If you have hearing loss and are considering getting hearing aids, you may have heard of  Real Ear Measurements (REM) . But what are they and why are they important for your hearing aid fitting? In this blog post, we will explain what REM is, how it works, and how it can benefit you.

What is REM?

REM is a test that measures how well your hearing aids amplify sound in your ear canal. It involves inserting a thin probe microphone into your ear canal and measuring the sound levels from the hearing aid while listening to different speech samples. It is the gold standard for determining the precise level of amplification needed for the best hearing improvement possible. 

How does REM work?

REM is performed by your hearing health care provider or hearing instrument specialist during your hearing aid fitting. Here are the steps involved: 
 
1) The hearing care provider will calibrate the REM machine and perform an otoscopic examination of your ears to make sure there is no wax or debris that could interfere with the test. 

2) The hearing care provider will place the probe microphone in your ear canal, about 6 mm from your eardrum. This may feel like a tickle, but it is not painful or uncomfortable. 

3) The hearing care provider will place your hearing aids in your ears and turn them on. You will hear different speech sounds played through a loudspeaker in front of you. 

4) The hearing care provider will use the REM machine to measure the sound pressure level in your ear canal for each speech sound. The machine will display a graph that shows how much amplification your hearing aids are providing at different frequencies. 

5) The hearing care provider will compare the measured sound levels with a target curve that represents the ideal amplification for your hearing loss. The target curve is based on your audiogram and a prescriptive formula that takes into account your age, degree of hearing loss, and ear canal size and shape. 

6) The hearing care provider will adjust the settings of your hearing aids until the measured sound levels match the target curve as closely as possible. This may involve changing the volume, gain, compression, feedback cancellation, noise reduction, or other features of your hearing aids. 

7) The hearing care provider will repeat the REM test for each ear and for different listening situations, such as quiet, noise, or music. The hearing care provider will also ask you how things sound and if you are comfortable with the volume and quality of the sound. 

How can REM benefit you?

REM can benefit you in several ways: 
 
• It ensures that your hearing aids are programmed correctly for your individual hearing loss and ear anatomy. This can improve your speech understanding, sound quality, comfort, and satisfaction with your hearing aids. 

• It reduces the need for trial and error adjustments and follow-up visits. This can save you time and money and increase your confidence in your hearing aids. 

• It provides objective evidence of the benefit of your hearing aids. This can help you justify the cost of your hearing aids and convince insurance companies or third-party payers to cover them. 
 
In conclusion, REM is a valuable tool that can help you get the most out of your hearing aids. If you are interested in getting hearing aids or have questions about REM, contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced hearing care providers.