your hearing aids.
Your prescribed sound level is calculated by prescription formulas. The most recent and widely used prescription formulas are called ‘NAL-NL2’ and ‘DSL mI/O’. NAL-NL2 is the preferred prescription formula for adults and DSL mI/O for children.
Prescription formulas use your hearing test results as a starting point to calculate your prescribed sound level at each frequency. REMs are then used to ensure your hearing aids are providing you with your prescribed sound level at each frequency.
A soft probe tube microphone is placed into your ear canal and sounds are played to you via a speaker. The soft probe tube microphone can then measure the sound level of the hearing aid in your ear. This is displayed on the computer alongside your prescribed sound level. The sound level of the hearing aid can then be compared and carefully fine-tuned at each frequency until it closely matches your prescribed sound level.
Contrary to belief, hearing aids are not designed to restore or provide you with perfect hearing. This is why REMs are an essential tool to help maximise the benefit you receive from hearing aids.
Unfortunately not.
There are several reasons. Many hearing care professionals do not have the appropriate training or equipment available to them, whilst others haven’t sufficient time to perform REMs when fitting hearing aids.
