Flatirons Audiology, Inc. connects you to an expert audiologist in Lafayette, CO, providing real ear measurements as part of hearing aid fitting best practices.
Real Ear Measurement (REM) is a clinical procedure used by audiologists to ensure that hearing aids are programmed accurately for an individual’s unique ear anatomy.
REM measures how sound behaves inside your ear canal while you’re wearing your hearing aids. Since every ear is shaped differently, sound doesn’t travel the same way for everyone. This verification process helps audiologists adjust your devices so they deliver sound at the right volume and clarity, just for you.
At Flatirons Audiology, we use Real Ear Measurement (REM) to ensure your hearing aids are fine-tuned for your unique ears. Because no two ear canals are shaped exactly alike, sound travels differently from person to person. REM allows us to measure how sound behaves in your ear and adjust your devices for the most accurate, comfortable, and natural listening experience possible.
Why Is Real Ear Measurement Important?
REM is widely regarded as the gold standard for hearing aid fittings. It helps us make sure that:
- Sounds are delivered at the right volume for your hearing profile
- Soft speech is audible, and loud noises stay comfortable
- Speech understanding improves in real-life environments
- Your hearing aids are custom-programmed to your ear’s acoustics
- You need fewer adjustments after your initial fitting
Without REM, hearing aids rely on factory defaults based on the average ear of a white, male veteran. This means that your hearing aids may not perform as effectively as they could for your individual needs.
How Does REM Work?
Here’s what to expect during a Real Ear Measurement session at Flatirons Audiology:
- Probe Placement: A tiny microphone is gently placed into your ear canal, along with your hearing aid.
- Sound Testing: We play calibrated test sounds, including speech and tones, to see how your ear responds.
- Live Adjustments: Using the data we gather, we adjust your hearing aid settings in real time for optimal clarity.
- Final Check: We verify that everything sounds natural, balanced, and comfortable to you.
The process is quick, non-invasive, and provides powerful insight into your hearing aid’s performance.
Why Real Ear Measurements Lead to Better Results
Real Ear Measurement is more than just a technical step – it’s the foundation of a successful hearing aid experience. Here’s what makes it essential:
- Truly personalized hearing: REM customizes your hearing aids far beyond generic settings
- Improved speech clarity: Hear conversations more naturally, even in noise
- Greater comfort: Say goodbye to sounds that are too sharp or too soft
- Fewer adjustments later: Most patients need fewer follow-ups
- Higher satisfaction: Research shows REM users are more likely to love their hearing aids
Real Ear Measurement vs. Automatic Programming
Modern hearing aids often come with automatic “first fit” settings, but those are based on averages, not on you. Real Ear Measurement takes things further by measuring how sound actually performs in your ear canal. With REM, your audiologist can fine-tune your devices to match your unique hearing needs, ear anatomy, and everyday environments.
At Flatirons Audiology, Real Ear Measurement isn’t optional – it’s standard. We believe that you deserve the best personalized hearing care possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Real Ear Measurement painful or uncomfortable?
Not at all. A very thin, flexible microphone is gently inserted into your ear canal—it’s safe and painless. Most patients hardly notice it once it’s in place.
How long does REM take?
The full process usually takes about 15–30 minutes as part of your hearing aid fitting. It includes setup, testing, live adjustments, and final verification.
Will I hear the test sounds during REM?
Yes, you’ll hear soft speech or tones played through a speaker. These sounds are used to measure how well your hearing aids are amplifying and shaping the sound inside your ear.
Hearing Aid Fitting in Lafayette, CO
At Flatirons Audiology, Inc., we include Real Ear Measurement as part of our hearing aid fitting. We believe that it’s a gold standard in ensuring that we give you the best hearing experience possible.
Call us today to schedule your hearing aid fitting with Real Ear Measurement in Lafayette, CO!
