At Kleckner Audiology, we believe that proper hearing aid fitting is essential for optimal hearing performance. One of the most valuable tools we use to ensure your hearing aids are working correctly is Real Ear Measurement (REM). This verification technique allows us to measure how your hearing aids perform in your specific ears, rather than relying on averages or estimates.
What Are Real Ear Measurements?
Real Ear Measurements involve placing a tiny microphone in your ear canal while you're wearing your hearing aids. This allows us to measure the actual sound levels your hearing aids deliver directly at your eardrum. By comparing these measurements to your prescription targets based on your unique hearing loss, we can make precise adjustments to ensure your hearing aids are providing the appropriate amplification.
Why Real Ear Measurements Matter
When hearing aids are fitted without Real Ear Measurements, they're often programmed based on averages that may not account for your unique ear canal shape and size. Every ear canal is different, which means sound can be amplified differently from person to person, even with identical hearing aid settings.
Using advanced diagnostic tools, we perform a detailed analysis of your devices. This allows us to pinpoint exactly what adjustments are needed for optimal performance with your specific ear anatomy.
The Verification Process
During a Real Ear Measurement session at our Allentown office, we follow a systematic approach:
- We first measure the natural acoustics of your ear canal without a hearing aid
- We then measure how sound is changed when the hearing aid is inserted but turned off
- Finally, we measure the amplified sound when the hearing aid is turned on
This process allows us to see exactly how much amplification you're receiving across different frequencies and make adjustments accordingly to match your prescription targets.
Benefits of Real Ear Measurements
More Accurate Fittings
Research shows that hearing aids fitted using Real Ear Measurements provide better outcomes compared to those fitted without verification. When your hearing aids are properly adjusted based on Real Ear Measurements, you're more likely to experience:
- Improved speech understanding, especially in noisy environments
- More natural sound quality
- Greater comfort with amplification
- Better overall satisfaction with your hearing aids
Evidence-Based Practice
When you first get your hearing aids, we conduct a verification check to ensure they are working correctly from the start. This evidence-based approach to hearing aid fitting ensures that you receive the maximum benefit from your investment in hearing technology.
Personalized Programming
Every person's hearing loss is unique, and Real Ear Measurements allow us to customize your hearing aid programming specifically for your ears and your hearing needs. This personalized approach means you'll receive the exact amount of amplification you need at each frequency, not just an approximation.
Real Ear Measurements and Modern Hearing Technology
Today's advanced hearing aids like the Oticon Intent, ReSound Vivia, Signia IX, Starkey Edge AI, and Widex Allure feature sophisticated technology that works best when properly fitted to your specific needs.
Oticon Intent Technology
The Oticon Intent hearing aid uses DNN 2.0 and 4D sensor technology for enhanced speech clarity. When paired with Real Ear Measurements, we can ensure these technologies are providing optimal benefit for your specific hearing profile.
ReSound Vivia Features
ReSound Vivia offers Bluetooth LE and Auracast technology for seamless streaming and AI-driven noise reduction. Through Real Ear verification, we can confirm these noise reduction systems are working effectively for your unique hearing situation.
Signia IX Capabilities
Signia IX features RealTime Conversation Enhancement for better speech clarity and Bluetooth LE Audio streaming. Real Ear Measurements help us fine-tune these conversation enhancement features to match your specific hearing needs.
Starkey Edge AI Technology
Starkey Edge AI features the G2 Neuro Processor with Neuro Sound Technology 2.0 for enhanced sound quality and health tracking through the My Starkey app. Proper verification ensures this AI technology is delivering the intended benefits in your everyday listening environments.
Widex Allure Innovation
Widex Allure features the W1 chip with Speech Enhancer Pro for natural sound and AI personalization. Real Ear Measurements allow us to verify that these features are properly calibrated for your unique hearing profile.
Common Questions About Real Ear Measurements
Are Real Ear Measurements Covered by Insurance?
Many insurance plans cover Real Ear Measurements as part of a comprehensive hearing aid fitting. Our team at Kleckner Audiology can help determine your coverage before your appointment.
How Long Does the Procedure Take?
A complete Real Ear Measurement session typically takes about 30-45 minutes, depending on the complexity of your hearing loss and the number of adjustments needed.
How Often Should Real Ear Measurements Be Performed?
We recommend Real Ear Measurements:
- When you first receive new hearing aids
- After repairs or modifications to your hearing aids
- If you experience significant changes in your hearing
- During annual hearing aid check-ups
Does It Hurt?
No, Real Ear Measurements are completely painless. The small probe microphone is comfortable, and most patients barely notice it during the procedure.
Why Choose Kleckner Audiology for Your Hearing Aid Verification
At Kleckner Audiology, our experienced audiologists, Peter Kleckner, Katherine Stabler, and Andrew Fluck, are highly trained in performing Real Ear Measurements.
We believe in more than just treating hearing issues – we're committed to enhancing your quality of life through better hearing. Our approach combines experience, technology, and personalized care to address your unique needs.
We use modern equipment for our verification procedures, ensuring accurate and reliable measurements. Our goal is to provide you with the best possible hearing experience, and Real Ear Measurements are an essential part of achieving that goal.
The Importance of Proper Verification for Different Hearing Aid Models
Different hearing aid models require specific verification approaches to ensure they're performing optimally. Our expertise with various manufacturers allows us to properly verify all types of hearing aids.
For example, the Phonak Infinio with its Spheric Speech Clarity offers up to 10 dB signal-to-noise ratio improvement. Through Real Ear Measurements, we can verify that this feature is providing the expected improvement in your specific listening environments.
Similarly, the Widex Allure with its Speech Enhancer Pro offers a better speech-in-noise experience. Our verification process ensures this feature is optimized for your unique hearing profile.
Beyond the Initial Fitting
Real Ear Measurements aren't just for the initial fitting. If you've had repairs done, verification confirms the repairs were successful. If your hearing aids don't seem to be working as well as they used to, a verification check can identify and fix the problem.
This ongoing verification process ensures your hearing aids continue to perform optimally throughout their lifespan, even as your hearing needs may change over time.
Schedule Your Real Ear Measurement Today
If you've never had your hearing aids verified using Real Ear Measurements, or if it's been some time since your last verification, we encourage you to schedule an appointment at Kleckner Audiology. Our team is ready to help ensure you're getting the maximum benefit from your hearing technology.
Call us at 610-435-8299 to schedule your verification appointment today. Located at 3131 College Heights Blvd #2600, Allentown, PA 18104, we're committed to providing you with the highest quality hearing care possible.
Getting the Most from Your Hearing Investment
Your hearing aids represent a significant investment in your quality of life. By ensuring they're properly verified and optimized for your specific hearing needs, you'll experience better hearing outcomes and greater satisfaction with your devices. Don't settle for less than optimal performance – trust the experts at Kleckner Audiology to help you hear your best.
Dr. Peter Kleckner, Au.D., a seasoned audiologist with experience from prestigious institutions, brings his expertise in comprehensive hearing evaluations and treatments to Kleckner Audiology, where he's been serving patients since 2016.
