Programmed to exactly what you need
Gone are the days, at least with those who are truly experts, of placing the hearing aid on someone after only testing the beeps and a few words in quiet and asking “how does that sound?” There is much more to treating hearing loss and working with those who have cognitive decline. You and your loved ones deserve more than just having someone put a hearing aid on and calling it good.
Improve your hearing with Sioux Falls Audiology Associates
Dr. Norgaard strives to have service be the center of better patient outcomes. You and your family will see how it improves the family dynamics when the frustration of hearing loss is taken out of the equation. Changing how hearing healthcare is viewed and integrated with better patient outcomes with the entire medical team is happening now with those professionals who go the extra mile for their patients.
Optimize the performance of your hearing aids with real ear measurement from Sioux Falls Audiology Associates. This short, simple procedure can significantly improve the fit and sound quality of your hearing aids. As a result, you can comfortably enjoy restored hearing.
Although the intent of hearing aids is to enhance the wearer’s ability to clearly understand speech and sounds, many people find themselves disappointed with the quality of the results. If you’re frustrated with the low-quality performance of your hearing aids or are in need of a hearing loss solution, real ear measurement can help dramatically.
What is Real Ear Measurement (REM)?
Real ear measurement, sometimes referred to as probe microphone measurements and speech mapping, is a process used by audiologists to evaluate whether a hearing aid user is receiving the specific level of amplification needed to provide the best possible hearing quality and improvement.
Real ear measurement is the “gold standard” of performance and quality testing for hearing aids. This testing ensures that precise amplification is facilitated at the full spectrum of frequencies objectively, rather than just going by the algorithm provided by the programming software and the subjective opinion of the patient.
What is the process for Real Ear Measurement?
The process for real ear measurement typically takes place during the initial fitting of the hearing aid, for experienced users. For new users, it usually happens within two weeks of the fitting. The measurement is so precise that those who have never worn hearing devices need some time for their brain to adjust to sound. Once adjusted, the hearing aids can be programmed exactly where they need to be.
After insertion of the hearing aids, a very thin, probe-shaped microphone is placed in the ear canal. This gets a baseline of how a patient hears the pre-recorded conversation. Then, the test is run again, this time with the probe mic directly next to the device. Using the microphone, a professional audiologist then evaluates the exact sound levels that are being provided by the hearing aid. The audiologist uses different speech samples to provide various readings.
Finally, using the data gathered, the audiologist can make minute adjustments to the sound levels. The audiologist will match target amplification levels customized according to the patient’s specific hearing loss. This is done across frequencies to provide objective data.
How long does Real Ear Measurement take?
The process for real ear measurement is quick and simple, taking anywhere from five to twenty minutes. At Sioux Falls Audiology Associates, real ear measures are included with every patient’s fitting process.
What are the benefits?
Above all, real ear measurements help provide the best possible results from your hearing aids. The measurements ensure that they provide the exact level of amplification you need. Instead of dealing with the frustration of sounds being too loud, too quiet or certain speech frequencies being unclear, you’ll be able to enjoy a “just right” amount of amplification at every frequency you have hearing loss.
Do all audiologists offer Real Ear Measurement?
Considering the impact real ear measurement can have on the quality of a patient’s hearing, you might assume that all audiologists or businesses that offer hearing aids include it in the fitting process. However, according to the Hearing Review, less than 35 percent of those who prescribe hearing aids provide this service to patients.
Dr. Norgaard is proud to make our patients the utmost priority. She works to raise industry standards by making real ear measurement an important part of our offered services. We are here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about real ear measurement and how it can make a dramatic difference in your everyday life.
.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}